Michelin trademarks: expansion into trademark classes, 1970–2025
Video: how Michelin extended its South African trademarks into new classes from 1970 to 2025 – from vehicles, construction & repair, advertising & retail into new fields. 35 of 45 classes, 439 trademarks. South African trademark statistics by Sibanda & Zantwijk.
Transcript
- Before 1970, Michelin already used 9 classes, including class 12 vehicles, class 17 rubber & plastics, class 1 chemicals, class 6 metal goods, class 7 machines.
- 1977: Michelin moves into class 35 advertising & retail; class 41 education & entertainment.
- 1983: Michelin moves into class 37 construction & repair; class 42 tech & IT services.
- 1990: Michelin moves into class 25 clothing; class 28 toys & sports goods.
- 1991: Michelin moves into class 11 lighting & appliances; class 14 jewellery & watches; class 18 leather & bags; class 21 kitchenware; class 24 textiles; class 26 haberdashery; class 27 carpets; class 34 tobacco.
- 2001: Michelin moves into class 5 pharmaceuticals; class 10 medical devices; class 39 transport & travel; class 43 restaurants & hotels.
- 2003: Michelin moves into class 36 finance & insurance; class 38 telecoms.
- 2015: Michelin moves into class 3 cosmetics & cleaning; class 22 ropes & tents.
- 2018: Michelin moves into class 4 oils & fuels; class 40 processing materials; class 44 medical & beauty care; class 45 legal & security.
- By 2025, Michelin had trademarks in 35 of the 45 classes.