Trademark Class 35 under the NICE Classification protects services related to advertising, business management, business administration, office functions, retail, and online marketplace services. It is one of the most filed trademark classes in India because it covers e-commerce platforms, advertising agencies, retail brands, consultancies, and franchise operations. The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups (DPIIT-recognized), and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class for companies, LLPs, and partnership firms.
Class 35 is one of the 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. Service-based businesses must file under the correct class to ensure proper trademark protection. Use a trademark class search tool to verify Class 35 fits your services before filing.
Latest Update: This guide reflects the NICE Classification 13th Edition (NCL 13-2026), which becomes effective on 1 January 2026 for all new trademark applications in India. Applications filed before this date continue under NCL 12-2025.
The 13th Edition adds two new Class 35 entries: retail services for optical goods and subscription management services for multimedia content.
What Services Fall Under Class 35: Detailed Breakdown
Class 35 of the trademark covers a wide range of business-related services. Businesses need to know which services fall under this category. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major types of services:
1. Advertising, Marketing & Promotional Services
Class 35 in trademark includes services that help businesses promote their products and services:
- Advertising and publicity
- Production of advertising films
- Outdoor bill-posting
- Distribution of publicity material
- Writing of publicity texts
- Rental of advertising space
- Pay-per-click advertising
- Online advertising on a computer network
- Search engine optimisation
- Website traffic optimisation
- Radio advertising
- Television advertising
- Direct mail advertising
2. Business Management, Consultancy & Administrative Services
Class 35 trademark in India protects consultancy and management services that enhance business efficiency:
- Business management consultancy
- Business organization consultancy
- Business efficiency expert services
- Outsourcing services
- Secretarial services
- Payroll preparation
- Typing and transcription
- Book-keeping
- Market research
- Business research
- Data compilation into computer databases
- Commercial intermediation services
- Procurement services for others
- Consumer and business information services
3. Retail, Wholesale & E-commerce / Marketplace Services
Trademark Class 35 covers services related to selling goods without transporting them:
- Retail services for goods
- Wholesale services for goods
- Mail order services
- Provision of an online marketplace for buyers and sellers
- Presentation of goods on communication media for retail purposes
- Price comparison services
4. Human Resource, Recruitment & Related Services
Class 35 of the trademark covers services related to HR and personnel management:
- Employment agencies
- Personnel recruitment
- Personnel management consultancy
- Payroll preparation
- Psychological testing for the selection of personnel
- Outsourcing services
5. Other Business-Support Services & Specialized Functions
Class 35 in trademark also includes specialized business support services:
- Organisation of trade fairs for commercial or advertising purposes
- Organisation of exhibitions for commercial or advertising purposes
- Import/export agencies
- Commercial administration of the licensing of goods and services of others
- Systemization of information into computer databases
- Sponsorship search
- Public relations
- Economic forecasting
Identifying the correct category from the trademark class list is the first step toward building a legally protected brand. For service-based businesses, filing under the right class ensures that competitors cannot use a similar mark for the same services.
A proper trademark registration under Class 35 gives your business exclusive rights over its identity, whether you operate locally in India or expand into international markets.
Complete Trademark Class 35 Services List
The following is the complete official list of services under Trademark Class 35 as per the NICE Classification (NCL 13-2026). Your service description when filing should closely match one or more entries from this list.
| Alphabet | Key Services |
| A | Advertising/publicity, Advertising agencies, Advertising by mail order, Advisory services for business management, Auctioneering |
| B | Book-keeping, Business management consultancy, Business auditing, Business research, Business efficiency expert services |
| C | Commercial intermediation services, Compilation of statistics, Computerized file management, Cost price analysis, Competitive intelligence services |
| D | Data search in computer files, Design of advertising materials, Direct mail advertising, Distribution of samples |
| E | Economic forecasting, Employment agencies |
| I | Import-export agencies, Invoicing |
| L | Layout services for advertising purposes |
| M | Marketing, Marketing research, Marketing studies, Modelling for advertising or sales promotion |
| N | Negotiation of commercial transactions for third parties, News clipping services |
| O | Online advertising, Opinion polling, Organization of trade fairs, Organization of exhibitions, Outsourcing services |
| P | Pay per click advertising, Payroll preparation, Personnel recruitment, Price comparison services, Public relations |
| R | Radio advertising, Rental of advertising space, Retail services for optical goods, Relocation services for businesses |
| S | Sales promotion for others, Search engine optimization, Secretarial services, Sponsorship search, Subscription services to multimedia content |
| T | Tax filing services, Telemarketing services, Television advertising, Transcription of communications, Typing |
| U | Updating and maintenance of data in computer databases |
| W | Website traffic optimization, Word processing, Writing of publicity texts |
Note: Choose only the entries relevant to your business. The IP India Trademark Registry often objects to vague descriptions.
