Trademark Class 35: Advertising, Business & Consulting Services

You’ve just launched a brilliant business, a boutique marketing consultancy, an e-commerce platform, or a cutting-edge startup. Your brand name starts gaining attention. But one day, you discover another company using a similar name for the same services. Your hard work, your reputation, and your unique identity are suddenly at risk. This is where trademark Class 35 becomes a game-changer.

A trademark Class is a legal category used to classify goods and services for trademark registration. It ensures that your brand is protected in the exact area you operate. Choosing the right Class is crucial. A trademark only provides legal protection within the Class it is registered under.

Class 35 of trademarks specifically covers business-related services, including advertising, management, consultancy, and commercial administration. This includes services under Class 35, such as business consulting, marketing, retail management, and office administration.

For Indian businesses, startups, e-commerce platforms, and service providers, registering under the Class 35 trademark in India helps:

• Protect your brand from competitors
  
• Build credibility with clients and partners
  
• Ensure exclusive rights to your business name and identity
  
• Strengthen your market presence in a competitive environment

In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about trademark Class 35 and how it can benefit your business.

WIPO / Nice Classification & Indian Trademark Regime 

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a United Nations agency that helps countries protect intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and designs. It works on a global scale to ensure IP protection.

To make trademark registration more consistent internationally, WIPO developed the Nice Classification system. This system organizes goods and services into 45 classes: 34 for goods and 11 for services. Each Class groups similar types of goods or services together. This helps trademark offices determine whether two brands can coexist without confusion.

Class 35 includes services that support the operation and management of businesses. In India, the Trademark Registry follows the Nice Classification. This means Class 35 in India aligns with the WIPO-defined category. Correctly classifying your services ensures your trademark receives full protection. It also reduces the risk of disputes, rejections, or limited rights.

Platforms like RegisterKaro emphasize that accurate use of trademark classes is key to safeguarding your brand. This applies both nationally and internationally.

Key takeaway: Choosing the right trademark Class 35 during application safeguards your brand, ensures legal rights, and prevents conflicts with other businesses.

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 across print, digital, television, radio, and mail order.
  
• Production of advertising films, outdoor bill-posting, distribution of publicity material, copywriting, and ad-space rental.
  
• Digital marketing services, including SEO/SEM, online advertising, and website traffic optimization. These are especially crucial for Indian e-commerce and online businesses.

2. Business Management, Consultancy & Administrative Services

Class 35 trademark India protects consultancy and management services that enhance business efficiency:

• Business management consultancy, business organization consultancy, and business efficiency consultancy.
  
• Outsourcing services, administrative/business assistance, secretarial services, and payroll preparation. It also includes office-function services like data maintenance, typing, transcription, and bookkeeping.
  
• Market research, business research, data compilation, commercial intermediation, and procurement services. This also includes consumer and business information services.

3. Retail, Wholesale & E-commerce / Marketplace Services

Trademark Class 35 covers services related to selling goods without transporting them:

• Bringing together goods for customer purchase through retail stores, wholesale outlets, mail orders, electronic media, or online marketplaces.
  
• Operation of online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and web-based catalogues/shops. This is highly relevant for Indian sellers on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Shopify.

4. Human Resource, Recruitment & Related Services

Class 35 of the trademark covers services related to HR and personnel management:

• Employment agencies, recruitment services, staffing, labor outsourcing, and HR consultancy.
  
• Office-function services connected to recruitment, payroll management, and personnel consultancy.

5. Other Business-Support Services & Specialized Functions

Class 35 in trademark also includes specialized business support services:

• Organization of trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, and events for advertising or business promotion.
  
• Import/export agencies, commercial intermediation, and licensing administration for others.
  
• Business information services, commercial documentation, database management, and online business information portals.

Secure Your Brand with RegisterKaro. Classify your services under Class 35 and protect your trademark nationally and internationally.

What Class 35 Does Not Cover: Common Mistakes & Misconceptions

While trademark registration Class 35 protects business, management, and advertising services, it does not cover services unrelated to business or industrial enterprise management. For example:

• Purely technical consultancy or engineering reports.
  
• Scientific research or technical services unrelated to business operations.

Certain services belong to other trademark classes and should not be registered under Class 35:

• Financial or insurance services → Class 36
  
• Telecommunications or broadcasting services → Class 38
  
• Warehousing and logistics services → Class 39
  
• Technical, computer, or software services → Class 42
  
• Legal services → Class 45

A common mistake is assuming any support service falls under Class 35. It is important to distinguish between:

• Core business operations (which fall under Class 35)
  
• Support services, such as advertising, business-management assistance, or promotion

Before filing, it is recommended to perform a trademark search in Class 35. This helps ensure your business services truly fall under the Indian trademark Class 35 and reduces the risk of rejection or disputes.

