Trademark Classes List in India: Goods & Services Classification

Have you ever wondered how global brands like McDonald’s keep their distinctive marks, such as golden arches, legally protected across the globe? The answer lies in trademarks, unique symbols, words, or designs that a business uses to distinguish its products or services. To ensure proper protection, trademarks are organized into specific classes, known as the trademark class list. These define the exact scope of legal coverage for each product or service.

In India, trademarks are categorized into different classes, which define the scope of protection for your brand. This classification system helps businesses protect their intellectual property in a precise and effective way. Choosing the right class for your trademark registration is crucial because filing under the wrong class can either limit your protection or make your registration invalid.

You must be wondering does this classification system even exists. India follows the Nice Classification system, a global standard. The Trademark Act of 1999 mandates the use of this system for trademark registration. This system divides goods and services into 45 different classes, helping businesses protect their intellectual property across various sectors. So, whether you are selling clothing or offering IT services, there’s a specific class for your trademark.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the trademark class details in India and explain how choosing the right trademark class can make a significant difference in protecting your brand. Knowing what a class is in trademark registration is the first step toward safeguarding your business for the future.

What are the Different Classes of Trademark in India?

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.

In India, the trademark class list is divided into two broad categories: goods and services. There are 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services. This classification system makes it easier for businesses to register and protect their trademarks accurately.  

Understanding different classes in trademark registration in India is essential for businesses to secure accurate and comprehensive protection. It also highlights the importance of trademark registration, as choosing the correct class directly influences how effectively your brand is safeguarded.

Here are some key points about the importance of trademark classification:

• Selecting the correct trademark class ensures that a business’s trademark is adequately protected.
• Filing under the right class prevents any legal issues or disputes regarding trademark infringement.
• Businesses can expand and register new goods or services within the correct trademark class in India, avoiding the risk of losing protection.

By referring to the trademark registration class list and the list of classes in the trademark, businesses can ensure their trademarks are protected under the right category.

Full List of Trademark Classes 1 to 45: Goods and Services

The trademark class list helps businesses identify the right category for their products or services. Understanding this classification system is a key part of the basics of Trademark Law, ensuring effective protection for your brand. Below is a comprehensive list of all 45 trademark classes in India:

Class No.	Description
1	Chemicals used in industry, science, and agriculture, including industrial chemicals and adhesives.
2	Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives, and other finishing materials for goods.
3	Cosmetics, cleaning preparations, toiletries, and personal care products.
4	Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, and greases for machines and engines.
5	Pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, dietary supplements, and medical preparations.
6	Metal goods, including common metals, metal building materials, and their alloys.
7	Machinery, tools, motors, engines, and equipment for industrial or commercial use.
8	Hand tools, cutlery, razors, and other manual implements for everyday use.
9	Scientific, nautical, and optical instruments, including electronics, computers, and cameras.
10	Medical apparatus, surgical instruments, and other health-related devices.
11	Lighting, heating, steam-generating appliances, and other related equipment.
12	Vehicles and apparatus for locomotion, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
13	Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other armament-related goods.
14	Precious metals, jewelry, horological instruments, and related accessories.
15	Musical instruments, parts, and accessories related to music production.
16	Paper, stationery, office supplies, and related products like books and printed materials.
17	Rubber, plastics, flexible materials, including insulation and sealing products.
18	Leather goods, bags, wallets, luggage, and other accessories made from leather.
19	Building materials, such as cement, wood, glass, and other construction-related items.
20	Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, and other home and office décor items.
21	Household or kitchen utensils, combs, sponges, and other everyday tools.
22	Ropes, strings, nets, tents, sails, and other textile-based items used outdoors.
23	Yarns, threads, textiles, and materials used for weaving or fabric production.
24	Textiles and textile goods, including bed linen, curtains, and other fabric-based products.
25	Clothing, footwear, headgear, and other personal attire for men, women, and children.
26	Lace, embroidery, ribbons, buttons, and other decorative textile accessories.
27	Carpets, mats, rugs, and floor coverings for residential or commercial use.
28	Toys, games, sports equipment, and other recreational or physical activity items.
29	Meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and other foodstuffs of animal origin.
30	Staple foods such as bread, flour, pasta, and other prepared food products.
31	Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry products, including seeds, plants, and raw materials.
32	Beverages (except alcoholic drinks), including soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks.
33	Alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and other fermented drinks.
34	Tobacco, smokers’ articles, and related goods like cigarettes and cigars.
35	Advertising, business management, office functions, and related services for businesses.
36	Insurance, financial services, real estate services, and investment-related activities.
37	Building construction, repair, installation services, and related construction management.
38	Telecommunications services, including mobile networks, internet services, and broadcasting.
39	Transport, packaging, storage of goods, logistics, and delivery services.
40	Treatment of materials, including recycling, refining, and other processing services.
41	Education, entertainment, sports services, and other recreational activities.
42	Scientific and technological services, including IT services, software development, and consultancy.
43	Hospitality services, including restaurants, hotels, catering, and travel services.
44	Medical, beauty, and agricultural services, including healthcare, personal care, and farming.
45	Legal services, security services, and other professional services related to protection and advice.

