TRADEMARK CLASS 6: Common metals and their alloys

When it comes to protecting your brand with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), filing your trademark under the right class is one of the most important steps. Every product or service belongs to a category under the International (Nice) Classification, and getting that classification right defines the kind of legal protection your mark will enjoy.

Today, let’s talk about Class 6, which is all about common metals and their alloys. If your business deals with raw metal materials, construction hardware, or even small items like locks and keys, this might be your class.

What Belongs in Class 6?

Class 6 covers a wide variety of products, mostly industrial and construction-related metals and items made from them. Some of the most common are:

• Common metals and their alloys (steel, iron, copper, aluminum, etc.)
• Building materials made from metal (roofing sheets, pipes, beams, etc.)
• Non-electric metal cables and wires
• Safes, strongboxes, and metal containers
• Locks, keys, padlocks, and chains
• Metal doors, windows, and shutters
• Small items made from metal such as screws, nails, nuts, and bolts

This class is sometimes called the “hardware class” because it includes so many of the everyday items that keep buildings, infrastructure, and machinery together.

What Is Excluded from Class 6?

Not everything made of metal automatically belongs here. IPOPHL has drawn clear lines:

• Cutlery and hand tools go under Class 8
• Jewelry and precious metals fall under Class 14
• Electrical wires and cables are in Class 9
• Furniture made of metal goes into Class 20
• Surgical and medical instruments made of metal fall under Class 10

So, even though your product is metal, you’ll need to think carefully about its primary purpose before filing.

Why Accurate Filing Matters

Filing in the wrong class isn’t just a small mistake. It can lead to:

• Delays in registration,
• Oppositions from other businesses, or
• Even cancellation of your mark later on.

The case of W Land Holdings, Inc. vs. Starwood Hotels & Resorts (IPOPHL Case No. 14-2013-00144) showed how disputes can arise when marks overlap in related fields. While this case was about services, the lesson applies to products too: classification defines the boundaries of your trademark rights.

A Note for Entrepreneurs

If your company manufactures building materials, wires, locks, or even simple screws, your mark will likely belong in Class 6. But because metals are used in almost every industry, it’s easy to cross into other classes by mistake.

That’s why many business owners work with IP specialists like Brealant, Federis, or Hechanova. They help ensure your trademark is filed in the right class — saving you from costly disputes later.

💡 Pro Tip: When describing your goods in your application, be as clear as possible. For example, instead of just saying “pipes,” specify “metal pipes for construction.” This avoids confusion and helps IPOPHL process your application smoothly.

✨ Filing your trademark under Class 6 may not sound as glamorous as cosmetics or fashion, but it’s the backbone of industries that build our cities and protect our homes. And your brand deserves to be as strong and secure as the metals it represents.

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