Trademark class 38 · Services
Class 38: Telecommunications services
Trademark class 38 covers telecommunications services.
Covers the transmission of data, voice and content between parties, including internet access, broadcasting, email services, and video conferencing. It is relevant to telecoms operators, internet service providers, and broadcasters. The content itself, and advertising services, are not covered here.
Thinking of registering in class 38? Check the name is free here first. If it's already taken, your application can be refused — and the £205 IPO fee isn't refunded. The search is free, across the UK and EU registers.
Check your name in class 38 →What class 38 covers
Examples of services in this class:
- ✓ internet access provision (ISP services)
- ✓ mobile and fixed telephone services
- ✓ television and radio broadcasting
- ✓ video-on-demand and streaming transmission
- ✓ email and messaging services
- ✓ video conferencing and teleconferencing
- ✓ SMS and data transmission services
- ✓ provision of online chat platforms
- ✓ satellite communication services
Typical businesses that register in class 38
- mobile network operators
- internet service providers
- broadcasters and media networks
- conferencing platform providers
- satellite communication companies
What's not in class 38
Common mix-ups — these belong in another class, so filing class 38 alone wouldn't cover them:
- × online advertising services (class 35)
- × production of broadcast content and films (class 41)
- × software-as-a-service platforms (class 42)
Related classes
Businesses in class 38 often file in these too:
Frequently asked questions
- What is trademark class 38?
- Covers the transmission of data, voice and content between parties, including internet access, broadcasting, email services, and video conferencing. It is relevant to telecoms operators, internet service providers, and broadcasters. The content itself, and advertising services, are not covered here.
- How many trademarks are on the UK register in class 38?
- 53,517 marks on the UK register reference class 38 (as of June 2026), counting UK national marks plus international (Madrid) marks designating the UK.
- What goods or services are in class 38?
- Class 38 includes internet access provision (ISP services), mobile and fixed telephone services, television and radio broadcasting, video-on-demand and streaming transmission, email and messaging services, video conferencing and teleconferencing, among others. Your trademark only covers the goods or services you actually list when you file.
- Do I need to register in more than one class?
- Possibly. A trademark is only protected in the classes you register, and you pay a fee per class. Businesses in class 38 often also file in class 35, class 41, class 42.
- How much does it cost to register a trademark in class 38?
- Registering in class 38 costs £205 if you file online directly with the UK IPO, covering this one class; each additional class is £60. The fee isn't refunded if your mark is refused, so it's worth checking the name is free in class 38 before you file. See the full cost breakdown .
Check your name before you file
A trademark only protects you in the classes you register — and only if the name's free to begin with. Search the UK and EU registers in seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Check your name free →Last reviewed June 2026
Class headings are a guide, not the full legal specification. When you file, you list the exact goods or services you need — this is general information, not legal advice. See also our guide to registering a UK trademark, or find your classes by business type.