Trademark Registration Class List in India
Trademark registration in India requires a trademark to be registered for specific goods or services under the applicable classification system. The Trademark Registration Class List in India contains 45 classes under the Nice Classification system, with Classes 1 to 34 covering goods and Classes 35 to 45 covering services.
Selecting the correct trademark class is important because trademark protection is linked to the goods or services specified in the application. A business may need to register its trademark in more than one class when it operates across different categories.
For a broader understanding of how trademarks protect businesses and brands, refer to Understanding Trademarks for Business Success.
What Is Trademark Registration in India?
Trademark registration is the legal process of registering a distinctive brand name, logo, word, symbol, tagline, label, or other mark with the Trade Marks Registry. Registration provides statutory rights to the proprietor in relation to the goods or services covered by the registration.
The trademark registration process is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017. The Trade Marks Rules require goods and services to be classified according to the current edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Classification.
What Is a Trademark Class?
A trademark class is a category used to identify the particular goods or services for which a trademark is being registered. India follows the Nice Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes.
- Classes 1 to 34: Goods
- Classes 35 to 45: Services
Each class contains specific types of goods or services. The applicant must select the class or classes that accurately correspond to the business activities associated with the trademark.
Trademark Registration Class List: Classes 1 to 34 for Goods
Classes 1 to 34 cover different categories of goods, including chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronics, clothing, food products, beverages and other physical products.
| Class | Trademark Class Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture and forestry; industrial adhesives; fertilisers; unprocessed resins and plastics. |
| Class 2 | Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood, colourants, dyes, inks and raw natural resins. |
| Class 3 | Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations, soaps, perfumery, essential oils, hair care products and cleaning preparations. |
| Class 4 | Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels, illuminants, candles and wicks. |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations, dietary supplements, disinfectants, fungicides and herbicides. |
| Class 6 | Common metals and their alloys, metal building materials, transportable metal buildings, metal hardware, safes and other metal goods. |
| Class 7 | Machines, machine tools, motors and engines other than for land vehicles, machine parts and agricultural implements other than hand-operated tools. |
| Class 8 | Hand-operated tools and implements, cutlery, side arms other than firearms, razors and related hand-operated equipment. |
| Class 9 | Scientific, research, navigation, surveying, photographic, audiovisual, optical, measuring and electronic apparatus; computers, downloadable software and related technology products. |
| Class 10 | Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, prosthetic articles, orthopaedic articles and medical devices. |
| Class 11 | Apparatus and installations for lighting, heating, cooling, steam generation, cooking, drying, ventilation, water supply and sanitary purposes. |
| Class 12 | Vehicles and apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water, including vehicle parts and accessories covered by the class. |
| Class 13 | Firearms, ammunition, explosives, projectiles and fireworks. |
| Class 14 | Precious metals and their alloys, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments. |
| Class 15 | Musical instruments and related accessories. |
| Class 16 | Paper and cardboard, printed matter, stationery, office requisites, instructional materials, packaging materials and certain printed publications. |
| Class 17 | Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica, plastics and other materials for use in manufacturing; insulating and flexible materials. |
| Class 18 | Leather and imitations of leather, animal skins, luggage, bags, umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks, whips, harness and saddlery. |
| Class 19 | Non-metallic building materials, rigid pipes, asphalt, pitch, bitumen, transportable non-metallic buildings and monuments. |
| Class 20 | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, containers not included in other classes and certain goods made of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker and plastics. |
| Class 21 | Household and kitchen utensils and containers, cookware, tableware, glassware, cleaning articles and certain cosmetic and toilet utensils. |
| Class 22 | Ropes, string, nets, tents, tarpaulins, sails, sacks, bags for bulk transport and padding and stuffing materials. |
| Class 23 | Yarns and threads for textile use. |
| Class 24 | Textiles and textile substitutes, household linen, curtains and other textile goods not included in other classes. |
| Class 25 | Clothing, footwear and headwear. |
| Class 26 | Lace, embroidery, ribbons, braid, buttons, hooks and eyes, pins, needles, artificial flowers, hair decorations and related articles. |
| Class 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats, matting, linoleum and other floor coverings; non-textile wall hangings. |
| Class 28 | Games, toys, playthings, video game apparatus, gymnastic and sporting articles and decorations for Christmas trees. |
| Class 29 | Meat, fish, poultry, preserved and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy products, edible oils and fats and other prepared food products covered by the class. |
| Class 30 | Coffee, tea, cocoa, cereals, bread, pastries, confectionery, spices, sauces, processed grains and other staple food products. |
| Class 31 | Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products, live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and animal food. |
| Class 32 | Beers, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral and aerated waters, fruit beverages, juices, syrups and other preparations for making non-alcoholic beverages. |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic beverages except beers, including wines, spirits and liqueurs. |
| Class 34 | Tobacco and tobacco substitutes, cigarettes, cigars, smokers' articles and certain electronic cigarettes and related products. |
Trademark Registration Class List: Classes 35 to 45 for Services
Classes 35 to 45 cover services such as advertising, business management, financial services, construction, telecommunications, transportation, education, technology, hospitality, healthcare and legal services.
