Introduction – The Industrial Foundation of Trademark Class 1
Trademark Class 1 forms the core of industrial and chemical trademarks under the Nice Classification (11th Edition, Version 2025), as adopted by the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Trade Marks Rules, 2017.
This class primarily covers chemical compositions and raw materials used in industry, science, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, including fertilizers, unprocessed resins, plastics, manures, and industrial adhesives.
In simple words — if your business deals with chemical-based products that serve as raw materials rather than consumer-ready items, your trademark must be filed under Class 1.
Legal Definition of Class 1
As per the Nice Classification (11th Edition, Version 2025):
“Class 1 includes chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.”
Thus, Class 1 encompasses all forms of chemical intermediates, reagents, and raw materials used for further industrial or manufacturing processes.
Legal Framework
| Authority / Law | Details |
| Governing Law | Trade Marks Act, 1999 |
| Procedural Rules | Trade Marks Rules, 2017 |
| Classification Basis | Nice Classification, 11th Edition (2025) |
| Regulatory Authority | Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM), DPIIT |
| Relevant Sections | Sections 2(zb), 9, 11, 18–23, 25, 29 |
Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 1
Class 1 is one of the broadest categories, covering materials used across scientific, agricultural, and industrial domains.
| Category | Examples of Goods |
| Industrial Chemicals | Acids, alkalis, reagents, solvents |
| Agricultural Chemicals | Fertilizers, compost, soil enhancers |
| Unprocessed Resins & Plastics | PVC, polyethylene, raw polymers |
| Adhesives for Industrial Use | Glues for machinery, rubber bonding agents |
| Fire Extinguishing Compositions | Foam and powder chemicals |
| Food Preservative Chemicals | Industrial additives and stabilizers |
| Tanning Substances | Leather preservation agents |
| Tempering & Soldering Preparations | Metal hardening and welding chemicals |
Goods Not Covered Under Class 1
Some products, although chemical in nature, belong to other classes depending on their usage.
| Excluded Goods | File Under |
| Paints, varnishes, lacquers | Class 2 |
| Cleaning and cosmetic chemicals | Class 3 |
| Pharmaceutical compositions | Class 5 |
| Adhesives for household or stationery use | Class 16 |
| Lubricants and fuels | Class 4 |
Tip: Class 1 = raw materials → not ready-to-use consumer items.
Practical Examples of Class 1 Goods
| Type | Examples |
| Industrial Use | Sulphuric acid, caustic soda, solvents, catalysts |
| Agriculture | Nitrogen-based fertilizers, urea, composts |
| Manufacturing | Synthetic resins, PVC pellets |
| Leather Industry | Chrome tanning agents, preservatives |
| Food Processing | Preservative chemicals, emulsifiers (non-edible) |
Importance of Registration in Class 1
Registering your trademark under Class 1 ensures that your brand identity for industrial or chemical goods receives protection under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, giving you:
- Exclusive legal ownership (Section 28)
- Infringement protection (Section 29)
- Brand recognition in trade and supply chains
- Right to license, assign, or franchise the trademark
Filing Procedure (Under Sections 18–23, Rules 10–39)
Step 1 – Trademark Search
Perform a public search on ipindia.gov.in under Class 1.
Avoid conflicts with existing industrial chemical marks (Sections 9 and 11).
Step 2 – Application (Form TM-A)
- File online through the IP India portal.
- Enter class (1), description, and applicant details.
- Pay official fee (₹4,500 for individuals/startups; ₹9,000 for companies).
Step 3 – Examination
Registrar examines distinctiveness under Section 9 and conflicts under Section 11.
Step 4 – Reply to Objection (if any)
Reply within 30 days (Rule 38).
Include user affidavits, invoices, and prior-use evidence.
Step 5 – Publication
Accepted marks are published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition (4 months).
Step 6 – Registration
If unopposed, mark proceeds to registration under Section 23(2).
Step 7 – Renewal
Trademark is valid for 10 years and renewable via Form TM-R under Section 25.
Common Trademark Objections in Class 1
| Reason | Legal Basis | Example |
| Descriptive name | Section 9(1)(b) | “Pure Chemical Co.” |
| Similar existing mark | Section 11(1) | “DowChem” vs. “Dow” |
| Generic product indicator | Section 9(1)(a) | “Sulphuric” |
| Wrong classification | Rule 25 | Filed in Class 2 instead of Class 1 |
| Missing proof of use | Rule 38 | No invoice or advertisement proof |
Registered Class 1 Trademarks (India)
Here are examples of officially registered trademarks under Class 1 in India’s industrial and chemical segment.
| Trademark Name | Application No. | Proprietor / Owner | Type | Status |
| TATA CHEMICALS | 567895 | Tata Chemicals Limited | Word Mark | Registered |
| BASF | 921145 | BASF SE | Word Mark | Registered |
| BAYER CROPSCIENCE | 746293 | Bayer CropScience Limited | Word Mark | Registered |
| GACL | 1332478 | Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd. | Word Mark | Registered |
| DOW | 1049337 | Dow Chemical Company | Word Mark | Registered |
| CHEMINOVA | 1574921 | Cheminova India Limited | Word Mark | Registered |
| UPL | 1873569 | UPL Limited (United Phosphorus Ltd.) | Word Mark | Registered |
| COROMANDEL | 1129346 | Coromandel International Limited | Word Mark | Registered |
FAQs on Trademark Class 1
Q1. What falls under Class 1?
Chemicals used in industries, agriculture, fertilizers, resins, and adhesives.
Q2. Can fertilizers and pesticides be included?
Yes — fertilizers, composts, and agrochemicals are core Class 1 goods.
Q3. Can I file in Class 1 and 5 together?
Yes, if your business manufactures industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals separately.
Q4. What is the validity of Class 1 registration?
10 years from registration; renewable indefinitely every 10 years.
Q5. Can I use the ® symbol after filing?
No. Use ™ after filing; use ® only after registration is granted.
Conclusion – Protecting the Chemical Backbone of Industry
Trademark Class 1 serves as the industrial and agricultural foundation of the Indian trademark system.
It protects brands manufacturing or trading in fertilizers, chemicals, adhesives, and unprocessed materials, ensuring your brand remains legally exclusive and identifiable across sectors.
A registered trademark in Class 1 safeguards not only your product identity but also your credibility in B2B trade and exports.
At LawgicalSearch, we help professionals and manufacturers file, monitor, and protect their industrial trademarks effectively under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
“Every reaction starts with a brand — secure yours under Class 1.”
Written by Mahboob Gaddi and Farman Ahmad | Founders, Lawgical Search