List Of Classes For Trademark Registration in India

The List Of Classes For Trademark Registration in India is based on the Nice Classification system, which categorises goods and services into 45 trademark classes. Classes 1 to 34 generally cover goods, while Classes 35 to 45 cover services. Selecting the correct trademark class and accurately describing the goods or services is essential for effective trademark protection. ([ipindia.gov.in](https://www.ipindia.gov.in/page-content/basics-of-trademarks))

Businesses, startups and individuals should identify the class or classes that correspond to the goods or services associated with their brand before filing a trademark application. A trademark application can cover one class or multiple classes, depending on the nature and scope of the business.

The class number alone does not determine the complete scope of protection. The specific description of the goods or services included in the trademark application is also important. Applicants should therefore select the class carefully and describe the relevant goods or services accurately.

For a detailed explanation of the overall trademark registration procedure, refer to the complete guide to trademark registration process.

What Are Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes are categories used to classify the goods and services for which a trademark is registered. India uses the Nice Classification system for categorising trademarks.

There are 45 trademark classes in total:

• Classes 1 to 34: Goods
• Classes 35 to 45: Services

For example, clothing generally falls under Class 25, pharmaceuticals generally fall under Class 5, advertising and business management services fall under Class 35, and software development and certain technology services generally fall under Class 42. The precise classification depends on the actual goods or services being claimed.

Complete List of Trademark Classes in India

The following table provides a practical overview of all 45 trademark classes. It is a simplified class-level guide; the detailed classification includes specific goods, services and explanatory notes.

IP India's current trademark guidance confirms the division of Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services. The official classification material should be checked for the precise specification of a particular product or service. ([ipindia.gov.in](https://www.ipindia.gov.in/page-content/basics-of-trademarks))

Trademark Classes for Goods: Classes 1 to 34

Classes 1 to 34 cover goods. The correct class depends on the nature, function, material and intended use of the product, together with the detailed classification rules.

Class 1 - Chemicals

Class 1 broadly covers chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture and forestry, as well as unprocessed resins, plastics, manures and industrial adhesives.

Class 2 - Paints and Colourants

Class 2 covers paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood, colourants, dyes and related materials.

Class 3 - Cosmetics and Cleaning Products

Class 3 includes cleaning and laundry preparations, soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions and dentifrices.

Class 4 - Industrial Oils, Fuels and Lubricants

Class 4 covers industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels, illuminants, candles and related products.

Class 5 - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Preparations

Class 5 includes pharmaceutical, medical and veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations for medical purposes, disinfectants and related products.

Class 6 - Common Metals and Metal Goods

Class 6 broadly covers common metals and their alloys, metal building materials, metal hardware, cables and wires of common metal and certain metal containers.

Class 7 - Machines and Machine Tools

Class 7 covers machines, machine tools, motors and engines, machine coupling and transmission components and certain agricultural machinery.

Class 8 - Hand Tools and Cutlery

Class 8 covers hand-operated implements and tools, cutlery, razors and related hand tools.

Class 9 - Electronics, Software and Scientific Apparatus

Class 9 is a broad technology-related goods class covering scientific and electronic apparatus, computers, computer software and other products specified within the class.

Class 10 - Medical Apparatus

Class 10 covers surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, orthopaedic articles and related medical devices.

Class 11 - Lighting, Heating and Sanitary Equipment

Class 11 includes apparatus and installations for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, drying, ventilating and water supply, including sanitary installations.

Class 12 - Vehicles

Class 12 covers vehicles and apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water, together with relevant vehicle parts and accessories covered by the classification.

Class 13 - Firearms and Explosives

Class 13 covers firearms, ammunition, projectiles, explosives and fireworks.

Class 14 - Jewellery and Precious Metals

Class 14 includes precious metals and their alloys, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments.

Class 15 - Musical Instruments

Class 15 covers musical instruments and related accessories.

Class 16 - Paper, Printed Matter and Stationery

Class 16 covers paper and cardboard, printed matter, stationery, office requisites, bookbinding materials and related products.

Class 17 - Rubber, Plastics and Insulating Materials

Class 17 covers rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica, certain plastics and insulating or flexible materials used in manufacturing and related applications.

Class 18 - Leather Goods and Bags

Class 18 covers leather and imitations of leather, animal skins, trunks, travelling bags, umbrellas, walking sticks, saddlery and related goods.

