The trademark class list in India consists of 45 classes under the NICE (Nice Classification) system — Classes 1 to 34 cover goods (such as pharmaceuticals, clothing, electronics, food) and Classes 35 to 45 cover services (such as advertising, IT, hospitality, legal services). Every trademark application in India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 must specify at least one class. Filing under the correct class is mandatory because trademark protection is granted only for the goods or services within the selected class(es).
Choosing the right trademark class is one of the most important decisions in the trademark registration process. Picking the wrong class can lead to objections, weaken brand protection, or leave parts of your business legally unprotected. This guide explains the full trademark class list in India, what each class covers, how to choose the right class, when to file in multiple classes, and the common mistakes brand owners must avoid.
What are the Different Classes of Trademark in India?
A trademark class is a category under which goods or services are grouped for the purpose of trademark registration. India follows the international NICE Classification system, which divides all goods and services into 45 classes — Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services. The class chosen at the time of filing Form TM-A defines the scope of legal protection granted under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Why trademark classification matters:
- Defines the scope of protection — A trademark is protected only for the goods/services within the registered class(es).
- Prevents infringement disputes — Filing under the right class avoids conflict with marks registered for unrelated categories.
- Supports business expansion — Brands operating across multiple verticals can secure broader protection through multi-class filings.
- Avoids examination objections — A correctly classified application is less likely to face Registry objections during the trademark examination process.
A trademark class is a category under which goods or services are registered for intellectual property protection. It defines the scope of what the trademark covers and ensures proper legal coverage.
Full List of Trademark Classes 1 to 45: Goods and Services
The trademark class list under the NICE Classification (as adopted by the Indian Trade Marks Registry) is updated periodically to reflect emerging product and service categories. Below is the complete list of all 45 classes:
Goods Classes (1–34)
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chemicals for industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry; unprocessed plastics; adhesives for industrial use |
| 2 | Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust; colorants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for use in painting |
| 3 | Cosmetics, non-medicated toiletries, dentifrices, perfumery, essential oils, bleaching preparations, cleaning, polishing, and abrasive preparations |
| 4 | Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; fuels (including motor spirit); illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; dietary supplements; sanitary preparations; baby food; disinfectants |
| 6 | Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable metal buildings; ironmongery; small items of metal hardware |
| 7 | Machines, machine tools, power-operated tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements (other than hand-operated) |
| 8 | Hand tools and hand-operated implements; cutlery; side arms (except firearms); razors |
| 9 | Scientific, research, navigation, photographic, audiovisual, computing, and information technology equipment; software; downloadable apps; smart wearables |
| 10 | Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary apparatus and instruments; orthopedic articles; suture materials; therapeutic and assistive devices for the disabled |
| 11 | Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooling, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes |
| 12 | Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water (including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, aircraft, boats) |
| 13 | Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks |
| 14 | Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments |
| 15 | Musical instruments; music stands; conductors’ batons |
| 16 | Paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; stationery and office requisites (except furniture); artists’ materials |
| 17 | Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica; plastics and resins in extruded form; flexible pipes (non-metallic) |
| 18 | Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins and hides; luggage and carrying bags; umbrellas and parasols; saddlery |
| 19 | Building materials (non-metallic); non-metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch, and bitumen; non-metallic transportable buildings |
| 20 | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; containers (non-metallic) for storage or transport; unworked or semi-worked bone, horn, ivory, mother-of-pearl |
| 21 | Household or kitchen utensils and containers; cookware and tableware (except forks, knives, and spoons); combs and sponges; brushes |
| 22 | Ropes and string; nets; tents and tarpaulins; awnings; sails; sacks for the transport and storage of materials in bulk; padding and stuffing materials |
| 23 | Yarns and threads for textile use |
| 24 | Textiles and substitutes for textiles; household linen; curtains of textile or plastic |
| 25 | Carpets, rugs, mats, and matting; linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile) |
| 26 | Lace, ribbon, and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers; hair decorations; false hair |
| 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats and matting; linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile) |
| 28 | Games, toys, and playthings; video game apparatus; gymnastic and sporting articles; decorations for Christmas trees |
| 29 | Meat, fish, poultry, and game; preserved, frozen, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables; eggs; milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, and other milk products |
| 30 | Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastries, confectionery; spices |
| 31 | Raw and unprocessed agricultural, horticultural, and forestry products; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds; natural plants and flowers |
| 32 | Beers; non-alcoholic beverages; mineral and aerated waters; fruit beverages and fruit juices; syrups and preparations for making beverages |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages (except beers); alcoholic preparations for making beverages |
| 34 | Clothing, footwear, headgear (for men, women, and children), including electrically heated garments |
Services Classes (35–45)
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| 35 | Advertising; business management, organisation, and administration; office functions; retail and online retail services |
| 36 | Insurance; financial, monetary, and banking services; real estate services; cryptocurrency and fintech-related financial services |
| 37 | Construction services; installation and repair services; mining, oil, and gas extraction services |
| 38 | Telecommunications services (transmission of voice, data, video); mobile telephony; broadcasting; internet access services |
| 39 | Transport, packaging, and storage of goods; travel arrangements; logistics and courier services |
| 40 | Treatment of materials; recycling of waste and trash; air purification; printing services; food and drink preservation |
| 41 | Education; training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities; publishing services; online learning platforms |
| 42 | Scientific and technological services and research; design services; IT services; software development; AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS); SaaS |
| 43 | Services for providing food and drink (restaurants, cafés, catering); temporary accommodation (hotels, resorts) |
| 44 | Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for humans or animals; agriculture, horticulture, and forestry services |
| 45 | Legal services; security services for the physical protection of property and individuals; personal and social services; online social networking |
Note on Class 43: Class 43 covers food and drink services and temporary accommodation. Travel arrangement, transport, and tour booking services fall under Class 39, not Class 43.