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.

Unsure about which trademark class is right for your business? RegisterKaro can help you select the correct class and ensure your trademark is registered properly. Contact us today for expert guidance!  

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 (Present & Future)

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 finalizing, use RegisterKaro’s free trademark search tool to check for existing trademarks that may be similar. This can help you determine if your products or services need protection across multiple classes.

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: Goods and Services“ section and match your products or services to the relevant class. 

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 & 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 helps businesses secure broader trademark protection across all areas of operation. It also saves administrative costs compared to filing individual applications for each class, making it an efficient choice for businesses with diverse offerings.  

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:

1. Registering Under the Wrong Class: Filing your trademark under the wrong class can weaken protection. Always match your goods or services with the correct class by referring to the trademark class list.
2. Over-Registering (Adding Unnecessary Classes): Filing for unnecessary classes increases costs and complexity. Stick to relevant trademark classes only, based on your products or services.
3. Ignoring Future Expansion: Don’t forget to account for your business’s growth. If you plan to offer new products or services, include them in your initial filing to avoid future issues.
4. Misclassifying Multi-Function Products/Services: If your business offers both products and services (e.g., software products in Class 9 and SaaS services in Class 42), make sure to include both classes in your registration.

Avoiding these mistakes can help you choose a strong trademark for your business. Consult with RegisterKaro to get expert advice on how to choose the right trademark class or find a class for your trademark to ensure correct filing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a trademark class?

A trademark class is a category under which goods or services are registered to define their protection. In India, trademarks are divided into 45 classes under the Nice Classification system, with 34 covering goods and 11 for services. Understanding the right trademark class list helps businesses ensure the correct protection of their intellectual property.

2. How do I find the right trademark class?

To choose the correct trademark class, identify the type of goods or services your business offers. Use the trademark class list to match your products or services with the appropriate category. If in doubt, you can always seek expert guidance to avoid misclassification.

3. Why is choosing the right trademark class important?

Selecting the wrong trademark class can limit your trademark’s protection. It may result in your trademark being rejected or failing to cover all aspects of your business. Always refer to the trademark class details to ensure that your registration accurately reflects your business’s needs.

4. How many trademark classes are there?

There are 45 trademark classes under the trademark class list in India. These are divided into two categories: 34 for goods and 11 for services. Each class is designed to ensure that trademarks receive the appropriate legal protection in their respective categories.

5. Can I file a trademark in multiple classes?

Yes, businesses offering a variety of products or services should consider filing a multi-class trademark application. A multi-class trademark helps ensure broader protection for your brand across various goods and services, saving time and costs compared to multiple single-class applications.

6. What are some different classes of trademarks?

Class 25 covers clothing, footwear, and headgear, while Class 35 pertains to advertising, business management, and retail services. Each class includes a wide range of goods and services, and reviewing the list of classes for trademark registration helps you find the correct fit for your trademark.

