Trademark class 42 · Services
Class 42: Science, technology, software and IT services
Trademark class 42 covers science, technology, software and IT services.
Covers professional scientific, technical and IT services, including software development, cloud computing, SaaS platforms, website design, research, engineering consultancy, and quality testing. The key distinction from class 9 is that downloadable software is a good (class 9), whereas software accessed online without download — including SaaS — is a service covered here.
Thinking of registering in class 42? 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 42 →What class 42 covers
Examples of services in this class:
- ✓ software development and programming
- ✓ software as a service (SaaS)
- ✓ cloud computing services
- ✓ website design and development
- ✓ IT consultancy and technical support
- ✓ scientific research and analysis
- ✓ engineering design services
- ✓ artificial intelligence platform services
- ✓ cybersecurity services and penetration testing
Typical businesses that register in class 42
- SaaS companies and software developers
- technology consultancies and IT firms
- engineering and design consultancies
- research and development organisations
- cybersecurity companies
What's not in class 42
Common mix-ups — these belong in another class, so filing class 42 alone wouldn't cover them:
- × downloadable software and apps (class 9)
- × business management consultancy (class 35)
- × educational training platforms (class 41)
Related classes
Businesses in class 42 often file in these too:
Business types that file in class 42
See which classes these businesses usually register, and why:
Frequently asked questions
- What is trademark class 42?
- Covers professional scientific, technical and IT services, including software development, cloud computing, SaaS platforms, website design, research, engineering consultancy, and quality testing. The key distinction from class 9 is that downloadable software is a good (class 9), whereas software accessed online without download — including SaaS — is a service covered here.
- How many trademarks are on the UK register in class 42?
- 187,608 marks on the UK register reference class 42 (as of June 2026), counting UK national marks plus international (Madrid) marks designating the UK.
- What goods or services are in class 42?
- Class 42 includes software development and programming, software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing services, website design and development, IT consultancy and technical support, scientific research and analysis, 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 42 often also file in class 9, class 35, class 38.
- How much does it cost to register a trademark in class 42?
- Registering in class 42 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 42 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.