Trademark Class 21 under the NICE Classification covers household and kitchen utensils, cookware, bakeware, tableware, glassware, ceramics, storage containers, manual kitchen tools, and personal care utensils (combs, hairbrushes, cosmetic brushes). It does not cover cutlery (Class 8), electric appliances (Class 7 / 11), or utensils made of precious metals (Class 14). The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class for companies, LLPs, and partnership firms.
Class 21 is one of 45 trademark classes under the NICE Classification (NCL), maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Nice Agreement, 1957, and adopted by India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Some of India’s leading household brands — including Milton, Prestige, Borosil, Tupperware, Hawkins, Cello, Pigeon, and La Opala — protect their brand identity under Class 21.
Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of household and kitchen goods must file under the correct trademark class to secure full legal protection. Use a trademark class search tool to confirm Class 21 fits your goods before filing.
Latest Update: This guide reflects the NICE Classification 13th Edition (NCL 13-2026), effective 1 January 2026. Under this edition, electric toothbrushes have moved from Class 10 to Class 21, and tongue scrapers have also moved from Class 10 to Class 21. Additionally, irrigation hose nozzles have moved out of Class 21 to Class 17. NCL 12-2025 governs applications filed before 1 January 2026.
Trademark Class 21: Quick Facts
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Class Number | 21 |
| Type | Goods |
| Covers | Household utensils, cookware, tableware, glassware, ceramics, storage containers, manual kitchen tools, and personal care utensils |
| Excludes | Cutlery (Class 8), electric appliances (Class 7/11), precious metal utensils (Class 14), furniture (Class 20) |
| Governing Law | Trade Marks Act, 1999 |
| Classification System | NICE Classification (12th Edition, version 2026) |
| Filing Form | Form TM-A |
| Government Fee | ₹4,500 (individual / startup / MSME) or ₹9,000 (company / LLP) per class |
| Validity | 10 years from the date of filing |
| Renewal | Form TM-R, renewable indefinitely every 10 years |
| Filing Mode | Online via the IP India e-filing portal |
What is Trademark Class 21?
Trademark Class 21 covers household utensils, kitchenware, cookware, tableware, glassware, ceramics, and similar domestic goods under the NICE Classification. It is a goods class, meaning it protects physical products rather than services.
For manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of household products in India, trademark registration under Class 21 provides the following:
- Exclusive legal rights over your brand name and logo for household and kitchen products.
- Legal grounds to act against counterfeiters, imitators, or infringers.
- Protection across both domestic and international markets.
- A registered brand asset that can be licensed or transferred.
Knowing different types of trademarks before filing ensures your kitchenware and household products are correctly classified and fully protected. Brands like Milton, Prestige, Borosil, and Tupperware hold Class 21 registrations; their instant market recognition is built on legally protected brand identities.
Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 21?
Class 21 is the right choice if your business manufactures, distributes, or sells any of the following:
- Cookware and kitchenware brands: Pots, pans, pressure cookers, and non-electric kitchen tools
- Tableware and dining brands: Plates, bowls, glasses, and serving dishes
- Storage and container brands: Food storage boxes, canisters, airtight containers, and kitchen organisers
- Glassware and ceramics brands: Drinking glasses, mugs, vases, and decorative ceramic items
- Household cleaning tool brands: Brushes, mops, dustpans, and sponges
- Personal care utensil brands: Combs, hairbrushes, cosmetic brushes, and powder puffs
- E-commerce sellers of household goods: Online sellers on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho
Products Covered Under Trademark Class 21
Trademark Class 21 in India protects a wide range of household and kitchen products.
The table below summarises the key categories and examples:
| Category | Examples |
| Cookware and Bakeware | Pots, pans, baking trays, pressure cookers, and non-electric cookware |
| Kitchen Utensils and Tools | Spoons, spatulas, peelers, graters, and non-electric culinary tools |
| Tableware and Dining Items | Plates, bowls, glasses, serving dishes, and sets |
| Storage Containers and Jars | Food storage boxes, canisters, bottles, and kitchen organizers |
| Glassware and Ceramics | Drinking glasses, mugs, vases, decorative and ceramic household items |
| Household Cleaning Tools | Brushes, dustpans, mops, sponges, steel wool, and non-electric cleaning utensils |
| Manual Kitchen Apparatus | Hand-operated grinders, garlic presses, nutcrackers, pestles, and mortars |
| Bathroom Accessories | Soap dishes, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, toilet brushes, and electric dental care tools |
| Decorative Household Items | Decorative ceramics, porcelain figures, ornamental containers |
| Pet-related Domestic Products | Non-electric feeding bowls and household accessories for pets |
| Soap dishes, soap dispensers, electric toothbrushes, toothbrush holders, toilet brushes | Kitchen organizers, spice holders, jars, airtight containers |
| Outdoor and Garden Items | Watering cans, planters, decorative garden containers |
| Dining and Serving Accessories | Trays, serving utensils, portable food containers, buffet accessories |
| Personal Care Utensils | Combs, hair brushes, cosmetic brushes, powder puffs, make-up sponges |
| NCL 13-2026 Additions | Electric toothbrushes, tongue scrapers |
Note: Cutlery (forks, knives, and spoons) is excluded from Class 21 and falls under Class 8. Electric kitchen appliances (kettles, toasters, microwaves) belong to Class 11. Industrial kitchen machines fall under Class 7. Utensils made of precious metals (gold, silver) are classified under Class 14.
Registering under the correct trademark class list ensures your products are fully protected and reduces the risk of objections during examination.
What is Not Covered Under Trademark Class 21?
