1402.11(a)(xii) Non-Downloadable Computer Software
Online non-downloadable software or providing on-line non-downloadable software is considered a computer service in Class 42 because it is generally provided for use on a temporary basis. For definiteness and for proper classification in Class 42 as a technological service, identifications for non-downloadable software and provision of non-downloadable software must (1) indicate the function or purpose of the non-downloadable software and (2) specify the manner of presentation of the non-downloadable software, for example, that it is provided "online," is "web-based," and/or that its use is provided on a temporary basis. If the non-downloadable software has a particular field of use or is content-specific, the field of use or content should also be set forth in the identification. However, specifying the field of use or content is not required when the identified non-downloadable software has a clear function and is not field-specific/content-specific. For example, "providing on-line non-downloadable geographic information system (GIS) software" and "providing temporary use of non-downloadable computer software for tracking packages over computer networks, intranets and the internet" are acceptable identifications in Class 42. An exception, however, is providing online, web-based, or temporary use of non-downloadable game software, which is classified in Class 41.
Downloadable software and non-downloadable software recorded on computer media are both considered goods and are classified in Class 9. For additional information about identifying software goods, see TMEP §1402.03(d).