1402.11(j) Issuing Awards
Services that involve the issuance of awards are usually classified in Classes 35 and 41. Classification depends upon the purpose of the award program. If the award program is an employee incentive rewarding excellence in job-related performance that actually furthers the business of an employer (e.g., safety, quality, productivity, customer service), then the service is classified in Class 35. If the award program is to recognize excellence or achievement that may or may not be related to the participants’ business or professional endeavors (e.g., achievements in community service, excellence in country music performance), then the service should be classified in Class 41. The distinction is that Class 35 award programs do further the business interests of an employer by encouraging positive business-related performance, while Class 41 award programs reward excellence for endeavors that do not further the business interests of an employer.