Trademark Class 31: Grains, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

“Your reputation grows from the seeds you plant today.”

In India’s thriving agricultural and horticultural sector, this truth defines which brands flourish and which fade into obscurity. You can cultivate high-quality seeds, fresh produce, or livestock products, but your brand is what ensures customers remember you. In a crowded agricultural market, safeguarding your identity through Trademark Class 31 is what turns your hard work into long-term brand value.

Brand protection does more than stop imitators; it builds trust. When buyers recognize your name, logo, or packaging, they connect it with quality, consistency, and ethical practices. Think of this- established brands like Mahyco and Syngenta, and fresh produce brands such as Fresho, stand out clearly. Their branding signals reliability and performance at a glance.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Trademark Class 31 and how to protect your brand effectively.

What is Trademark Class 31?

Trademark Class 31 in India covers unprocessed agricultural, horticultural, forestry, and livestock products. This includes seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, live plants and flowers, and live animals. 

This class is part of the Nice Classification, an international system managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The system organizes goods and services into specific categories to make trademark registration consistent worldwide. Filing under the agricultural products trademark class protects your products legally in India and internationally.

It also protects different types of trademarks, ensuring your seeds, fresh produce, plants, and livestock remain clearly defined and legally secured.

Registering under Trademark Class 31 in India provides your business with several key benefits:

• Protects your brand identity for agricultural, horticultural, or forestry products.
  
• Prevents competitors from using similar names, logos, or brand labels.
  
• Supports expansion into new product lines, markets, or export opportunities.
  
• Safeguards your reputation in a competitive agricultural marketplace.
  
• Builds consumer trust by signaling quality and reliability in your produce or livestock.
  
• Grants legal rights to take action against counterfeiters or infringers.
  
• Creates a long-term brand asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold.

For farmers, agribusinesses, seed producers, and sellers of fresh produce or livestock, Class 31 ensures your brand remains distinctive, trusted, and legally protected.

Products Covered Under Trademark Class 31

Trademark Class 31 covers natural, live, and unprocessed agricultural products. It includes seeds, fresh produce, plants, livestock, and related goods essential to farming and horticulture. Knowing what falls under this class helps farmers and agribusinesses protect the right products and strengthen their brand identity.

The table below outlines the main categories of products covered under Trademark Class 31, along with common examples for easy reference:

Key products covered under this class include:

Category	Examples
Seeds	Vegetable seeds, flower seeds, cereal seeds, herb seeds
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Apples, bananas, tomatoes, leafy greens, berries
Grains and cereals (unprocessed)	Rice, wheat, corn, barley, oats
Livestock and live animals	Cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, bees, horses
Live plants and flowers	Ornamental plants, shrubs, saplings, and flowering plants
Horticultural produce (fresh/unprocessed)	Fresh herbs, spices, mushrooms, tubers, bulbs
Fresh spices (unprocessed)	Turmeric, ginger, pepper, cardamom
Forestry products (live)	Live trees, seedlings, saplings, ornamental trees, shrubs
Natural food products	Fresh nuts, legumes, raw agricultural produce
Agricultural raw materials	Straw, hay, fodder, unprocessed cereals
Live trees and shrubs	Fruit-bearing trees, flowering shrubs, decorative plants
Fresh aromatic and medicinal plants	Basil, mint, coriander, lemongrass

Want to protect your agricultural or horticultural products under the right trademark class? RegisterKaro simplifies Trademark Class 31 registration with expert guidance. Our smooth, stress-free process lets your brand grow securely while you focus on your business. 

What is Not Covered Under Trademark Class 31?

While Trademark Class 31 protects raw and unprocessed agricultural, horticultural, forestry, and livestock products, it does not extend to certain items or services. Knowing what falls outside this class is essential for proper registration and full legal protection for your brand.

Some products and services not included under Class 31 are:

• Processed or packaged food products: Canned fruits, packaged snacks, dairy products, or processed grains. (Class 29, 30)
  
• Beverages: Juices, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, or spirits. (Class 32, 33)
  
• Agricultural machinery or powered equipment: Tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, or powered gardening tools. (Class 7,11)
  
• Chemicals and fertilizers: Fertilizers, pesticides, or chemical treatments for crops. (Class 1)
  
• Clothing or footwear for agricultural use: Agricultural workwear, boots, gloves, or protective gear. (Class 25)
  
• Veterinary medicines and supplements: Medical treatments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and medicated supplements. (Class 5).
  
• Services related to agriculture or forestry: Consultancy, landscaping, or farming services. (Class 35/44)

Many established brands operate across multiple product categories. They therefore register trademarks under more than one class. For example, ITC Limited spans several stages of the value chain. It handles fresh agricultural produce (Class 31), packaged foods like Aashirvaad and Sunfeast (Class 29 & 30), beverages such as B Natural (Class 32), and cigarettes (Class 34).

How to Register Under Trademark Class 31 in India?

Your hard work in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or livestock deserves recognition and legal protection. Registering under Trademark Class 31 ensures your brand, logo, and products are uniquely yours. It stops others from copying your identity and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Follow these steps to secure your brand efficiently and confidently:

Step 1: Choose a Distinct Brand Name and Logo

• Pick a name that is unique, memorable, and easy to pronounce.
  
• Avoid generic terms like “Seeds,” “Fruits,” or “Livestock” without any distinctive element.
  
• Design a logo that clearly represents your products and stands out in the agricultural or horticultural market.
  
• Ensure your brand identity reflects the type of goods you offer, whether it’s fresh produce, seeds, plants, or livestock.

Estimated timeline: 1–2 weeks

Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search

• Check the Indian Trademark Registry online for existing trademarks under Class 31.
  