This list of trademark classes serves as a roadmap for businesses to ensure their goods or services are properly protected under Indian trademark law. By selecting the correct class, businesses can avoid complications and ensure their intellectual property is adequately safeguarded.
Did You Know: Class 35 covers advertising, business management, and retail services. However, the Indian Trade Marks Registry often issues objections for vague Class 35 filings, particularly for descriptions like “retail services” without specifying the goods.
For e-commerce sellers, it’s recommended to file under both the product class (e.g., Class 25 for clothing) and Class 35 with a specific description such as “online retail services in relation to clothing.”
Brand Examples Per Trademark Class
| Class | Category | Famous Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Class 3 | Cosmetics & Personal Care | Lakmé, Nivea, Dove |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dabur |
| Class 9 | Electronics & Software | Apple, Samsung, Microsoft |
| Class 12 | Vehicles | Tata Motors, Bajaj, Hero |
| Class 25 | Clothing & Apparel | Nike, H&M, FabIndia |
| Class 29 | Dairy & Frozen Food | Amul, Mother Dairy |
| Class 30 | Packaged Food & Beverages | Cadbury, Maggi, Nescafé |
| Class 32 | Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Frooti |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic Beverages | Kingfisher, Bira 91, Royal Stag |
| Class 35 | Retail & E-Commerce | Flipkart, Amazon, Nykaa |
| Class 36 | Banking & Fintech | HDFC, ICICI, Razorpay |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications | Jio, Airtel, Vi |
| Class 41 | Education & Entertainment | BYJU’S, Unacademy, Netflix |
| Class 42 | IT & Software Services | Infosys, TCS, Wipro |
| Class 43 | Hospitality | Taj, Oberoi, Oyo |
How Trademark Classification Works: Principles and Basis
Trademark classification helps businesses protect their intellectual property by organizing goods and services into distinct categories. This classification determines how trademarks are registered, ensuring that businesses receive the appropriate legal protection for their products or services. Here’s how it works:
Goods (Classes 1–34)
Goods are tangible items that a business manufactures, sells, or distributes. The trademark class details for goods depend on various factors, including the product’s function, purpose, material, and use.
These different classes of trademarks in India categorize goods to make it easier for businesses to register and protect their products. For instance, a clothing manufacturer will file under Class 25, while an electronics company will file under Class 9.
Services (Classes 35–45)
Services are intangible activities that businesses offer to meet customer needs. They are classified based on the nature of the service, such as advertising, IT, healthcare, or hospitality. For example, a business that offers advertising services should file under Class 35, while a company offering IT consulting will register under Class 42.
Why Does the Distinction Between Goods and Services Matter?
Understanding the difference between goods and services is essential for protecting your intellectual property. Here’s why it matters:
- Trademark protection is based on the correct classification. Filing under the wrong class can weaken or invalidate your trademark protection.
- The classification helps define the scope of protection. If you file under Class 25 for clothing but offer retail services as well, failing to register under Class 35 could leave your retail services unprotected.
- Future expansion is another key consideration. If your business grows into both goods and services, registering under the correct classes ensures the protection of the brand name.
By understanding the different classes of trademarks in India and choosing the correct trademark class, you ensure that your business’s products or services receive the best protection.
How to Choose the Right Trademark Class for Your Business?
