Understanding Trademark Classes in India

By Clear Fillings

Published on Oct 29, 2025

n today’s competitive market, protecting your brand identity is essential. Whether you are launching a clothing line, running a tech company, or offering food products, registering your trademark ensures your brand remains unique and legally protected.

However, before you apply for trademark online in India, you must understand one crucial concept — Trademark Classes. Each trademark is categorized under a specific class based on the type of goods or services it represents. This classification system helps prevent confusion and ensures fair protection for all businesses.

In this guide, we’ll explore trademark classes in India, their importance, and how you can choose the right class while filing through the online trademark registration portal India.

What Are Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes are part of the Nice Classification System, established by the Nice Agreement (1957). This international system divides goods and services into 45 classes — Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services.

When you register your trademark in India, you must specify the class (or classes) under which your products or services fall. This ensures that your trademark protection applies only to those specific categories.

For example:

A clothing brand would register under Class 25.
A restaurant business would fall under Class 43.
A software company may register under Class 9 or Class 42.

By categorizing trademarks this way, the Indian Trademark Office ensures that businesses from different industries can use similar names without conflict — for instance, “Lotus” can be both a car brand and a software company because they belong to different classes.

Why Are Trademark Classes Important?

Selecting the correct trademark class is vital for several reasons:

Defines Legal Protection Scope
Trademark rights are limited to the class you choose. If your business expands into new product categories later, you may need to file a new trademark in another class.
Prevents Legal Disputes
When you select the appropriate class, you avoid conflicts with other businesses operating in unrelated industries.
Speeds Up Registration Process
Correct classification helps the online trademark registration portal India process your application faster, reducing the risk of objections.
Helps in Brand Expansion
Understanding classes allows you to plan ahead and register in multiple classes if you anticipate diversification.

List of Trademark Classes in India

Here’s a brief overview of the 45 trademark classes used in India:

Goods (Class 1–34)

Class 1: Chemicals used in industry and science.
Class 2: Paints, varnishes, and coatings.
Class 3: Cleaning and cosmetic products.
Class 4: Industrial oils and fuels.
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals and medical products.
Class 6: Common metals and metal products.
Class 7: Machines and machine tools.
Class 8: Hand tools and cutlery.
Class 9: Computer software, electronics, and scientific apparatus.
Class 10: Medical instruments and devices.
Class 11: Lighting and heating appliances.
Class 12: Vehicles and transport equipment.
Class 13: Firearms and explosives.
Class 14: Jewelry and precious metals.
Class 15: Musical instruments.
Class 16: Paper, stationery, and printing materials.
Class 17: Rubber, plastics, and insulating materials.
Class 18: Leather goods and luggage.
Class 19: Building materials (non-metallic).
Class 20: Furniture and mirrors.
Class 21: Household utensils and glassware.
Class 22: Ropes, nets, and sacks.
Class 23: Yarns and threads.
Class 24: Textiles and fabrics.
Class 25: Clothing, footwear, and headgear.
Class 26: Lace, ribbons, and decorative textiles.
Class 27: Carpets, mats, and wallpapers.
Class 28: Toys, sports equipment, and games.
Class 29: Meat, fish, dairy, and processed foods.
Class 30: Bakery and confectionery products.
Class 31: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds.
Class 32: Beverages (non-alcoholic).
Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beer).
Class 34: Tobacco and smokers’ articles.

Services (Class 35–45)

Class 35: Advertising, business management, and retail services.
Class 36: Financial and insurance services.
Class 37: Construction and repair services.
Class 38: Telecommunications.
Class 39: Transport and storage services.
Class 40: Treatment of materials (manufacturing processes).
Class 41: Education, training, and entertainment.
Class 42: IT, software development, and scientific research.
Class 43: Hospitality, food, and beverage services.
Class 44: Medical and veterinary services.
Class 45: Legal and security services.

How to Choose the Right Trademark Class

When you apply for trademark online in India, you must carefully select the correct class. Here are a few tips:

Identify Your Core Business Activity
Define whether you are dealing with goods or services and list the specific items you offer.
Use the Trademark Class Search Tool
The online trademark registration portal India offers a class search tool. You can enter your product name to find the matching class.
Consider Future Business Expansion
If you plan to diversify into related sectors, it’s wise to file in multiple relevant classes.
Consult a Trademark Expert
Professional consultants can help you avoid errors that could lead to rejections or limited protection.

Steps to Apply for Trademark Online in India

The process of trademark registration is now simple and completely digital through the online trademark registration portal India (https://ipindia.gov.in).

Here’s how you can apply for trademark online in India:

Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Intellectual Property India (IP India) website.
Create a User Account
Register as a new user under the “New User” option.
Trademark Search
Conduct a search to ensure your brand name is unique.
Select the Correct Class
Use the classification system to choose the right class.
File the Application (Form TM-A)
Fill in all details, including applicant name, business type, and class of goods/services.
Pay the Fee
The government fee varies depending on the applicant type — individual, startup, or company.
Get an Acknowledgment
Once submitted, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number for tracking.
Examination and Publication
The Trademark Office will examine and publish your application in the Trademark Journal.
Registration Certificate
If there are no objections, you’ll receive the certificate, granting you exclusive rights over your brand.

Conclusion

Understanding trademark classes in India is the foundation of successful brand protection. Choosing the correct class ensures your trademark covers your exact goods or services and shields you from future disputes.

With the convenience of the online trademark registration portal India, businesses of all sizes can easily apply for trademark online in India without complex paperwork.

Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding your existing brand, take the time to identify the right class — because your brand deserves the best protection possible.

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