Trademark Classes in India: Complete Guide to Classifying Your Brand
Trademarks are essential for building and protecting your brand identity. In India, registering a trademark ensures that your logo, name, or slogan is legally protected against misuse. However, one of the most important steps in trademark registration is choosing the right trademark class.
India follows an internationally recognized classification system called the Nice Classification, which divides all goods and services into 45 trademark classes—each representing a specific category of goods or services.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the concept of trademark classes, list all 45 classes with examples, and help you determine how to choose the right class for your business.
🔍 What Are Trademark Classes?
A trademark class is a categorization of goods or services under which a trademark application must be filed. Every business activity, whether it’s selling clothing or offering consultancy services, belongs to a specific class.
There are:
- 34 classes for goods (Class 1 to 34)
- 11 classes for services (Class 35 to 45)
When you apply for a trademark, you must specify the class that matches your goods or services. Filing under the wrong class can lead to objections or rejection of your application.
📋 Full List of Trademark Classes in India
Here is a simplified breakdown of all trademark classes in India with examples for each.
Goods Classes (Class 1 – 34)
| Class | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemicals | Industrial chemicals, fertilizers |
| 2 | Paints | Paints, varnishes, dyes |
| 3 | Cosmetics | Soaps, perfumes, lotions |
| 4 | Lubricants | Oils, greases, fuels |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, supplements |
| 6 | Metal Products | Pipes, steel, building metals |
| 7 | Machinery | Motors, engines, tools |
| 8 | Hand Tools | Cutlery, razors, hand tools |
| 9 | Electronics | Software, mobiles, computers |
| 10 | Medical Devices | Surgical instruments, implants |
| 11 | Appliances | Lights, fans, air-conditioners |
| 12 | Vehicles | Cars, bikes, parts |
| 13 | Firearms | Guns, ammunition |
| 14 | Jewelry | Gold, silver, gems |
| 15 | Musical Instruments | Pianos, guitars, harmoniums |
| 16 | Stationery | Paper, books, pens |
| 17 | Rubber Products | Hoses, insulation |
| 18 | Leather Goods | Bags, wallets, belts |
| 19 | Building Materials | Cement, bricks, timber |
| 20 | Furniture | Chairs, mattresses, frames |
| 21 | Kitchenware | Utensils, dishes, glassware |
| 22 | Ropes & Nets | Tents, sacks, sails |
| 23 | Yarns & Threads | Wool, thread for textile use |
| 24 | Fabrics | Towels, curtains, textiles |
| 25 | Clothing | Apparel, footwear, headgear |
| 26 | Sewing Supplies | Buttons, zippers, lace |
| 27 | Carpets | Mats, rugs, linoleum |
| 28 | Toys | Games, sports equipment |
| 29 | Food Products | Meat, fish, jams |
| 30 | Processed Foods | Coffee, rice, spices |
| 31 | Raw Food | Grains, vegetables, plants |
| 32 | Beverages | Juices, beer, soft drinks |
| 33 | Alcoholic Beverages | Wine, whisky, vodka |
| 34 | Tobacco | Cigarettes, matches |
💼 Service Classes (Class 35 – 45)
| Class | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Advertising & Business | Marketing, retail, HR services |
| 36 | Finance & Insurance | Banking, real estate |
| 37 | Construction | Repair, plumbing, building |
| 38 | Telecommunications | Mobile services, ISP |
| 39 | Transport & Logistics | Courier, delivery, travel |
| 40 | Treatment Services | Recycling, water purification |
| 41 | Education | Coaching, online learning |
| 42 | IT & Science | Software, R&D, AI services |
| 43 | Food & Lodging | Hotels, restaurants |
| 44 | Medical & Agriculture | Clinics, gardening |
| 45 | Legal & Social | Law firms, personal security |
❓ Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Trademark Class?
Choosing the correct class is vital because:
- ✅ Your protection only applies to the class(es) you register under.
- ✅ Applying under the wrong class can delay the process or lead to rejection.
- ✅ Infringement actions are only enforceable in the correct class.
📝 How to Choose the Right Trademark Class?
Follow these tips to determine the correct class:
- Define your business activity clearly – Are you selling goods or offering services?
- Use the official trademark class list – Refer to the full list of 45 classes (like the one above).
- Check examples under each class – Find the closest match to your offering.
- Consult a trademark expert – If unsure, always take professional advice.
📂 Can I Register a Trademark in Multiple Classes?
Yes, if your business spans multiple industries, you can file a multi-class trademark application or separate applications for each class. This ensures broader protection.
🧾 Documents Required for Trademark Registration
- Brand name or logo
- Identity proof of applicant (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Address proof
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
- Business proof (if applicable)
🧑💼 Trademark Class Assistance from Legal Hub India
At Legal Hub India, we simplify trademark classification and registration for businesses, startups, and individuals. Here’s how we help:
- ✅ Assist in choosing the correct trademark class
- ✅ Conduct trademark availability search
- ✅ Draft and file trademark applications
- ✅ Handle objections and oppositions
- ✅ Provide post-registration support
We ensure fast, affordable, and legally sound trademark protection.
💬 Conclusion
Understanding Trademark Classes in India is the first and most crucial step toward brand protection. Filing under the right class guarantees that your brand is secure from imitators in your industry. With the help of the full trademark class list, you can make an informed decision.
Need professional help? Legal Hub India offers expert-led trademark filing and classification services to protect your brand effectively.
