Trademark Class 12 in India: Vehicles & Transport Equipment

Trademark Class 12 protects brands related to vehicles and transportation products. This includes cars, electric vehicles, bicycles, and their essential parts and accessories. By registering under this class, businesses can secure their logos, names, and product designs, preventing competitors from copying them. 

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recognizes the importance of trademark protection in maintaining brand identity and preventing market confusion. Companies like Tesla and Toyota use Class 12 trademarks to protect their vehicle brands and ensure their products remain distinct. 

Whether you are manufacturing vehicles, supplying parts, or offering accessories, registering under Class 12 strengthens your brand and provides legal protection. This blog will help you understand the benefits of Class 12 and how to protect your vehicle-related brand effectively.

What is Trademark Class 12 in India?

Trademark Class 12 covers vehicles and products that enable movement by land, air, or water. This class protects brand names used for transporting people or goods through mechanical or motor-driven means. Trademark class 12 includes automobiles, electric vehicles, bicycles, aircraft, boats, and similar mobility solutions. It also covers essential vehicle components that support movement and control.

The NICE Classification system, managed by WIPO, places these goods under a single mobility-focused category. This structure helps businesses register trademarks with accuracy and legal clarity. In India, correct classification ensures enforceable rights under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. 

Registration protects vehicle brands from imitation and misleading use in competitive markets. It also supports expansion across the physical and electric mobility sectors.

Registering under Trademark Class 12 provides key advantages like:

• Legal ownership over vehicle and mobility-related brand names.
• Exclusive rights to use the trademark in the transport industry.
• Strong protection against brand misuse or market confusion.
• Increased credibility with customers, partners, and investors.

Trademark Class 12 helps mobility brands secure identity, trust, and long-term commercial strength.

Who Can File for Trademark Class 12?

Any business involved in vehicles or transportation can file for trademark registration under Class 12. Businesses that may file for Class 12 of trademark registration include:

• Automobile Manufacturers: Companies producing cars, trucks, and electric vehicles (EVs) can protect their brand name and design under the electric vehicle trademark class.
• Vehicle Parts Suppliers: Businesses selling essential vehicle components like engines, tyres, and brakes fall under Class 12 of trademark classification.
• Car Accessory Providers: Companies offering accessories like car bumpers, seat covers, and steering wheels can register under the trademark class for car accessories.
• Aviation and Marine Companies: Manufacturers of aircraft, boats, and ships, as well as suppliers of parts for these vehicles, can also register under Class 12.
• Bicycle Manufacturers: Businesses producing bicycles and bicycle components are eligible for trademark registration under Class 12 in India.

Filing for a Class 12 trademark in India ensures legal protection for your brand and prevents competitors from using similar marks.

What are the Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 covers a wide variety of products related to vehicles, from manufacturing to repair. By filing under Class 12, businesses protect their brand and prevent trademark infringement.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the goods covered under this class:

Category	Description
Vehicle Manufacturing	Companies design, produce, and assemble land, air, and water vehicles, including cars, trucks, bicycles, and boats.
Vehicle Parts and Components	Manufacturers create tyres, engines, steering wheels, axles, brakes, chassis, and other essential vehicle components.
Vehicle Accessories	Businesses produce accessories such as car mats, covers, bumpers, mirrors, lights, and safety devices for vehicles.
Electric and Autonomous Vehicles	Companies develop electric cars, scooters, bicycles, and driverless vehicles while protecting brand identity.
Air and Water Transport Equipment	Manufacturers handle aircraft, helicopters, airships, ships, yachts, and other transportation machines.
Special Purpose Vehicles	Businesses produce ambulances, fire trucks, motorhomes, and armored vehicles for professional or emergency use.
Remote-Controlled Vehicles	Companies design drones, RC cars, and other controlled vehicles for commercial or inspection purposes.
Vehicle Safety and Security Systems	Manufacturers provide anti-theft alarms, airbags, anti-skid chains, and other safety devices for land and air vehicles.
Vehicle Mobility Components	Companies produce axles, wheel hubs, brakes, and transmission parts that ensure proper vehicle movement.

By filing for trademark registration under Class 12, businesses can safeguard their products and goods within the vehicle and transport industry.

Need help registering your Class 12 trademark or understanding the process? Contact RegisterKaro for expert trademark registration services. Protect your vehicle-related products under Trademark law today!

What Does Trademark Class 12 Not Cover?