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 35?

You should register under Trademark Class 35 if your business provides services that fall under this Class. Typical examples include:

• Retail and Wholesale Services: For any type of goods. This applies to both physical stores and online platforms, such as supermarkets. Owners of online stores should consider e-commerce trademark registration to protect their brand name and maintain marketplace credibility.
  
• Marketing, Branding, and Promotional Services: Includes digital advertising, content marketing, influencer promotions, and event marketing.
  
• Business Consulting and Advisory Services: Examples include management consultancy, HR consultancy, and operational strategy firms.
  
• Office Functions and Administrative Services: Covers virtual assistance, document management, payroll processing, and administrative support.
  
• Franchise and Dealership Operations: Involves brand management or product distribution services.
  
• Import-Export Agencies and Distribution Networks: Services that handle bringing goods to the market.
  
• Online Marketplaces and Aggregator Platforms: Platforms that list or promote third-party products or services.
  
• Data Processing, Auditing, and Accounting Services: Non-financial auditing and administrative data processing fall under Class 35, but financial auditing does not.

For any service-providing business, registering under Trademark Class 35 ensures legal protection for your brand. It also prevents others from using your service names or business identity.

How to Register Class 35 Trademark in India: Stepwise Guide for Entrepreneurs

This guide walks you through every step, from conducting a preliminary search to filing your application, while highlighting common mistakes and best practices.

Step 1: Conduct a Preliminary Trademark Search

Before applying, it is important to check if your brand or service name is available.

• Use the official Indian trademark search portal (ipindia.gov.in) to verify availability.
  
• Conduct a trademark name search in Class 35 specifically to check for similar or identical marks in the same Class.

This helps avoid conflicts and reduces the risk of application rejection.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Description of Services

An accurate service description is crucial for trademark Class 35 services.

• Declare your services clearly under Class 35.
  
• Include all current services offered by your business.
  
• Plan for future expansions (e.g., offline and online services).

A precise description ensures strong legal protection and avoids narrow or limited coverage.

Step 3: Filing the Application

After preparing your description, you can submit your application.

• Apply through the Indian Trademark Registry portal.
  
• Fill out the required forms and pay the prescribed fees.
  
• Ensure all details match your trademark Class for service provider offerings.

Follow the official timelines for examination and publication.

Step 4: Be Prepared for Objections or Rejections

Service-Class applications can face scrutiny, so be ready to respond.

Common issues include:

• Vague or incomplete service descriptions.
  
• Misclassification or selecting the wrong Class.
  
• Conflicts with existing trademarks in the same Class.
  
• Incorrectly classifying services as goods or vice versa.

Step 5: Cost of Trademark Class 35 Registration in India

Government fees for filing a trademark application in India vary based on the type of applicant:

• Individual/Startup/Small Enterprise: ₹4,500 per Class
  
• Other Companies/Entities: ₹9,000 per Class

Additional professional fees may apply if using a trademark attorney or agent.

Step 6: Time Required for Registration

The trademark registration process for Class 35 typically takes 12–18 months under normal circumstances.

• Delays can occur due to objections, oppositions, or incomplete submissions.
  
• Timely responses and clear documentation can help speed up the process.

Step 7: Tips and Best Practices

Following these tips ensures smoother registration for trademark Class 35 services:

• Be specific and detailed in describing your services.
  
• Cover all possible services your business provides.
  
• Plan for business expansion.
  
• Monitor similar or identical marks in the same Class regularly.

For stress-free trademark registration in India, get expert assistance from RegisterKaro today.

Documents Required for Class 35 Trademark Filing

To file a Class 35 trademark in India, you typically need:

• Applicant Details: Name, address, and type of applicant (individual, startup, company).
  
• Trademark Representation: Logo, wordmark, or tagline to be registered.
  
• Description of Services: Detailed list of services to be protected under Class 35.
  
• Power of Attorney: If filing through a trademark agent or attorney.
  
• Proof of Use (if applicable): Evidence showing prior use of the mark in commerce.
  
• Business Registration Documents: Optional, but recommended for companies or startups.

Complete and accurate documents help ensure a smooth Class 35 trademark filing.

Class 35 Trademark List: Real Examples of Global Brands Using Class 35

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.

When Might You Need Additional Classes Alongside Class 35?

You may need to file extra trademark classes with Class 35 if your business activities extend beyond pure business, marketing, or retail services. Common scenarios include:

• If your business manufactures or sells physical goods, you must add the relevant goods Class (e.g., Class 25 for clothing, Class 3 for cosmetics) along with Class 35 for retail or wholesale services.
  
• If your business provides software, IT, or technical services, you may require Class 42 in addition to Class 35.
  
• If your business offers legal, security, or compliance services, you may need to include Class 45 along with Class 35.