Class 35 vs Related Trademark Classes
Many service businesses confuse Class 35 with other classes. Here’s a quick guide to where related services fall:
| Class | Covers | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class 35 | Advertising, business management, retail, e-commerce, and office functions | Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, Google Ads |
| Class 36 | Banking, insurance, financial services, real estate, fintech | HDFC, ICICI, Razorpay, LIC |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet access | Airtel, Jio, Vi |
| Class 39 | Transport, logistics, warehousing, and courier services | DHL, FedEx, Delhivery |
| Class 41 | Education, training, entertainment, publishing | BYJU’S, Netflix, Unacademy |
| Class 42 | Scientific & IT services, software development, SaaS, AIaaS | Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, OpenAI |
| Class 45 | Legal services, security services, and social networking | Law firms, security agencies, and online dating platforms |
What Trademark Class 35 Does Not Cover?
While trademark registration Class 35 protects business, management, and advertising services, it does not cover services unrelated to business or industrial enterprise management. The following are explicitly excluded:
- Financial and insurance services: Services such as banking, investment management, and insurance. These fall under Class 36.
- Telecommunication network and broadcasting transmission services: Services such as operating telecom networks and broadcasting infrastructure. These belong to Class 38.
- Warehousing and logistics services: Services such as storage, freight, and transportation of goods. These fall under Class 39.
- Software development and programming services: Services such as building applications, coding, and technical IT development. These belong to Class 42.
- Scientific research services: Services involving laboratory research or technical experimentation unrelated to business operations. These fall under Class 42.
- Education and training services: Services such as coaching, workshops, and professional training programmes. These fall under Class 41.
- Legal services: Services such as legal advisory, drafting of contracts, and litigation support. These fall under Class 45.
Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 35?
Any business whose core offering involves managing, promoting, or facilitating commercial activity should consider filing under Class 35. The following types of businesses typically qualify:
- Retail and Wholesale Businesses: Physical stores and online platforms that bring together goods for customers. Businesses operating online should also explore e-commerce trademark registration to safeguard their brand across digital marketplaces.
- Advertising and Marketing Agencies: Businesses offering digital advertising, sales promotion, outdoor advertising, and search engine optimisation services.
- Business Consulting and Advisory Firms: Management consultancies, operational strategy firms, and HR consultancy businesses.
- Administrative and Office Support Services: Businesses offering secretarial services, payroll preparation, document management, and transcription services.
- Franchise and Licensing Operations: Businesses involved in the commercial administration of franchise operations or the licensing of goods and services of others.
- Import and Export Agencies: Agencies facilitating commercial intermediation and procurement services between markets.
- Online Marketplaces and Aggregator Platforms: Platforms that list, promote, or connect buyers and sellers of third-party products or services.
- Book-keeping and Non-financial Auditing Services: Administrative book-keeping and non-financial business auditing. Note that financial auditing falls under Class 36.
Class 35 registration gives your business exclusive rights over its service identity and prevents competitors from using a similar mark.
Documents Required for Class 35 Trademark Filing
To file a Class 35 trademark in India, you typically need the following documents:
- Applicant Details: Name, address, and type of applicant, such as individual, startup, or company.
- Trademark Representation: Logo, wordmark, or tagline to be registered.
- Description of Services: A precise list of services to be protected under Class 35.
- Power of Attorney: Required if filing through a trademark agent or attorney.
