
Trademark Class 17 covers rubber, plastic, and non-metallic materials used in industrial manufacturing. These include rubber sheets, plastic films, flexible pipes, hoses, insulation materials, gaskets, seals, foam products, and semi-finished packing materials. These products support construction, electrical, automotive, and engineering industries.
India’s industrial materials market is highly competitive and driven by infrastructure growth. Registering under Trademark Class 17 prevents look-alike products and unauthorized brand use. Trademark registration protects your brand identity and improves market recognition as your business expands across regions and sectors.
Global material science companies such as Saint-Gobain register their insulation and industrial material brands under Class 17.
This guide explains how Trademark Class 17 ensures legal ownership, prevents imitation, and supports sustainable business growth in industrial markets.
What is Trademark Class 17 in India?
Class 17 trademark in India covers rubber, plastic, and non-metallic materials used for industrial purposes under the Nice Classification system. It applies to semi-finished goods used in manufacturing, construction, electrical, and engineering industries. This class protects industrial materials, not finished consumer products or retail goods.
Registering under Class 17 trademark in India protects your brand at the material and component stage. It secures rubber and plastic products supplied to factories and industrial buyers. Registration gives you legal ownership of your brand and the right to act against trademark infringement or misuse.
Key Benefits of Class 17 Trademark India Registration are:
- Grants exclusive ownership of your brand name, logo, or mark
- Stops imitation, misuse, and confusingly similar industrial material brands
- Builds credibility with manufacturers, contractors, and industrial buyers
- Strengthens your market position in the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors
- Enables licensing deals, partnerships, and long-term supply contracts
- Supports brand expansion across regions and industrial applications
- Adds long-term value by creating a strong intangible business asset
Note: Class 17 trademark registration does not replace statutory approvals. Rubber, plastic, and insulation materials must still comply with applicable quality, safety, and industry regulations before commercial use or sale.
Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 17?
Trademark Class 17 applies to businesses and individuals dealing in rubber, plastic, and non-metallic industrial materials. You should consider registering under this class if your brand or business falls into the following categories:
- Rubber product manufacturers: Protect brand names used for rubber sheets, rubber compounds, seals, gaskets, and industrial rubber components.
- Plastic and polymer material producers: Secure trademarks for plastic sheets, films, rods, tubes, and semi-finished plastic materials used in manufacturing.
- Pipe, hose, and tubing manufacturers: Safeguard brands for non-metallic flexible pipes, hoses, and industrial tubing systems.
- Insulation material manufacturers: Protect trademarks for thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulation materials made from rubber or plastic.
- Foam, packing, and sealing material suppliers: Register brand names for foam products, packing materials, sealing strips, and cushioning materials used in industrial applications.
- Construction and industrial material suppliers: Secure trademark rights for rubber and plastic materials supplied to infrastructure, engineering, and manufacturing projects.
This class also benefits businesses supplying industrial materials across multiple sectors. For example, DuPont registers its insulation and industrial material brands under Trademark Class 17. This strengthens brand recognition and market trust globally.
What are the Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 17?
This class is commonly referred to as the rubber products class in trademark law and does not include finished consumer goods or medical products.
The table below highlights the key categories and examples of goods covered under Trademark Class 17 in India:
| Category | Examples of Goods Covered |
| Rubber Products (Industrial & Semi-Finished) | Rubber sheets, rubber compounds, rubber strips, rubber pads, rubber profiles, raw or semi-processed rubber |
| Plastic & Polymer Materials (Semi-Finished) | Rubber gaskets, sealing strips, and industrial sealing materials |
| Flexible Pipes, Hoses & Tubing (Non-Metallic) | Rubber hoses, flexible non-metallic pipes, industrial tubing systems, pressure hoses |
| Thermal Insulation Materials | Heat insulation sheets, thermal rubber insulation, insulation mats, thermal plastic insulation |
| Electrical Insulation Materials | Electrical insulation tapes, insulation sleeves, cable insulation materials |
| Acoustic & Soundproofing Materials | Soundproof rubber sheets, noise-control foam, vibration-absorbing materials |
| Foam & Cushioning Materials | Rubber foam, plastic foam, cushioning pads, vibration-damping foam |
| Seals, Gaskets & Packing Materials | Rubber mats, protective plastic covers, industrial floor coverings, and insulating floor mats |
| Non-Metallic Linings & Coatings | Protective rubber linings, tank linings, pipe linings |
| Expansion Joints & Flexible Connectors | Rubber expansion joints, flexible bellows, flexible industrial connectors |
| Plastic Laminates & Protective Films | Industrial plastic laminates, barrier films, surface-protection films |
| Protective & Covering Materials | Non-asbestos insulation materials, heat-resistant composite sheets, and synthetic insulation substitutes |
| Semi-Finished Plastic Goods | Plastic pellets, molded plastic blanks, plastic preforms, sheets, films, extrusions |
| Gutta-Percha, Gum & Mica Products | Gutta-percha sheets, industrial gum materials, mica sheets, mica films |
| Asbestos Substitutes & Heat-Resistant Materials | Dielectric materials, insulating resins, and insulating plastics |
| Dielectric & Insulating Materials | Dielectric materials, insulating resins, insulating plastics |
| Packing, Padding & Shock-Absorbing Materials | Industrial padding materials, protective packing materials (non-paper, non-textile) |
| Flexible Plastic Films (Industrial Use) | Stretch films, shrink films, industrial wrapping films (not retail packaging) |
Note: Asbestos substitutes are permitted under Trademark Class 17, as asbestos itself is restricted under Indian safety and environmental laws.
Which Products are Excluded from Trademark Class 17?