Class 19 - Non-Metallic Building Materials

Class 19 covers non-metallic building materials, rigid pipes for building, asphalt, pitch, bitumen, non-metallic transportable buildings and monuments not of metal.

Class 20 - Furniture and Household Goods

Class 20 includes furniture, mirrors, picture frames and specified goods made from wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone and related materials.

Class 21 - Household and Kitchen Utensils

Class 21 covers household and kitchen utensils and containers, combs, sponges, brushes, glassware, porcelain and earthenware and related goods.

Class 22 - Ropes, Nets and Textile Fibres

Class 22 includes ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks, padding and stuffing materials and raw fibrous textile materials.

Class 23 - Yarns and Threads

Class 23 covers yarns and threads for textile use.

Class 24 - Textiles

Class 24 includes textiles and textile goods not included in other classes, including bed and table covers.

Class 25 - Clothing, Footwear and Headgear

Class 25 covers clothing, footwear and headgear.

Class 26 - Lace, Embroidery and Decorative Articles

Class 26 covers lace, embroidery, ribbons, braid, buttons, hooks and eyes, pins, needles, artificial flowers and related decorative goods.

Class 27 - Floor and Wall Coverings

Class 27 covers carpets, rugs, mats, matting, linoleum and other floor covering materials and non-textile wall hangings.

Class 28 - Games, Toys and Sporting Goods

Class 28 covers games, toys, gymnastic and sporting articles and decorations for Christmas trees.

Class 29 - Processed Food Products

Class 29 broadly covers meat, fish, poultry and game, preserved and cooked fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, eggs, milk and milk products and edible oils and fats.

Class 30 - Food Products and Spices

Class 30 includes coffee, tea, cocoa, rice, pasta and cereal preparations, flour, bread, pastry, confectionery, chocolate, ice cream, sugar, honey, salt, sauces, spices and related food products.

Class 31 - Agricultural and Natural Products

Class 31 covers agricultural, horticultural and forestry products, raw grains and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, live animals, natural plants and flowers and animal food.

Class 32 - Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Class 32 covers beers, mineral and aerated waters, non-alcoholic drinks, fruit drinks and juices, syrups and preparations for making non-alcoholic beverages.

Class 33 - Alcoholic Beverages

Class 33 covers alcoholic beverages except beers and related alcoholic preparations for making beverages.

Class 34 - Tobacco and Smokers' Articles

Class 34 covers tobacco and tobacco substitutes, cigarettes and cigars, smokers' articles, electronic cigarettes and matches.

Trademark Classes for Services: Classes 35 to 45

Classes 35 to 45 cover services. Businesses that provide services rather than physical products generally need to identify one or more relevant service classes.

Class 35 - Advertising and Business Services

Class 35 broadly covers advertising, business management, business administration and office functions, along with specified commercial and retail services.

Class 36 - Financial, Insurance and Real Estate Services

Class 36 covers insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, banking and real estate services.

Class 37 - Construction, Repair and Installation

Class 37 covers building construction, repair and installation services and related activities.

Class 38 - Telecommunications

Class 38 covers telecommunications services.

Class 39 - Transport, Travel and Storage

Class 39 includes transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement and related logistics services.

Class 40 - Treatment of Materials

Class 40 covers treatment and processing of materials, recycling, printing, food preservation and related material treatment services.

Class 41 - Education, Training and Entertainment

Class 41 covers education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities.

Class 42 - Technology and Scientific Services

Class 42 covers scientific and technological services, research and design, industrial analysis and research, quality control and authentication, and design and development of computer hardware and software.

Class 43 - Food, Drink and Accommodation

Class 43 covers services for providing food and drink and temporary accommodation.

Class 44 - Medical, Beauty and Agricultural Services

Class 44 covers medical, veterinary, hygienic and beauty care services and certain agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

Class 45 - Legal, Security and Personal Services

Class 45 covers legal services, security services and specified personal and social services rendered to meet the needs of individuals.

Popular Trademark Classes for Businesses in India

Some trademark classes are commonly relevant to businesses operating in popular sectors. However, the correct class must always be determined from the actual goods or services.

These are general examples and should not be treated as a substitute for reviewing the detailed classification of the specific goods or services.

How to Select the Correct Trademark Class?

Selecting the correct trademark class requires an understanding of the actual goods or services offered under the brand.

