Trademark Class 4 in India: Industrial Oils, Fuels & Lubricants

Trademark Class 4 focuses on goods that support energy, combustion, and operational efficiency across industries. It includes industrial oils, greases, fuels, and illuminants. Essentially, products powering machinery, maintaining their performance, and providing continuous lighting fall under this class.

For brands operating in this space, correct classification ensures maximum protection and smooth registration. It determines how the application is examined, protected, and enforced during trademark registration. Filing in the wrong class can weaken your rights or delay approval. 

This blog explains how Trademark Class 4 fits into the broader trademark system, who should consider registering under it, and how it strengthens brand protection.

What is Trademark Class 4?

Trademark Class 4 is a goods-based classification under the Nice Classification. Administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it applies to goods that are consumed during use and support energy-related functions. In India, authorities enforce it in line with the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Trademark Registry assesses class 4 applications based on the nature and intended use of the goods, not their type or size. It creates a clear distinction between energy-related consumables and other product categories covered under different trademark classes.

Registering a trademark under Class 4 ensures that the brand receives protection in the correct goods category. Correctly classifying your trademark reduces objections, prevents overlap with other classes, and ensures a smoother examination process.

Trademark registration under Class 4 matters because it:

• Prevents counterfeiting in high-demand energy and industrial goods
• Builds trust in products linked to safety and performance
• Confirms legal ownership and strengthens enforcement
• Limits liability by controlling brand misuse
• Enables secure licensing, distribution, and expansion
• Creates a valuable, long-term brand asset

Trademark Class 4 provides energy-driven businesses with the legal foundation to protect their identity.

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 4?

The following categories show the entities that gain the most by securing their brand in Class 4 of trademarks:

• Fuel Manufacturers and Suppliers: Companies producing petrol, diesel, natural gas, or other industrial fuels should register to secure their brand and prevent imitation.
• Oil and Lubricant Producers: Businesses offering engine oils, industrial greases, or lubricants benefit from exclusive rights to their brand in commercial and industrial use.
• Candle and Illuminant Brands: Producers of functional or decorative lighting products, including candles, wicks, and other illuminants, can safeguard their identity through registration.
• Additive and Energy-Enhancer Companies: Manufacturers of fuel additives or products that improve machine performance should register to prevent confusion and unauthorized use.
• Importers, Exporters, and Private-Label Sellers: Traders handling Class 4 goods across regions or under private labels need registration to protect their brand in every market.

In short, any business that sells products used for energy, machinery, or lighting should consider registering under Class 4.

What are the Products Included Under Trademark Class 4?

Businesses must know exactly which products and items Trademark Class 4 protects. The table below provides a comprehensive list of categories and items included in Class 4.

Category	Detailed Products / Items Included
Additives & Fuel Components	Additives, non‑chemical, to motor fuel; non‑chemical additives for fuels
Alcohol & Specialty Fuels	Alcohol [fuel]; fuel with an alcohol base
Fuels (Solid, Liquid & Gaseous)	Gasoline / petrol; diesel oil / gas oil; aviation fuel; biodiesel fuel; biomass fuel; fuel gas; fuel oil / combustible oil; mineral fuel; producer gas; solidified gases [fuel]; natural gas
Industrial Oils & Greases	Industrial oils; lubricating oils; lubricants; industrial grease; lubricating grease; all‑purpose lubricants; automotive lubricants; transmission oils; hydraulic oil; cutting fluids; moistening oil; oleine
Animal & Plant Oils (Industrial)	Animal oils for industrial purposes; bone oil for industrial purposes; castor oil for industrial purposes; rape oil/colza oil for industrial purposes; fish oil, not edible
Wax & Related Products	Beeswax; clavas wax; belting wax; industrial wax; raw wax; ozokerite/ozocerite; paraffin; wax for lighting; wax for skis; carnauba wax
Dust & Binding Compositions	Dust absorbing compositions; dust binding compositions for sweeping; wetting compositions; dust removing preparations; dust laying compositions
Coal, Charcoal & Solid Fuels	Coal; coke; anthracite; charcoal [fuel]; coal briquettes; wood briquettes; combustible briquettes; peat [fuel]; peat briquettes
Illuminants & Lighting Materials	Candles / tapers (including Christmas tree & perfumed candles); nightlights [candles]; lamp oil; lighting fuel; gas for lighting; paper spills for lighting fires; wood spills for lighting fires; firelighters; firewood
Wicks & Accessories	Wicks for candles; lamp wicks
Other Miscellaneous Goods	Electrical energy, kerosene, naphtha, benzine, benzene fuel, coal tar oil, coal naphtha, raw or refined petroleum, textile oil, petroleum ether, petroleum jelly for industrial purposes, non‑slipping preparations for belts, grease for belts/footwear/leather

Global energy companies like Shell and BP register their fuels and industrial oils under Class 4 to secure their brand identity.

