Class 99 is not a real trademark class. The Indian Trade Marks Registry uses it as an administrative label for multi-class applications under Section 18(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Class 99 may appear in the Trade Marks Journal and registration certificate when a single Form TM-A application covers multiple classes. For example, an application may cover Class 25 for clothing and Class 35 for retail services. The certificate lists the actual classes separately.
India follows the NICE Classification system (NCL 13-2026), effective from 1 January 2026. It includes 45 real classes, Classes 1–34 cover goods, while Classes 35–45 cover services.
Key Takeaways
- Class 99 is not a real trademark class. It is an administrative label for multi-class filings under Section 18(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
- A single Form TM-A application can cover multiple NICE classes. Fees apply separately to each class.
- The online filing fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, DPIIT startups, and MSMEs. It is ₹9,000 per class for companies, LLPs, and partnership firms.
- Trademark validity lasts 10 years from the application date. You can renew it indefinitely in 10-year blocks using Form TM-R.
- The examination reply deadline is one month from the Examination Report under Rule 33 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017. Rule 45 applies to the later opposition stage.
- An objection or opposition in one class can delay the entire multi-class application.
- Section 22 allows applicants to separate unaffected classes from a disputed class through a divisional application. However, this adds cost and time.
What is Class 99 in Trademark?
Class 99 is not a real trademark class. It is an administrative label used by the Indian Trade Marks Registry for multi-class applications.
When you file a trademark registration application covering two or more NICE classes, the Trade Marks Journal and registration certificate may show “Class 99.” The certificate also lists the actual classes covered.
Class 99 works as a digital placeholder for multi-class applications. It does not represent any specific goods or services.
Documents Required to File Trademark Class 99 in India
The required documents are the same as those for a single-class trademark application:
- Applicant’s name, address, and nationality.
- Clear representation of the mark, such as a logo or wordmark.
- List of goods or services for each class.
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) if filing through a trademark agent or attorney. File it within two months of the application date.
- Udyam Registration certificate for MSMEs or DPIIT recognition certificate for startups to claim the reduced fee.
- Proof of prior use, if applicable, with the date of first use.
- Class-wise list of goods and services using approved wording from the NICE Classification 13th Edition (NCL 13-2026). Vague descriptions can lead to examination objections.
How Trademark Registration Class 99 Works: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to file a multi-class trademark application under Class 99:
- Search the trademark: Search the IP India portal for each class you plan to cover.
- Choose the correct NICE classes: Select classes that match your goods or services. Incorrect classification can lead to rejection.
- File Form TM-A online: List all the required classes in the application. Pay the applicable fee for each class.
- Receive the application number: The Trade Marks Journal and certificate may show the mark under Class 99. The actual classes remain recorded separately.
- Respond to the Examination Report: The Trade Marks Examiner reviews all included classes. The examiner typically issues a report within 1–2 months. You must reply within one month under Rule 33 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2017. Missing the deadline can lead to abandonment.
- Consider a divisional application: If the examiner objects to only one class, you can consider a divisional application under Section 22. This can separate the disputed class from the unaffected classes.
- Wait for publication: The Trade Marks Registry publishes the application in the Trade Marks Journal. Third parties then have four months to file an opposition.
- Handle opposition, if any: If someone opposes the application, you must file a counterstatement. Further opposition proceedings follow the applicable rules.
- Receive the registration certificate: The Registry issues the certificate if no opposition is filed or all objections are resolved.
- Proceed with contested classes separately: A divisional application can allow unaffected classes to proceed while you handle the contested class separately. The divisional application requires a separate fee.
Class 99 Trademark Fees in India
The government charges ₹4,500 or ₹9,000 per class for online trademark filing, depending on the applicant type. Filing multiple classes in one application does not provide a discount.
Government Fee per Class
The online filing fee depends on the applicant type:
| Applicant Type | Fee per Class |
|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 |
| DPIIT-Recognised Startup | ₹4,500 |
| Udyam-Registered MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership Firm / Other Entity | ₹9,000 |
Physical filing costs slightly more. Individuals, startups, and MSMEs pay ₹5,000 per class. Companies, LLPs, and partnership firms pay ₹10,000 per class.
Total Fee for Multi-Class Filing
Your total fee depends on the number of classes you select:
| Number of Classes | Individual / Startup / MSME | Company / LLP / Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| 2 classes | ₹9,000 | ₹18,000 |
| 3 classes | ₹13,500 | ₹27,000 |
| 4 classes | ₹18,000 | ₹36,000 |
| 5 classes | ₹22,500 | ₹45,000 |
Professional fees are separate. They typically range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per class, depending on the complexity.
Important: Trademark fees are non-refundable, even if the application faces opposition or rejection. Check the official IP India portal for the latest fees before filing.
Multi-Class (Class 99) vs Single-Class Filings: How to Choose
Choosing between multi-class and single-class filing depends on your business needs. Consider the number of classes, costs, and potential objections.
| Factor | Multi-Class (Class 99) Filing | Separate Single-Class Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Number of applications | 1 | 1 per class |
| Government fee | Same total, charged per class | Same total, charged per class |
| Applications to track | 1 | Multiple |
| Renewal cycle | One date for all classes | Separate date for each class |
| Risk of objection | Higher. An objection in one class can delay the full application. | Lower. Each application moves independently. |
| If one class fails | You can file a divisional application under Section 22. This adds cost and time. | Other applications continue normally. |
| Best suited for | Established brands with clear use across multiple categories | New brands or businesses facing higher risks in specific classes |
| Madrid Protocol filing | Suitable for multi-class international filing | Less efficient for international filing |
How to Choose Between Multi-Class and Single-Class Filing?
The right filing approach depends on your business stage, trademark clearance, and the number of classes you need.
- Choose multi-class filing (Class 99) if you are an established business using your trademark across 3 or more distinct classes. Make sure you have completed a trademark search for each class. This option also makes tracking easier.
- Choose single-class applications if you are an early-stage business or have any doubts about trademark clearance. This option may also be better for commonly contested classes, such as Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail and advertising), or Class 41 (entertainment and education).