1. Identify the Main Product or Service: Clearly describe what the business sells or provides.
2. Check the Relevant Class: Compare the product or service with the appropriate Nice Classification category.
3. Review the Detailed Specification: Do not rely only on the class heading. Review the specific goods or services covered by the class.
4. Identify Additional Activities: Consider other goods or services that are genuinely offered or intended to be offered under the mark.
5. Choose the Required Classes: Select one or more classes that accurately cover the intended goods or services.
6. Prepare the Application Specification: Describe the goods or services accurately and clearly.

IP India's current guidance specifically states that selecting the correct class and accurately describing goods or services is essential for effective protection. ([ipindia.gov.in](https://www.ipindia.gov.in/page-content/basics-of-trademarks))

Can a Trademark Be Registered in Multiple Classes?

Yes. A trademark can be applied for in multiple classes when the same mark is used or intended to be used for goods or services falling into different classes.

For example, a business may use the same brand for downloadable software in Class 9 and software development services in Class 42. If both categories are relevant to the business, the applicant may need protection in both classes.

A multi-class application can cover goods or services falling in more than one class, subject to the applicable filing requirements and fees.

Single-Class vs Multi-Class Trademark Registration

Choosing additional classes only to obtain broader coverage is not necessarily appropriate. The classes and specifications should correspond to the actual business activities and intended use of the trademark.

Why Is Correct Trademark Class Selection Important?

Trademark registration protects a mark in relation to the goods or services specified in the registration. Therefore, incorrect class selection can affect the scope and effectiveness of the protection sought.

Correct classification helps:

• Define the goods or services covered by the application.
• Improve the accuracy of the trademark application.
• Reduce avoidable classification issues.
• Help identify potentially conflicting marks in relevant classes.
• Support a clearer trademark portfolio.

Applicants should avoid selecting classes solely because they are commonly used by similar businesses. The correct classification depends on the actual goods or services associated with the mark.

Trademark Class Search

A trademark class search helps determine which class is relevant to a particular product or service. The search should consider the detailed classification rather than relying solely on broad industry descriptions.

For example, a technology business may have activities that fall into more than one class. Downloadable software may be classified differently from software development services. Similarly, selling goods and providing retail or business services may involve different classifications.

The official classification resources should be consulted when the classification is unclear. IP India provides classification resources and its current trademark guidance identifies Classes 1 to 34 as goods and Classes 35 to 45 as services. ([ipindia.gov.in](https://www.ipindia.gov.in/resource-links/acts-rules-ipr-links))

Trademark Class and Trademark Search

Trademark search and class selection are closely connected. A search should be conducted in the classes that are relevant to the goods or services for which the trademark is intended to be used.

Searching only the exact brand name without considering relevant classes and similar marks may not provide a complete assessment of potential conflicts.

A preliminary search can help identify identical or similar marks, but it does not guarantee that an application will be registered. The Trade Marks Registry independently examines every application under the applicable law.

Trademark Registration Process After Selecting the Class

Once the appropriate trademark class has been identified, the registration process generally proceeds through the following stages:

1. Trademark Search: Search for identical and similar marks in relevant classes.
2. Class Selection: Select the appropriate class or classes.
3. Application Preparation: Prepare the proprietor, trademark and goods or services details.
4. Form TM-A Filing: File the trademark application with the Trade Marks Registry.
5. Government Fee: Pay the applicable filing fee for the mark and class or classes.
6. Examination: The Registry examines the application.
7. Objection Response: Respond to an examination objection where applicable.
8. Journal Publication: An accepted application may be published in the Trade Marks Journal.
9. Opposition: Third parties may oppose the application within the prescribed period.
10. Registration: The trademark proceeds to registration after successful completion of the applicable stages.

Trademark Registration Fee and Classes

The government filing fee for a standard Form TM-A application depends on the applicant category and the number of marks and classes.

Therefore, selecting multiple classes can increase the applicable government filing fee because the fee is charged based on the mark and class. Applicants should verify the current official fee schedule before filing.

Documents and Information for Trademark Class Filing

The information required for filing depends on the applicant and the nature of the trademark application.

Common information may include:

• Applicant name and address
• Applicant category
• Representation of the trademark
• Goods or services description
• Selected trademark class or classes
• Business or entity details, where applicable
• Startup or Small Enterprise supporting documentation, where applicable
• Prior-use evidence and user affidavit, where a prior-use claim is made
• Authorisation documents where applicable

Accurate goods or services descriptions are important because the specification forms an important part of the scope of the application.