Which Products are not Covered Under Trademark Class 4?

While Class 4 of trademark protects industrial oils, greases, fuels, and illuminants, not all products related to oils or fuels fall under this class. Some of these include:

• Cosmetic and Personal Care Oils: Essential oils, massage oils, hair oils, and skin oils fall under Class 3.
• Edible Oils and Fats: Cooking oils, ghee, butter, and other food-grade oils fall under Class 29.
• Polishing and Cleaning Waxes: Furniture, shoe, and car waxes fall under Class 3.
• Decorative or Perfumed Candles: Home décor and scented candles fall under Class 3.
• Laboratory or Scientific Oils: Oils for experiments or lab use fall under Class 1.
• Non-Fuel Energy Products: Electricity, batteries, and solar panels fall under Class 9.
• Medicinal Oils: Herbal and therapeutic oils fall under Class 5.
• Edible Waxes: Wax for food or confectionery falls under Class 29.

It’s important to know what does not belong here to avoid mistakes during filing. Using RegisterKaro’s trademark class finder can help you identify the correct class for your products quickly and accurately.

How to File Trademark Class 4 in India?

Businesses register a trademark in Class 4 in India mostly through a digital process that follows clear steps:

1. Conduct a Trademark Search: Search the Indian Trademark Registry database to ensure no similar mark exists in Class 4. RegisterKaro’s trademark availability check tool can also help identify if your desired name or logo is available.

2. File the Application: Submit your application (Form TM-A) online via the IP India portal, including your brand name, logo, and list of Class 4 goods.

3. Examination by Trademark Office: The Registrar actively reviews your application to ensure legal compliance and identify conflicts. They may issue trademark objections for clarification.
4. Respond to Objections (if any): If the trademark office raises objections, you must respond within the stipulated time to clarify or amend your application.
5. Publication in the Trademark Journal: Once approved by the Registry, your trademark appears in the Trademark Journal. This allows trademark opposition by third parties within four months if they believe it infringes their rights.
6. Registration and Certificate: The Registrar issues the trademark registration certificate if no opposition arises or if you successfully overcome opposition. 

Your trademark remains valid for 10 years from the filing date. You can renew the trademark indefinitely to ensure continuous protection.

Ready to protect your Class 4 trademark before someone else claims it? RegisterKaro makes the entire trademark registration process effortless. Contact us today!

Trademark Classes Related to Class 4: Multi-Class Filings

When protecting your brand, businesses often sell products or services that overlap multiple trademark classes. When businesses file trademarks in related classes alongside the trademark class for candles, they gain comprehensive protection for their brand. 

The table below shows the trademark classes that often overlap with Class 4:

Related Class	Goods / Services Covered	Why It Relates to Class 4
Class 3	Cosmetics, cleaning, polishing, and personal care products	Many lubricants and waxes for domestic or cosmetic use fall under Class 3 instead of Class 4
Class 5	Pharmaceuticals, medicated oils, herbal preparations	Medicated or therapeutic oils often overlap with Class 4 products
Class 1	Chemicals for industry and science	Industrial oils used for laboratory or chemical applications are classified here
Class 9	Electrical and scientific apparatus	Non-fuel energy products like batteries, electricity, and solar panels complement industrial applications
Class 29	Food products, edible oils and fats	Food-grade oils and edible waxes are excluded from Class 4 but may relate to the same brand
Class 11	Lighting and illumination apparatus	Non-fuel lighting equipment complements illuminants in Class 4

Filing trademarks in related classes alongside Class 4 gives your brand comprehensive protection. For example, Castrol, the global lubricant brand, files in Class 4 for industrial oils and Class 3 for automotive care products. This ensures its name and identity remain secure across product lines.

Final Thoughts

Trademark Class 4 protects brands in industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, and illuminants. It stops misuse and secures your brand identity. Early registration builds credibility and supports business growth.

With years of experience, RegisterKaro guides businesses through searches, filings, and objections. We simplify the Class 4 registration process and ensure smooth approval, giving your brand complete legal protection.

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