IBM trademarks: expansion into trademark classes, 1970–2025
Video: how IBM extended its South African trademarks into new classes from 1970 to 2025 – from electronics & software, tech & it services, paper & print into new fields. 24 of 45 classes, 755 trademarks. South African trademark statistics by Sibanda & Zantwijk.
Transcript
- Before 1970, IBM already used 4 classes, including class 7 machines, class 9 electronics & software, class 14 jewellery & watches, class 16 paper & print.
- 1973: IBM moves into class 35 advertising & retail; class 37 construction & repair; class 41 education & entertainment.
- 1985: IBM moves into class 42 tech & IT services.
- 1987: IBM moves into class 38 telecoms.
- 1998: IBM moves into class 36 finance & insurance.
- 2010: IBM moves into class 6 metal goods; class 8 hand tools; class 11 lighting & appliances; class 18 leather & bags; class 20 furniture; class 21 kitchenware; class 22 ropes & tents; class 24 textiles; class 25 clothing; class 26 haberdashery; class 28 toys & sports goods; class 30 coffee, flour & sweets.
- 2022: IBM moves into class 12 vehicles.
- 2023: IBM moves into class 45 legal & security.
- By 2025, IBM had trademarks in 24 of the 45 classes.