| Class | Trademark Class Description |
|---|---|
| Class 35 | Advertising, business management, business administration, office functions, retail and wholesale services and other business-related services. |
| Class 36 | Insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, banking, investment, real estate and related financial services. |
| Class 37 | Construction services, installation services, repair and maintenance services and related building and repair activities. |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications services, broadcasting, communication services and transmission of data and information. |
| Class 39 | Transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement and related transportation and logistics services. |
| Class 40 | Treatment of materials, recycling, custom manufacturing, printing and other material processing services. |
| Class 41 | Education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities, publishing and related services. |
| Class 42 | Scientific and technological services, research, industrial analysis, computer hardware and software design and development, SaaS, IT and related technology services. |
| Class 43 | Services for providing food and drink, restaurants, cafes, catering and temporary accommodation. |
| Class 44 | Medical services, veterinary services, hygienic and beauty care, agriculture, horticulture and forestry services. |
| Class 45 | Legal services, security services and personal and social services rendered to meet the needs of individuals. |
What Is the Most Common Trademark Class for Businesses?
There is no single trademark class that applies to every business. The correct class depends on the actual goods or services offered under the brand.
Some commonly relevant classes include:
| Business Type | Common Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| Clothing and apparel | Class 25 |
| Cosmetics and beauty products | Class 3 |
| Pharmaceutical products | Class 5 |
| Jewellery and watches | Class 14 |
| Food products | Classes 29 and 30, depending on the products |
| Retail and e-commerce services | Class 35 |
| Financial and banking services | Class 36 |
| Education and training | Class 41 |
| Software and technology services | Classes 9 and 42, depending on the product or service |
| Restaurants and food services | Class 43 |
| Healthcare and medical services | Class 44 |
| Legal services | Class 45 |
The examples above are indicative only. The exact classification depends on the specific goods or services and the wording used in the trademark application.
How to Choose the Correct Trademark Class?
Selecting the correct trademark class is one of the most important steps in the trademark registration process. The applicant should identify exactly what the business sells or which services it provides under the trademark.
- Identify the Business Activity: Determine the main goods or services associated with the brand.
- Check the Nice Classification: Match the goods or services with the applicable class.
- Review the Class Specification: Check whether the exact goods or services fall within the selected class.
- Consider Related Activities: Identify other goods or services offered under the same trademark.
- Consider Multiple Classes: If the business operates across different classes, consider filing in all relevant classes.
- Conduct a Trademark Search: Search similar marks in the relevant classes before filing.
Choosing a class should not be based only on the industry name. The exact nature of the goods or services determines the appropriate classification.
Can a Trademark Be Registered in Multiple Classes?
Yes. A trademark can be filed for multiple classes when the same brand is used or intended to be used for goods or services falling within different classes.
For example, a fashion business may require:
- Class 25 for clothing
- Class 18 for bags and leather goods
- Class 14 for jewellery
- Class 35 for certain retail or business services
The applicable government fee is generally calculated according to the number of classes and marks covered by the application.
Is Trademark Class 35 Required for Online Businesses?
