Trademark Class 45 covers legal, security, and personal or social services. It helps businesses protect brands used for these services from unauthorized use.
The Nice Classification, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), divides trademarks into 45 classes:
- Classes 1–34: Goods
- Classes 35–45: Services
Businesses can register their trademarks under the class that matches their goods or services.
Key Takeaways
- Class 45 covers legal services, security services for protecting property and individuals, and personal or social services. WIPO confirms these under its Class 45 heading.
- It does not cover financial services (Class 36), education (Class 41), medical or beauty care (Class 44), hospitality (Class 43), retail (Class 35), or manufacturing and industrial services (Class 40/42).
- Filing costs ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 for companies and other entities.
- A trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed every 10 years.
- Securitas is an example of a Class 45 registrant in India. Its services include manned guarding, surveillance, and risk management.
What is Trademark Class 45?
Trademark Class 45 under the Nice Classification covers services related to legal affairs, security, and personal or social assistance. This trademark class for security services protects businesses such as law firms, security service providers, and organizations. Under the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999, the CGPDTM administers trademark registration in India through the Trade Marks Registry. This authority follows the Nice Classification system to categorize goods and services for trademark protection.
Trademark Registration under this class grants exclusive rights to the brand and prevents its unauthorized use by competitors. It also provides legal protection against trademark infringement.
A popular example of a Trademark Class 45 registered brand in India is Securitas. It operates in the security services sector, providing manned guarding, surveillance, and risk management solutions. These activities fall under Class 45 of the Nice Classification.
Who Should Choose Class 45 for Trademark Filing?
Any entity that provides legal, security, or personal and social services should apply under this class. Below is a brief list of professionals who should register under trademark class 45:
- Law firms and legal consultants: Firms offering procedural guidance, coordination support, or documentation services.
- Security service providers: Companies providing personal, property, or digital security solutions.
- Personal and social service providers: Organizations offering personal assistance, social support, or advisory services.
- Intellectual property and licensing services: Professionals handling IP registration, licensing, or related legal support.
- Online legal and compliance platforms: Platforms providing digital legal, compliance, or dispute resolution services.
- Private investigation services: Agencies conducting background checks, surveillance, or investigative services.
- Dispute resolution services: Professionals facilitating negotiation, arbitration, or conflict resolution.
What are the Services Covered in Trademark Class 45?
Trademark Class 45 is designed to categorize services that are primarily legal, security, or personal and social. The table below outlines the key services included in Class 45:
| Service Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Services | Procedural guidance, coordination support, and documentation for individuals and businesses | Law firms, legal consultants, litigation services, legal documentation |
| Security Services | Protection of individuals, property, or digital assets, including risk assessment and safety planning | Personal security, property security, cybersecurity services, security consultancy |
| Personal and Social Services | Personal help, social support, lifestyle management, and specialized assistance for individuals or communities | Personal assistance, elder care, social support services, personal errands |
| Intellectual Property & Licensing | Protecting, registering, and licensing intellectual property, and handling IP compliance | IP registration, licensing, and copyright consultancy |
| Online Legal & Compliance Platforms | Online services facilitating legal, compliance, and regulatory assistance | Digital legal advisory, online dispute resolution, compliance platforms |
| Private Investigation | Investigations for individuals or businesses, including verification and security checks | Background checks, surveillance, investigative services |
| Mediation & Dispute Resolution | Helping parties resolve disputes outside formal court systems | Arbitration, negotiation, and conflict resolution services |
What is Not Covered in Trademark Class 45?
Many applicants mistakenly include services that do not belong to Class 45. The table below highlights services not covered in trademark Class 45:
| Service Type | Examples | Correct Class |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | Banking, insurance, loans, and investment advisory | Class 36 |
| Educational Services | Schools, colleges, training institutions, online courses | Class 41 |
| Medical Services | Hospitals, clinics, medical practitioners, telemedicine | Class 44 |
| Hospitality Services | Hotels, restaurants, catering, travel agencies | Class 43 |
| Retail & E-commerce | Online stores, shops, retail marketplaces | Class 35 |
| Manufacturing & Industrial Services | Production, engineering, industrial consultancy | Class 40 or Class 42, depending on the service |
For example, Byju’s offers education, coaching, and training programs focused on learning and skill development, which fall under Class 41, not Class 45.
Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s free Trademark Class Search Tool to identify the right class for your services.
How to Register a Class 45 Trademark in India?
Registering a trademark under Class 45 follows a few key steps:
- Search first: Search existing Class 45 marks on the IP India Portal or use the RegisterKaro Trademark Search tool. Use clear service descriptions, such as “legal documentation services” or “property security consultancy.”
- File Form TM-A: Submit your application through the IP India Trademark Portal. Choose a single-class application for Class 45 services. Choose a multi-class application if your business covers other classes. The fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and MSMEs. Companies and other entities pay ₹9,000 per class.
- Complete the examination: The Trademark Office checks your classification, distinctiveness, and potential conflicts. If it finds issues, it may issue an Examination Report. Respond to any Trademark Objection within 30 days.
- Publication and opposition: Once cleared, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal. Third parties can file a trademark opposition within 4 months.
- Registration and renewal: Once registered, the trademark is valid for 10 years. You must renew the trademark every 10 years. Regularly monitor the market for unauthorized use.
The application is filed instantly, and you receive an application number immediately. Examination usually takes 6–12 months. The publication period then lasts 4 months.