7. What happens if I file under the wrong trademark class?

Filing under the wrong trademark class can result in incomplete or inadequate protection for your business. For example, if you file your clothing brand under a class for textiles, it may not cover retail services or other key aspects of your business.

8. Can I register a trademark for both goods and services?

Yes, if your business offers both goods and services, you will need to register your trademark under multiple classes. For example, a restaurant that serves food (Class 29) and offers entertainment (Class 41) would need to file under both classes to ensure full protection.

9. How do I know if my trademark needs to be registered in more than one class?

If your business provides a range of products and services across different categories, consider filing for multiple trademark classes. For example, a company that sells both electronics (Class 9) and offers IT services (Class 42) should file under both classes.

10. What is the difference between goods and services in trademark classification?

Goods are tangible products, such as clothing or electronics, covered under Classes 1–34. Services are intangible activities, such as advertising or IT services, covered under Classes 35–45. Understanding this distinction ensures proper filing under the trademark class india system.

11. What are the risks of over-registering in multiple classes?

Over-registering by filing under unnecessary classes increases costs and complicates the trademark registration process. It can also lead to unnecessary legal complexities. To avoid wasting time and resources, file only under the relevant trademark classes in India that directly align with your business’s goods or services. 

12. How do I perform a trademark class search?

To perform a trademark class search, start by using an online trademark search tool. This tool helps you check if similar trademarks exist within the same class. By searching, you can avoid potential conflicts and ensure your application is filed under the correct class. Simply enter your product or service details into the tool to see if a similar trademark is already registered. This step ensures your trademark is unique and properly protected.

13. How can I avoid mistakes when choosing a trademark class?

To avoid common mistakes, carefully review the trademark class details and consider future business expansion. Consult an expert if you’re unsure which class for trademark to select. Misclassification can limit your trademark protection and hinder your brand’s growth.

14. What are Trademark Classes 30 and 32?

Trademark Class 30 covers food and beverages that are prepared or processed. It includes items like pasta, bread, spices, and confectionery. On the other hand, Class 32 pertains to non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, juices, and energy drinks. These classes ensure proper protection for related goods in the market.

15. What is Class 27 in Trademarks?

Trademark Class 27 covers carpets, mats, rugs, and other floor coverings. It also includes items like linoleum and other materials used for flooring, ensuring that businesses in the flooring industry have trademark protection for their goods. This class helps safeguard brands in the home and construction sectors.

16. What if my goods or services don’t exactly match the class description?

If your goods or services don’t exactly match a class description, consult a trademark expert to determine the best fit. While the classification system is detailed, some businesses may find their offerings span multiple classes or fall under broader categories. A professional can help ensure proper classification.

17. Can I later add more classes if my business expands?

Yes, businesses can later file for additional classes if their offerings expand. However, this requires a new trademark application and re-filing. It’s crucial to ensure all aspects of your business are protected as it grows, so plan and file for the relevant classes as your business evolves.

18. Does trademark classification affect international registration?

Yes, trademark classification can affect international registration. When you apply for trademark registration in another country, that country will use its own classification system, which is typically based on the Nice Classification system. Therefore, the classes under which you register in India may need to align with the specific classes used internationally.

19. Why is trademark classification important?

Trademark classification is crucial because it defines the scope of protection for your intellectual property. By correctly selecting the right class, you ensure that your trademark offers the appropriate legal protection for your goods and services. Misclassifying your trademark can limit your protection or even lead to the rejection of your application. It also helps prevent conflicts with other businesses’ trademarks and ensures your brand is properly safeguarded within your industry. 

20. Can I change my trademark class after registration?

Once a trademark is registered under a specific class, you cannot change its class directly. If you realize after registration that your trademark belongs in a different class, you would need to file a new application for the correct class. However, if your trademark’s business scope expands or changes, you may also file for additional classes to cover new products or services.