Although Trademark Class 17 covers rubber, plastic, and non-metallic industrial materials, several related products are classified under other trademark classes. These include:
- Finished consumer goods: Items like rubber footwear, toys, and household plastic products are not part of Class 17. They fall under Class 25 or Class 28, depending on the product.
- Medical and healthcare products: Rubber or plastic items intended for medical use, such as surgical gloves or medical tubing, are registered under Class 10.
- Paints, coatings, and adhesives for consumer use: Ready-made paints, varnishes, glues, or sealants meant for retail sale fall under Class 2 or Class 3.
- Metal or metallic products: Pipes, fittings, or industrial components made from metal do not belong to Class 17. They are covered under Class 6.
- Electrical devices and machinery: Rubber or plastic parts that are part of machinery or electronic equipment may fall under Class 9 or Class 7, depending on usage.
Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s Trademark Class Finder to classify your rubber, plastic, or industrial material products correctly and avoid objections or rejection during registration.
How to Register a Trademark Under Class 17 in India?
Registering your brand under Trademark Class 17 follows a clear, step-by-step process. You can file as “proposed to be used” if your rubber, plastic, or industrial material is not yet launched. Choose “already in use” if your products are already available in the market.
Follow these steps for a smooth class 17 trademark India registration:
1. Trademark Search
- Check whether your brand name, logo, or industrial material already exists under Class 17.
- This helps avoid conflicts, objections, or rejection later.
- Use the official IP India trademark database or seek professional help for a detailed search.
Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s trademark name availability check tool to quickly verify availability for rubber, plastic, insulation, and other industrial materials.
2. Select the Right Goods Description
- Clearly list all rubber, plastic, or non-metallic products you want to protect.
- Include items such as rubber sheets, plastic films, hoses, gaskets, insulation materials, foam products, and semi-finished industrial components.
Accurate descriptions reduce objections and strengthen legal protection.
3. File the Trademark Application (Form TM-A)
- Submit the application online through the IP India Trademark Portal or offline at the Trademark Registry.
- Include your brand name, logo (if any), detailed product descriptions, and applicant details.
- Pay the applicable filing fee, usually ₹4,500 for individuals/startups and ₹9,000 for companies.
4. Examination by the Trademark Office
- The Trademark Registrar examines your application for errors, similarities, or legal issues.
- If required, the Office issues an Examination Report requesting clarification or changes. Respond within the timeline to avoid delays.
5. Publication in the Trademark Journal
- Once the Trademark Office accepts your application, it publishes your trademark in the Trademark Journal.
- This allows the public to file objections, usually within four months.
6. Registration and Issuance of Certificate
- If no trademark opposition is filed or objections are resolved, your mark is registered.
- You receive a Trademark Registration Certificate, granting exclusive rights under Class 17.
The process usually takes 12–18 months.
A trademark is valid for 10 years, and trademark renewal can be done indefinitely to ensure continuous protection for your brand.
Most businesses prefer expert support to avoid mistakes and delays. RegisterKaro guides you through every step, from trademark search to certificate issuance.
Secure your Class 17 trademark in India today and safeguard your rubber, plastic, or industrial material brand with confidence.
Trademark Classes Similar to Class 17: Multiple Class Filing
Many manufacturers deal in products that fall across multiple trademark classes. For example, BASF registers plastic insulation materials under Class 17, while related chemical compounds fall under Class 1.
| Trademark Class | Goods Covered | How It Differs from Class 17 |
| Class 1 | Industrial chemicals, adhesives | Covers chemical compositions, not finished rubber or plastic materials |
| Class 6 | Metal pipes, fittings | Applies to metal goods, not rubber or plastic alternatives |
| Class 19 | Non-metal building materials | Covers rigid construction items, not flexible insulation |
| Class 22 | Ropes, nets, tarpaulins | Focuses on textile-based materials |
| Class 35 | Trading and distribution services | Protects services, not physical rubber products |
Filing only under class 17 trademark in India may leave related goods unprotected.
Common Mistakes When Filing Under Class 17 and How to Avoid Them
Filing a Trademark Class 17 application in India may seem simple, but mistakes can delay approval or weaken protection. Knowing common pitfalls helps ensure smooth registration. Some of them are:
- Misclassifying Your Products: Always confirm that your goods fall under Class 17 before filing. Class 17 covers rubber, plastics in semi-processed form, and insulation materials. It also includes packing and sealing materials. Do not confuse it with Class 1 for chemicals, Class 19 for building materials, or Class 6 for metal products.
- Using Broad or Vague Descriptions: Generic terms like “plastic materials” or “rubber goods” often attract objections. Use specific descriptions such as “rubber hoses,” “plastic films for industrial use,” “insulating tapes,” or “non-metallic sealing materials.”
- Overlooking Multi-Class Registration: Some brands operate across multiple product categories. Filing in only one class can leave parts of your business unprotected. Register in all relevant classes to secure complete trademark protection.
- Choosing Weak or Descriptive Brand Names: Descriptive names like “Strong Rubber Sheets” are difficult to protect. These names lack distinctiveness under trademark law. Choose unique or coined brand names to strengthen your rights under Class 17.
- Neglecting Trademark Searches: Many applicants skip the trademark search step. This mistake often leads to conflicts or objections. Always conduct a proper search before filing under the rubber trademark class, plastic trademark class, or insulation material trademark class.
Avoid common errors and protect your industrial materials brand with confidence. RegisterKaro supports you at every step of Trademark Class 17 India. We ensure accurate filing for rubber, plastic, and insulation products. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Trademark Class 17 in India covers rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica, and goods made from these materials not classified elsewhere. It mainly includes semi-finished rubber and plastic products such as sheets, hoses, pipes, insulation materials, seals, and packing materials. Registering under Class 17 protects industrial material brands, ensures legal ownership, prevents imitation, and builds credibility in manufacturing, construction, and engineering markets.