Trademark Class 12 does not cover specific vehicles, parts, or equipment that fall under other classes. Key exclusions include:

• Railway material made of metal falls under Class 6, not Class 12, and covers materials used in railways.
• Motors, engines, couplings, and transmission components not meant for land vehicles belong to Class 7.
• All parts of motors and engines, such as starters, mufflers, and cylinders, are also classified under Class 7.
• Rubber tracks for crawlers used in construction, mining, agriculture, or other heavy-duty machines fall under Class 7.
• Toys, including tricycles for infants and scooters, are included in Class 28.
• Special vehicles or wheeled machines not designed for transportation are excluded. This includes road sweeping machines (Class 7) and tea carts (Class 20).
• Class 12 does not cover certain vehicle parts. These include electric batteries, radios, mileage recorders (Class 9), lighting apparatus (Class 11), and carpets (Class 27).

Understanding these exclusions helps businesses register their trademarks accurately under Class 12 of trademarks in India. 

How to Register a Trademark in Class 12 in India? 

Businesses in the vehicle and transportation industry must register their trademarks in Class 12. This class covers vehicles, vehicle parts, and related goods. Follow these steps to properly file your trademark and secure legal protection under trademark law. 

Step 1: Trademark Availability Search

The first step in registering your trademark is to make sure it is available for use. 

To do this, use the trademark availability search tool from RegisterKaro to check if similar trademarks exist in Class 12. This tool checks for any similar marks that may already exist, particularly in Class 12.

Often, trademark objections arise due to names that sound similar, even if they are spelled differently. Be thorough when conducting your search. 

If you find any existing trademarks that conflict with yours, it is advisable to rethink your brand name or consult a trademark attorney for guidance. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Trademark Application

Once you confirm that your trademark is available, begin preparing your application. The trademark application for Class 12 must describe the goods you wish to protect.

Gather the following documents for your application:

• Applicant details (name, address, nationality)
• A clear logo or wordmark (in JPEG format)
• Proof of use, if applicable
• Class of Goods based on the Nice Classification

Even if your services are not operational yet, you can file on a “proposed to be used” basis. This allows you to secure your trademark early. 

The filing fee for Class 12 is ₹4,500 for individuals or small enterprises and ₹9,000 for others. File your application through the IP India Trademark E-Filing Portal.

Step 3: Examination of Your Trademark

After submitting your application, the trademark examiner will review it. The examiner ensures that your trademark is distinctive and complies with trademark law. They will also check for similarities with existing trademarks in Class 12.

If the examiner raises any objections, you must respond within the given time frame, usually 30 days. Failure to respond can result in application abandonment.

Step 4: Trademark Publication and Opposition Period

If the examiner approves your trademark, they will publish it in the Trademark Journal. This publication allows third parties to oppose your trademark application. The opposition period lasts for 4 months.

If no opposition is filed during this period, your application will proceed to registration. If someone opposes your trademark, you will have the opportunity to respond before the Trademark Registry makes a decision.

Step 5: Final Registration and Trademark Protection

If no opposition is filed, the Indian Trade Marks Registry will grant you trademark registration. You will gain exclusive rights to your trademark and can use the ® symbol to indicate legal protection.

Your trademark will be valid for 10 years. To maintain protection, you must file for trademark renewal before the expiration date.

By following these steps, you can protect your vehicle-related business under trademark Class 12 and ensure that your brand remains secure. 

Which are the Trademark Classes Similar to Class 12?

While trademark Class 12 offers protection for vehicles and transportation-related goods, other classes cover related services or products. Here are some classes similar to Class 12:

• Class 7: Covers engines, motors, and mechanical components for machinery, but not specifically for land vehicles. This class handles parts that are essential for equipment but not directly related to transportation.
• Class 9: Protects electronic components like electric batteries, mileage recorders, and vehicle radios. While related to vehicles, Class 9 focuses on vehicle accessories and not the actual transportation apparatus.
• Class 28: Encompasses toys, including toy vehicles like miniature cars and tricycles, which are not covered under Class 12.

This distinction shows that businesses in transportation should file for multiple classes to ensure comprehensive trademark protection. For instance, Honda files under Class 12 for its vehicles and under Class 37 for vehicle maintenance and repair services. This ensures that both their goods and services are fully protected.

Final Note

Trademark Class 12 offers comprehensive protection for businesses in the vehicle and transportation industry. It helps secure rights for vehicles, parts, and related goods, ensuring your brand stands out in a competitive market. By registering under this class, you protect your intellectual property, preventing trademark infringement. 

Whether you’re a manufacturer of electric vehicles, car parts, or bicycles, Class 12 ensures your brand is safeguarded. Keep in mind that securing a trademark is an ongoing process, and regular trademark renewal is necessary to maintain protection. RegisterKaro can help you file and manage your Class 12 trademark efficiently, ensuring your brand stays fully protected.

---