Always ensure complete Class coverage to support future expansion and avoid the cost and risk of re-filing later.

Conclusion

Trademark Class 35 plays a pivotal role in protecting the identity of businesses offering advertising, consultancy, retail, marketing, and management services. Registering under this Class ensures your brand remains legally safeguarded, credible, and fully differentiated from competitors. It also gives you exclusive rights over your service-based identity, preventing misuse or imitation.

Whether you run an e-commerce store, a consultancy, a digital marketing agency, or a service-based startup, securing your brand under Class 35 is essential for long-term growth and trust-building. If you want a smooth, accurate, and stress-free trademark registration experience, contact RegisterKaro today and get expert assistance for filing your Class 35 application with complete compliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  What is class 35 in trademark?

Class 35 in trademark covers advertising, business management, business administration, and office functions. The Nice Classification groups these services so that trademarks are classified consistently worldwide. Use Class 35 when your principal offering helps others run, promote, or manage commercial enterprises. Registration protects only the services listed in the Class you file.

2. How do trademark class 35 details apply in India?

India follows the Nice Classification, so trademark Class 35 details in India map to WIPO’s Class 35 heading. Indian examiners treat advertising, retail management, marketing consultancy, and office functions under the same definition. National filing procedures and examinations are handled by the Indian Trademark Registry while using the international Class framework.

3. What is included in the class 35 trademark classification?

Class 35 trademark classification includes promotion, advertising, retail and wholesale services, marketplace operations, business consultancy, HR and recruitment, payroll, bookkeeping, market research, and office functions. It covers services that help operate, administer, or promote commercial enterprises. Use this Class for both physical and online service offerings that support business activity.

4. What should a class 35 trademark description avoid listing?

A Class 35 trademark description should not claim technical, engineering, or scientific activities. Those technical services belong to Class 42. Financial or insurance activities belong to Class 36. Telecommunications and broadcasting fall in Class 38. Logistics and warehousing are Class 39. Misclassifying services causes refusals, narrower protection, or procedural delays.

5. How do I craft an effective class 35 trademark description?

Write precise, concrete phrases naming services you provide now and expect soon. Include online and offline variants, for example, “online marketplace services; retail store services.” Avoid vague wording like “business services” alone. A clear Class 35 trademark description reduces objections and broadens protection for your trademark Class 35 services in India.

6. How do I run a trademark search class 35 before filing?

Use the Indian Trademark Registry’s official search portal first. Search exact names, variants, and phonetic/visual look-alikes. Run a targeted trademark search in Class 35 to spot identical or confusingly similar marks in the same Class. Also, check WIPO and other international databases for cross-border conflicts and document findings before you file.

7. When is adding other classes necessary along with Class 35?

If you manufacture or sell physical products alongside retail services, include the relevant goods classes. Register Class 42 for software, IT services, or technical development. Add Class 45 for legal or security services. Covering all applicable classes from the start prevents the need to re-file later and safeguards your future growth across products and services.

8. What are common objections in class 35 filings?

Examiners often object to vague descriptions, misclassification, and conflicts with existing marks in Class 35. Broad phrases like “business services” invite refusal. Misstating technical services as Class 35 also triggers an objection. Respond with clarified descriptions, evidence of distinct use, and legal arguments or precedents to overcome class-specific objections.

9. How long does trademark registration for Class 35 typically take?

Timelines vary, but standard processing from filing to registration usually ranges around 12–18 months under normal examination. Delays occur with objections, oppositions, or incomplete submissions. Government filing fees vary by applicant type (individual/startup/company). Check the Indian Trademark Registry for current official fees and factor in professional fees for attorney or agent services.

10. Can I register a tagline or slogan under Class 35?

Yes. If a tagline or slogan identifies your services, include it in the Class 35 trademark description tied to specific services. Distinctive slogans register more easily. Purely descriptive phrases risk refusal unless you can prove acquired distinctiveness through substantial use and evidence of public association with your services in India.

11. Can I register for multiple classes?

Yes, you can register in multiple trademark classes if your business provides services or goods across different categories. Filing in multiple classes ensures broader protection and prevents others from registering similar marks in related categories. This is especially useful for businesses planning to expand into new products or services in the future. Proper multi-class registration safeguards your brand comprehensively.

12. What happens after registration?

Once your Class 35 trademark is registered, you gain exclusive rights to use the mark for the services listed in your application. You can legally prevent others from using a similar mark in the same category. The registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Maintaining the mark ensures long-term brand protection and market recognition.

13. Can two businesses have similar Class 35 marks?

Two businesses can only have similar marks if there is no likelihood of consumer confusion. Trademark examiners evaluate similarity in appearance, sound, meaning, and the type of services offered. If the services overlap in the same market, the trademark office usually rejects the application. Proper research and clearance help avoid conflicts and legal disputes.