Choosing the right trademark class for your business is crucial to ensure that your intellectual property receives the proper protection. Here’s a step-by-step process to make the process easier:
Step 1: List Out What Goods and Services Your Business Offers
Start by identifying all the products and services your business currently offers, as well as any new ones you plan to offer in the future. This will help you anticipate any potential areas that may need trademark registration. Make a comprehensive list of these goods and services to avoid missing anything important.
Tip: Before finalising your class selection, conduct a trademark search on the IP India public database to check for existing or pending trademarks similar to yours. A thorough search across all relevant classes helps identify potential conflicts early and reduces the risk of objections during examination.
Step 2: Map Goods/Services to the Closest Class Header Using the Class List
After compiling your list, refer to the official List of Trademark Classes. This comprehensive list categorizes all products and services into distinct classes. Review each item on your list and match it with the most relevant class. For example, if you provide software services, select Class 42, while a clothing brand should file under Class 25.
Refer to the “Full List of Trademark Classes 1 to 45” section above and match each product or service to the most appropriate class. For products with multiple functions (e.g., a smartwatch that also serves as a fitness tracker), the primary function and intended use generally determine the correct class. When in doubt, consult an experienced trademark professional or refer to the NICE Classification Alphabetical Index published by WIPO. You can also check your relevant class instantly using a Trademark Class Search Tool.
Step 3: Consider Whether You Should File in Multiple Classes
If your business offers a wide range of products or services, consider filing for multiple classes to ensure broader protection. For instance, a company selling both clothing (Class 25) and offering retail services (Class 35) would file under both classes. This ensures comprehensive coverage across all aspects of your business. Multi-class applications help protect diverse offerings under one registration process.
Multi-Class Trademark Applications: When and Why They Make Sense?
A multi-class application allows businesses to register their trademark under multiple classes at once. This approach is essential for businesses with diversified brands, e-commerce platforms, or those offering various products and services.
Some businesses that should consider multi-class trademark registration include:
- E-commerce businesses: When you register a trademark for your e-commerce business, you must match your products with the appropriate trademark classes. Online stores like Amazon, selling diverse products like clothing (Class 25), electronics (Class 9), and accessories, should file under relevant trademark classes. However, including multiple classes increases the trademark registration fees.
- Brands with multiple offerings: Companies offering both products and services need a multi-class trademark approach. For example, a company like Decathlon sells fitness equipment (Class 28) and offers personal training services (Class 41). More classes mean added complexity, so careful attention to class descriptions is important.
- Expanding businesses: If a business plans to expand into new products or services, it’s wise to register under multiple classes early. For example, Amul began by registering its dairy products under Class 29, which covers milk, cheese, and other dairy items. As the company expanded its offerings into chocolates and ice creams, it also filed trademarks under Class 30 to protect these new product lines.
Filing for multiple classes in one application secures broader trademark protection without filing separate applications for each class. However, the government fee is charged per class — ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups (with DPIIT recognition), and MSMEs (with Udyam registration), and ₹9,000 per class for companies and partnership firms. So filing in 3 classes costs ₹13,500 or ₹27,000 in government fees, depending on applicant type, excluding professional charges.
Each class is examined independently by the Trade Marks Registry, meaning an objection in one class does not necessarily affect the others. This makes multi-class applications a flexible tool for brands operating across goods and services.
Common Mistakes in Trademark Class Selection and How to Avoid Them
Choosing the right trademark class is essential to protect your business properly. Here are some common mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Registering under the wrong class | Weakens or invalidates trademark protection in your actual business area | Carefully match goods/services to the correct class using the full class list |
| Over-registering in unnecessary classes | Increases government fees and renewal costs without practical benefit | File only in classes that align with current and near-term business activities |
| Ignoring future business expansion | New products/services launched later may not be protected under the original filing | Anticipate 1–3 year expansion plans and include those classes in the initial filing |
| Misclassifying multi-function products | Leaves parts of the offering legally exposed (e.g., software product vs SaaS service) | File in both Class 9 (software product) and Class 42 (SaaS service) for tech products |
| Vague Class 35 descriptions | Frequently objected by the Trade Marks Registry | Always specify the goods being retailed — e.g., “online retail services for clothing” instead of just “retail services.” |
Avoiding these mistakes ensures stronger, broader, and conflict-free trademark protection for your brand. Once you’ve identified the correct class(es), the next step is to file Form TM-A through the IP India portal. For a complete walkthrough of the filing process, including documents, fees, examination, and publication stages, refer to our detailed guide on the trademark registration process in India. If your application is opposed or objected to after filing, you may need to respond with a trademark objection reply within 30 days.