Class 35 covers advertising, business management, business administration, office functions and certain retail and business services. An online business may consider Class 35 where it provides relevant retail, advertising or business services.
However, Class 35 does not replace the class applicable to the actual goods sold under the brand. For example, an online clothing brand may need Class 25 for clothing and may also consider Class 35 for relevant retail services.
What Is the Difference Between Goods Classes and Services Classes?
| Goods Classes | Services Classes |
|---|---|
| Classes 1 to 34 | Classes 35 to 45 |
| Cover physical and other classified goods | Cover business and professional services |
| Examples include clothing, food, cosmetics and machinery | Examples include advertising, education, technology and hospitality |
Some businesses may operate in both goods and services categories and therefore may require trademark protection in more than one class.
How Does Trademark Class Selection Affect Registration?
The selected class forms an important part of the scope of the trademark application. The applicant must accurately describe the goods or services for which registration is sought.
IP India's filing workflow specifically requires applicants to identify the correct Nice Class or Classes and decide whether to file a single-class or multi-class application.
For a detailed explanation of the complete registration process, refer to the complete guide to trademark registration process.
How to Register a Trademark in the Correct Class?
Once the appropriate class has been identified, the applicant can proceed with the trademark registration process.
- Conduct a trademark search.
- Identify the appropriate class or classes.
- Prepare the trademark application.
- File Form TM-A.
- Pay the applicable government fee.
- Monitor examination and application status.
- Respond to objections if raised.
- Proceed through publication and opposition where applicable.
- Obtain the trademark registration certificate after successful completion of the process.
For a step-by-step explanation, refer to the complete guide on how to register a trademark in India.
What Are the Common Mistakes in Selecting a Trademark Class?
- Choosing a class based only on the business name: Classification depends on the actual goods or services.
- Filing in only one class when the business operates across several: Relevant additional classes may be required for broader protection.
- Using an overly broad description: Goods and services should be described accurately.
- Ignoring related business activities: Future or existing activities associated with the same brand should be considered.
- Not checking the current classification: The applicable Nice Classification should be checked before filing.
- Failing to conduct a trademark search in the relevant class: Similar marks should be checked before filing.
How Can IndiaFilings Help With Trademark Class Selection?
IndiaFilings provides professional assistance with trademark registration, including trademark search, class selection, application preparation, filing and application monitoring.
Our team can help identify the relevant trademark class or classes based on the goods or services associated with your brand and assist with the subsequent registration process.
To explore trademark registration services, visit IndiaFilings Trademark Registration.
Why Choose IndiaFilings for Trademark Registration?
IndiaFilings provides end-to-end support for trademark registration, from identifying the appropriate class and conducting a trademark search to filing the application and monitoring its progress.
Our professional team also provides assistance with examination objections, hearings, opposition proceedings and post-registration requirements where professional support is required.
For more information about trademark registration and other business services, visit IndiaFilings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration Class List
How many trademark classes are there in India?
There are 45 trademark classes in India under the Nice Classification system. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, while Classes 35 to 45 cover services.
Which trademark class is used for clothing?
Class 25 generally covers clothing, footwear and headwear.
Which trademark class is used for cosmetics?
Class 3 generally covers non-medicated cosmetics, toiletries, soaps, perfumes and related personal care products.
Which trademark class is used for pharmaceuticals?
Class 5 generally covers pharmaceutical, medical and veterinary preparations and related products covered by the class.
Which trademark class is used for restaurants?
Class 43 covers services for providing food and drink and temporary accommodation, including restaurant and catering services.
Which trademark class is used for education?
Class 41 covers education, training, entertainment and sporting and cultural activities.
Which trademark class is used for software?
Downloadable software is generally covered by Class 9, while software development, SaaS and related technology services are generally covered by Class 42. The correct classification depends on the specific nature of the software and service.
Can I register the same trademark in multiple classes?
Yes. A trademark can be filed in multiple classes when the mark is used or intended to be used for goods or services falling within different classes.
Does trademark registration in one class protect all my products?
No. Trademark protection is connected to the goods or services covered by the registered specification. If a business operates across multiple relevant classes, additional class protection may be required.
