Introduction

A trademark is not just a logo or a name — it’s the face of your business. It distinguishes your brand from others and builds identity, trust, and recognition. But to protect that identity legally, you must register your trademark under the correct class.

The Indian Trademark Registry, governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, follows the Nice Classification System, which divides goods and services into 45 distinct classes:

• Classes 1–34 → Goods
• Classes 35–45 → Services

Selecting the right trademark class is crucial. If you file under the wrong class, your trademark won’t protect your actual business activities — even if it’s approved.

In this guide, LawgicalSearch explains all 45 classes, their scope, examples, and practical filing tips — in simple, professional language.

Part A – Trademark Classes for Goods (Class 1–34)

Class 1 – Chemicals

This class covers chemicals used in industry, science, and agriculture, excluding those for medical use.
Examples:

• Industrial adhesives
• Fertilizers and manures
• Coolants, unprocessed resins, chemical reagents
• Chemical additives for paints or fuels

 Filed by companies like BASF, Bayer, and Asian Paints (for industrial chemicals).

Class 2 – Paints and Coatings

Includes paints, varnishes, and lacquers, as well as preservatives against rust and wood deterioration.
Examples:

• Wall paints, emulsions, and enamels
• Wood varnishes
• Anti-rust coatings
• Spray paints and colorants

Used by Berger Paints, Asian Paints, Nerolac.

Class 3 – Cosmetics and Cleaning Products

This class includes beauty and hygiene products along with cleaning agents.
Examples:

• Soaps, shampoos, perfumes, deodorants
• Toothpaste, face creams
• Detergents and floor cleaners

Common among cosmetic brands like Lakmé, Dove, Nivea.

Class 4 – Lubricants, Oils, and Fuels

Products for lubrication, lighting, and heating.
Examples:

• Industrial oils and greases
• Candles and wicks
• Solid fuels, wax, and lubricants

 Used by brands like Castrol, HP, Shell.

Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies

Includes medicines and healthcare products for humans and animals.
Examples:

• Tablets, capsules, syrups
• Disinfectants, antiseptics, bandages
• Nutritional supplements, sanitizers

 Brands: Cipla, Sun Pharma, Himalaya.

Class 6 – Metal Products

Covers common metals and their goods, not including precious metals.
Examples:

• Steel, iron, locks, hinges, safes
• Metal pipes, doors, nails, ladders

Used by construction and manufacturing brands.

Class 7 – Machinery

Machines and tools operated by power rather than hand.
Examples:

• Pumps, engines, compressors
• Washing machines, motors, industrial robots

 Brands like Kirloskar, Crompton Greaves.

Class 8 – Hand Tools

Manual tools and cutlery used by hand.
Examples:

• Screwdrivers, knives, hammers
• Razors, scissors, saws

 Filed by Stanley, Victorinox, Gillette.

Class 9 – Electronics, Software & Scientific Devices

One of the most popular classes. Covers electronic, computing, and scientific products.
Examples:

• Computers, mobiles, tablets
• Software applications, AI systems
• Cameras, chargers, and batteries

Brands: Apple, Samsung, Sony.

Class 10 – Medical Instruments

Apparatus for surgical, dental, and medical use.
Examples:

• Syringes, surgical gloves, thermometers
• Dental tools, pacemakers

 Used by Medtronic, Dr. Trust, Philips Healthcare.

Class 11 – Appliances

Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, and refrigeration.
Examples:

• Air conditioners, refrigerators, ovens
• Fans, water purifiers, geysers

Brands: Havells, Whirlpool, LG.

Class 12 – Vehicles

Includes all vehicles and parts thereof.
Examples:

• Cars, bikes, cycles, tyres, vehicle engines
• Boats, aircraft parts

Brands: Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hero.

Class 13 – Firearms

Weapons and ammunition.
Examples:

• Guns, bullets, fireworks, explosives

 Brands: SSS Defence, IOF (India).

Class 14 – Jewelry and Precious Metals

Covers jewelry and related accessories.
Examples:

• Gold, silver, platinum jewelry
• Watches, coins, gemstones

 Brands: Tanishq, Titan, Malabar.

Class 15 – Musical Instruments

Musical and sound devices.
Examples:

• Guitars, pianos, drums, harmoniums

 Brands: Yamaha, Casio.