Common Mistakes in Choosing Trademark Classes

Applicants may make classification mistakes when they select a class based only on the general nature of their business.

• Choosing a Class Without Checking the Product: The actual product or service may belong to a different class.
• Using Only the Business Industry: A business sector does not always correspond to a single trademark class.
• Ignoring Additional Goods or Services: A business may need more than one class when its activities span multiple categories.
• Choosing Too Many Classes: Unnecessary classes can increase filing costs without providing relevant protection.
• Using an Inaccurate Description: The goods or services specification should accurately describe the intended activities.
• Failing to Search Relevant Classes: Trademark searches should consider the classes relevant to the intended use.

Trademark Classes for Common Businesses

The following examples illustrate how different business activities may relate to different classes.

These examples are for general guidance. The precise class depends on the detailed nature of the goods or services.

Trademark Class for Online Businesses

Online businesses may require more than one trademark class depending on what they sell and the services they provide.

For example, an online marketplace may have business and retail-related services that fall under Class 35, while a company offering downloadable software may also consider Class 9 and a company providing software development services may consider Class 42.

The website or online nature of a business does not by itself determine the trademark class. The actual goods and services provided under the brand determine the appropriate classification.

Trademark Class for Software and Technology Businesses

Technology businesses commonly encounter more than one relevant class because software may be distributed as a product or provided as a service.

For example:

• Class 9: Certain downloadable software and electronic goods.
• Class 42: Software development, technology services and related scientific or technological services.
• Class 38: Certain telecommunications services.
• Class 35: Certain business, advertising and commercial services associated with technology platforms.

The correct selection depends on the exact technology product or service and its method of delivery.

Trademark Class for Food Businesses

Food businesses may fall into different classes depending on whether they manufacture or sell packaged food products or provide food and drink services.

• Class 29: Certain processed and preserved food products.
• Class 30: Certain cereal-based foods, bakery products, spices, sauces and related products.
• Class 31: Certain agricultural products, fresh fruits and vegetables and animal food.
• Class 32: Beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Class 33: Alcoholic beverages other than beers.
• Class 43: Services for providing food and drink and temporary accommodation.

A restaurant brand and a packaged food brand may therefore require different classes even if they operate under the same business name.

Trademark Class for Clothing and Fashion Businesses

Class 25 is commonly relevant to clothing, footwear and headgear.

However, fashion businesses may have additional activities involving other goods or services. For example, jewellery can fall under Class 14, bags and certain leather goods under Class 18, and advertising or retail services may fall under Class 35 depending on the actual service specification.

Businesses should therefore consider all relevant goods and services rather than automatically filing only in Class 25.

Official Trademark Classification in India

IP India provides official resources for the classification of goods and services. The classification system is periodically updated, so applicants should use the current classification information when preparing a trademark application.

IP India's current trademark guidance confirms that Classes 1 to 34 cover goods and Classes 35 to 45 cover services. The official IPR resources also provide access to the current classification material. ([ipindia.gov.in](https://www.ipindia.gov.in/resource-links/acts-rules-ipr-links))

For a particular product or service, applicants should review the detailed official classification rather than relying only on a simplified list of class headings.

Important Points About Trademark Classes

• There are 45 trademark classes in the Nice Classification system used for goods and services.
• Classes 1 to 34 generally cover goods.
• Classes 35 to 45 generally cover services.
• A trademark may be filed in one or multiple classes depending on the business activities.
• The government filing fee is generally calculated per mark per class.
• The actual goods or services specification is important in determining the scope of protection.
• Class selection should be based on the actual goods or services rather than only the industry name.
• The official classification should be checked when the correct class is uncertain.

Start Your Trademark Registration

The List Of Classes For Trademark Registration helps applicants identify the broad category applicable to their goods or services. Selecting the correct class is one of the important steps in preparing a trademark application because the registration is connected to the goods or services specified in the application.

Businesses should conduct a trademark search, identify the relevant classes and prepare an accurate goods or services specification before filing. Where activities span different categories, multiple classes may be appropriate.

To explore trademark registration services, visit the Trademark Registration service on IndiaFilings.

For information on registering a trademark from the beginning, read How to Register a Trademark in India.

For other business registration, tax and compliance services, visit IndiaFilings.