While Class 21 protects a broad range of household and kitchen products, the following items are explicitly excluded:
| Product Type | Correct Class |
| Cutlery, including forks, knives, and spoons | Class 8 |
| Cleaning preparations, detergents, and soaps | Class 3 |
| Electric domestic appliances such as kettles, toasters, and microwaves | Class 11 |
| Electric motors and industrial kitchen machines | Class 7 |
| Furniture and large home fixtures such as beds, sofas, and cabinets | Class 20 |
| Packaged food, dairy products, and edible oils | Class 29 |
| Coffee, tea, spices, and bakery products | Class 30 |
| Non-alcoholic beverages such as juices and soft drinks | Class 32 |
| Alcoholic drinks, including wine, beer, and spirits | Class 33 |
| Clothing, footwear, and fashion accessories | Class 25 |
| Medical devices and healthcare instruments | Class 10 |
| Healthcare and wellness services | Class 44 |
| Cleaning, repair, and home maintenance services | Class 37 |
| Utensils made of precious metals such as gold or silver | Class 14 |
Tip: If your business spans multiple categories (e.g., cookware + electric appliances + cleaning chemicals), file under all relevant trademark classes through a multi-class application. This approach ensures your brand is fully protected from imitation across product lines.
Registering under the correct class ensures smooth processing and comprehensive protection for your brand. If your business spans products in different classes, you may need to file under multiple classes. For example, Milton sells kitchenware, water bottles, and tiffin boxes (all Class 21), but also operates retail stores and an e-commerce platform, which require additional protection under Class 35 (retail and online retail services). Similarly, Prestige sells pressure cookers and cookware under Class 21, while its electric kitchen appliances (induction cooktops, OTGs, electric kettles) are registered under Class 11.
How to Register Under Trademark Class 21 in India?
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the trademark registration process under Class 21 in India:
1: Trademark Search
Before filing, verify whether a similar mark already exists under Class 21:
- Visit the IP India Trademark Public Search portal or run a professional trademark search for deeper analysis across phonetic and device-mark variations
- Confirm Class 21 fits your goods using a trademark class search tool
- If you plan to sell internationally, also check WIPO’s Global Brand Database
- Enter your brand name or relevant keyword, and review identical or similar marks and their status
2: Complete Filing Process
After completing the trademark search, proceed with the formal application and registration stages:
Step 1: Prepare the Application
Gather all applicant details and finalize your trademark logo or wordmark. Draft a precise description of your goods under Class 21. If applicable, note the date of first use in commerce.
Step 2: File Form TM-A
Submit Form TM-A online through the IP India e-filing portal. Ensure Class 21 is correctly selected and pay the prescribed government fee at the time of submission. You may use the ™ symbol immediately upon filing.
Step 3: Examination by the Trademark Office
The Trademark Examiner reviews your application for correct classification, distinctiveness, and potential conflicts with existing registered marks.
Step 4: Reply to the Examination Report
If objections are raised under Section 9 (absolute grounds) or Section 11 (relative grounds) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the applicant must file a written reply within 30 days of receiving the Examination Report. If further clarification is required, a hearing notice is issued with a scheduled date. A well-drafted trademark objection reply backed by legal arguments and supporting evidence significantly improves the chances of acceptance.
Step 5: Publication in the Trademark Journal
Once accepted, the mark is published in the official Trademark Journal. From the date of publication, third parties have 4 months to file a Notice of Opposition under Sections 21–22 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999. If no opposition is received, the mark proceeds to registration. If an opposition is filed, the applicant must respond through counter-statements and evidence, handled through professional trademark opposition defence.
Step 6: Registration and Certificate
Upon successful registration, a certificate is issued, and you may begin using the ® symbol. The trademark remains valid for 10 years from the date of registration. File for trademark renewal before expiry to maintain continuous protection indefinitely in 10-year increments.
Regularly monitor your brand to detect and act against trademark infringement.
Government fees applicable:
| Applicant Type | Fee Per Class (Online) | Fee Per Class (Physical) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Startup (with DPIIT recognition) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| MSME (with Udyam registration) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership Firm | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
Fees apply per class at the time of filing Form TM-A. A multi-class application (e.g., Class 21 + Class 11 + Class 35) attracts the per-class fee × number of classes. Professional fees, if engaged, are additional.
Note: Government fees are subject to change. Always verify the latest fee structure on the official IP India website before filing.
Class 21 Trademark Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many household product and kitchenware businesses face delays or limited protection due to avoidable filing errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Using Vague Product Descriptions: Filing with broad terms like “kitchenware” or “household items” frequently triggers objections. Use precise terms such as “non-electric pressure cookers” or “ceramic serving bowls” and include upcoming product lines to cover future growth.
2. Skipping a Comprehensive Trademark Search: Failing to check for existing marks is one of the most common causes of rejections. Search the Indian Trademark Registry and WIPO’s global database before filing.
3. Filing Under the Wrong Class: Including electric appliances, cutlery, or furniture in a Class 21 application is a common error. These belong to Class 11, Class 8, and Class 20, respectively. Use the trademark class search tool to verify correct classification.
4. Submitting Incomplete Documentation: Errors in application forms or unclear logo images cause unnecessary delays. Review the complete list of documents required for trademark registration and double-check all details before submission.
5. Missing the Examination Report Deadline: Failing to reply to an examination report within 30 days can result in abandonment. Monitor your application status regularly and respond to any trademark objection on time.
Not sure whether your household products are correctly classified under Class 21? Our trademark experts at RegisterKaro can guide you through the entire filing process. Contact us today to get started.