- Proof of Use: Evidence of prior use of the mark in commerce, if the mark is already in use.
- Business Registration Documents: Certificate of Incorporation for companies, Udyam Registration Certificate for MSMEs, or Partnership Deed for partnership firms.
How to Register Class 35 Trademark in India? Stepwise Guide for Entrepreneurs
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the trademark registration process under Class 35 in India:
1. Trademark Search
Before filing, check whether a similar mark already exists for the same services.
- Visit the IP India Trademark Public Search portal or use the RegisterKaro Trademark Search tool.
- Select Class 35 from the services category.
- Enter your brand name or relevant keyword.
- Review results for identical or similar marks and check their status.
2. Complete Filing Process
Follow the step-by-step process below for successful filing:
Step 1: Prepare the Application
Collect applicant details, finalise your trademark logo or wordmark, prepare a precise service description under Class 35, and mention the date of first use if applicable.
Step 2: File Form TM-A
Submit Form TM-A online through the IP India portal. Select Class 35 carefully and pay the prescribed government fee. You may use the ™ symbol immediately after filing.
Step 3: Examination by the Trademark Office
The Trademark Examiner reviews your application for correct classification, distinctiveness, and conflicts with existing marks.
Step 4: Reply to the Examination Report
If the examiner raises objections, you must file a written reply within 30 days of receiving the report. If further clarification is required, the examiner issues a hearing notice with a scheduled date for you to attend or respond.
Step 5: Publication in the Trademark Journal
If accepted, the Trademark Office publishes your mark in the Trademark Journal. The public has four months to file any opposition. If no one opposes it, the authority proceeds to register the trademark.
Step 6: Registration and Certificate
Once registered, a registration certificate is issued, and you may use the ® symbol.
3. Pay the Fees
Government fees applicable:
| Applicant Type | Fee Per Class |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | Rs. 4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Other Entities | Rs. 9,000 |
This fee applies per class and is paid at the time of submitting Form TM-A. If you take professional assistance, then additional fees may apply.
Class 35 Trademark Examples: Global Brands
Many well-known global brands protect their business and advertising services under Class 35. These examples show what services typically fall under Class 35 and how companies use them.
1. Amazon
Amazon is a major global e-commerce company. It protects its name under Class 35 for:
- Online retail and wholesale store services
- Marketplace listing and promotion
- Online advertising and marketing support
- Consumer data analysis
- Business intermediary services
This strategy prevents copycats from misusing Amazon’s identity in online retail.
2. Deloitte
Deloitte is a large consulting firm. Its Class 35 registration covers:
- Business consulting
- Market research and analysis
- Administrative and advisory services
- Non-financial auditing
- Business reports
This protects Deloitte’s identity in the consulting and advisory industry.
3. Google
Google uses Class 35 to safeguard its advertising and business services. These include:
- Online ads (Google Ads)
- Marketing and promotional solutions
- Business data analysis
- Website traffic insights
- Advertising tools and platforms
This ensures no one else can use the Google name for similar services.
4. IBM
IBM protects several business-support services under Class 35, such as:
- Business consulting
- Outsourcing and process management
- Data processing support
- Market analysis
- Business management assistance
Class 35 helps IBM secure its enterprise-service identity.
5. Accenture
Accenture safeguards its brand for:
- Management consulting
- Outsourcing and process optimisation
- HR and staffing support
- Market and business research
- Advisory services
This ensures its consulting operations are fully protected.
6. KPMG
KPMG holds Class 35 rights for:
- Business consulting
- Advisory and administrative support
- Market analysis
- Business audits (non-financial)
- Organisational management services
This protects the firm’s service-based branding.
7. PwC
PwC uses Class 35 to protect:
- Business strategy consulting
- HR and organisational services
- Market research
- Non-financial auditing
- Business advisory services
This gives PwC exclusive rights over its consulting identity.
These Trademark Class 35 examples show how brands secure their business, advertising, and consulting services under one Class.
Still unsure whether your business services fall under Trademark Class 35? Our trademark experts at RegisterKaro can help you identify the right class and file your application correctly. Contact us today to get started!