• If you plan to sell internationally, search WIPO’s global database as well.
  
• Look for similar names, logos, or product designs to avoid conflicts.

Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s free online trademark search tool to check if your desired name or logo is available.

Estimated timeline: 1 week

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application

• File your application through the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) portal.
  
• Include key details:
  
  • Applicant name and address
    
  • Trademark representation (name, logo, or combination)
    
  • List of products covered under Class 31
    
  • Applicable filing fees
    
• Double-check all documents for accuracy before submission.

Estimated timeline: 1–2 weeks

Step 4: Respond to Trademark Examination

• The trademark office reviews your application for conflicts or inconsistencies.
  
• They may raise objections if a similar trademark exists or if the application is incomplete.
  
• Respond to any queries or objections within the given timeframe, usually 1–3 months.

You must respond to trademark objections within the given time, or your application may be abandoned.

Estimated timeline: 1–3 months

Step 5: Monitor Publication and Opposition

• Once the application passes examination, the CGPDTM publishes it in the Trademark Journal.
  
• Third parties have four months to file an opposition if they believe your trademark conflicts with theirs.
  
• If no opposition is filed, or if the opposition is resolved in your favor, your trademark moves to registration.

Estimated timeline: 4–6 months

Step 6: Receive Your Trademark Certificate

• After approval, you receive a registration certificate for your Class 31 trademark.
  
• This certificate grants you exclusive rights over your agricultural or horticultural products.
  
• It can be used to take legal action against imitators.

Estimated timeline: 1–2 months after the opposition period

Step 7: Renew Your Trademark on Time

• Use the “®” symbol to show your exclusive rights.
  
• As your trademark remains valid for 10 years, remember to renew your trademark every decade to maintain protection.

The trademark registration fee for Class 31 in India is approximately ₹4,500 per class for individuals or startups. For companies, it is around ₹9,000 per class, and professional service fees may also apply.

Best Practices for Trademark Class 31:

• Conduct a trademark search in Class 31 before applying.
  
• Keep organized records of all filings, responses, and certificates.
  
• Register related trademarks in other classes if you sell additional products.
  
• Consult a professional like RegisterKaro for complex cases or conflicts.
  
• Monitor your brand regularly to prevent and act against trademark infringement.

Protect your agricultural or horticultural brand today with RegisterKaro and grow with confidence. Contact us today! 

Trademark Classes Related to Class 31

Many business owners in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or livestock mistakenly assume that Class 31 alone will protect their entire brand. In reality, different trademark classes may also be relevant depending on the products they cultivate, produce, or sell. Understanding these distinctions ensures comprehensive protection and prevents gaps in legal coverage.

To fully safeguard your brand, it’s important to know which additional classes might apply to your range of products:

Trademark Class	Products/Services Covered	How it Differs from Class 31
Class 1	Chemicals for agriculture, fertilizers, pesticides	Class 31 covers raw agricultural or horticultural products, whereas Class 1 applies to chemical preparations used in farming.
Class 5	Processed or packaged food products, dairy items, and edible oils	Includes medicines, supplements, and veterinary treatments; Class 31 protects live animals, seeds, and fresh produce.
Class 29	Processed or packaged food products, dairy items, edible oils	Class 31 protects unprocessed or raw agricultural goods; Class 29 focuses on processed and packaged food products.
Class 30	Coffee, tea, spices, bakery products, cereals	Protects consumable products; Class 31 applies to the raw materials, seeds, and fresh produce used to make these items.
Class 32	Non-alcoholic beverages	Covers bottled juices, soft drinks, or mineral water; Class 31 protects the raw fruits, herbs, or grains used to make beverages.
Class 33	Alcoholic drinks	Protects wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages; Class 31 protects the raw ingredients like grapes, barley, or other crops.
Class 44	Agricultural consultancy or farming services	Includes services related to agriculture, horticulture, or forestry; Class 31 covers tangible products only.

Tip: If your business spans multiple categories, such as fresh produce, seeds, processed foods, or beverages, it’s advisable to file under all relevant trademark classes. This ensures your brand and products are fully protected against imitation or misuse.

Common Class 31 Trademark Filing Mistakes and How to Overcome Them

Registering a trademark under Class 31 may seem straightforward, but many agricultural, horticultural, forestry, and livestock businesses encounter delays or limited protection due to avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Using General or Unspecific Terms: Filing with broad terms like “fresh produce” or “agricultural products” can trigger objections. Clearly specify the products your business offers, such as seeds, live plants, fruits, vegetables, grains, or livestock. Including all relevant items ensures complete protection.

2. Skipping a Comprehensive Trademark Search: Failing to check for existing trademarks can lead to conflicts, objections, or delays. Thoroughly search the Indian Trademark Registry and global databases like WIPO to ensure your brand is unique.

3. Ignoring Future Product Plans: Listing only current items may force you to file multiple applications later. Include upcoming products, like new seed varieties, crop types, or livestock breeds, to cover future business expansion.

4. Choosing the Wrong Class: Class 31 covers raw agricultural, horticultural, forestry, and livestock products. Processed foods, beverages, or agricultural chemicals fall under separate classes. Filing in the wrong class may leave parts of your business unprotected. Identify all the product categories your business covers and file in all relevant classes to ensure complete protection.

5. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Errors in application forms, missing details, or unclear logo images can delay approval. Double-check all information, including product lists, applicant details, and trademark representation.

6. Avoiding Professional Assistance: Filing without guidance can lead to objections, delays, or rejection. Consulting a trademark attorney or a trusted filing service ensures smoother processing and stronger protection.

Following these tips helps you register your Class 31 trademark efficiently, maintain strong legal rights, and reduce the risk of disputes, imitation, or brand misuse.

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