Class 16 – Paper & Stationery

All paper-based goods and office supplies.
Examples:

• Books, magazines, paper, pens
• Greeting cards, printing paper

Brands: Navneet, Classmate, Camlin.

Class 17 – Rubber & Plastics

Non-metallic flexible materials.
Examples:

• Rubber sheets, hoses, plastic seals
• Insulating materials

Used by tire, packaging, and insulation companies.

Class 18 – Leather Goods

Leather and imitation leather products.
Examples:

• Bags, wallets, belts, travel luggage, saddlery

 Brands: VIP, Hidesign, Wildcraft.

Class 19 – Building Materials

Non-metal construction materials.
Examples:

• Cement, bricks, tiles, glass

Brands: ACC, Ultratech, Kajaria.

Class 20 – Furniture

Non-metal furniture and fixtures.
Examples:

• Chairs, beds, mirrors, cabinets

Brands: Godrej Interio, IKEA.

Class 21 – Household Utensils

Kitchenware and household tools.
Examples:

• Crockery, glassware, bottles, cleaning tools

 Brands: Milton, Borosil.

Class 22 – Ropes & Textile Fibers

Ropes, sacks, and raw textile materials.
Examples:

• Nets, tents, tarpaulins, sacks

Used by logistics and packaging sectors.

Class 23 – Yarns & Threads

Textile threads and yarns.
Examples:

• Sewing threads, cotton yarns

 Brands: Coats, Anchor.

Class 24 – Textiles & Fabrics

Textile goods for household use.
Examples:

• Bed sheets, curtains, towels, fabrics

 Brands: D’Decor, Bombay Dyeing.

Class 25 – Clothing

Garments, footwear, and headgear.
Examples:

• Shirts, sarees, shoes, caps

Brands: Nike, Adidas, Raymond.

Class 26 – Lace, Embroidery & Accessories

Fashion decorations and trimmings.
Examples:

• Buttons, ribbons, zippers, wigs

Used by garment manufacturers.

Class 27 – Carpets & Mats

Floor coverings and wall hangings.
Examples:

• Carpets, rugs, wallpapers

 Brands: Welspun, Duroflex.

Class 28 – Toys & Sports Goods

Games, toys, and sports items.
Examples:

• Balls, bats, dolls, fitness equipment

Brands: Nerf, Yonex, Decathlon.

Class 29 – Food Products

Processed and preserved foods.
Examples:

• Dairy, pickles, oils, jams, canned food

Brands: Amul, Britannia.

Class 30 – Staple Foods

Confectionery and grains.
Examples:

• Bread, noodles, biscuits, coffee, rice

 Brands: Nestlé, Parle, Haldiram.

Class 31 – Agricultural & Natural Products

Raw agricultural goods.
Examples:

• Fruits, seeds, plants, flowers

Used by seed and nursery firms.

Class 32 – Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Soft drinks, juices, and waters.
Examples:

• Mineral water, energy drinks, soda

Brands: Pepsi, Bisleri.

Class 33 – Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks except beer.
Examples:

• Whisky, vodka, rum, wine

Brands: Sula, Kingfisher (for wine).

Class 34 – Tobacco Products

Tobacco and accessories.
Examples:

• Cigarettes, cigars, matches, lighters

Brands: ITC, Marlboro.

Part B – Trademark Classes for Services (Class 35–45)

Class 35 – Business & Advertising

Business management, marketing, and online sales.
Examples:

• Advertising, HR services, consultancy, e-commerce

 Brands: Amazon, Deloitte.

Class 36 – Finance & Insurance

Banking, investment, and insurance services.
Examples:

• Banks, mutual funds, real estate agencies

 Brands: HDFC, LIC.

Class 37 – Construction & Repair

Building and maintenance.
Examples:

• Electrical work, plumbing, installation, renovation

 Brands: L&T, Sobha.

Class 38 – Telecommunications

Communication and broadcasting.
Examples:

• Mobile networks, internet, TV, radio

 Brands: Airtel, Jio.

Class 39 – Transport & Storage

Transportation, logistics, travel, warehousing.
Examples:

• Airlines, couriers, car rentals

 Brands: BlueDart, Indigo.

Class 40 – Manufacturing & Processing

Processing of materials and manufacturing services.
Examples:

• Printing, recycling, 3D printing

Used by industrial units and printers.

Class 41 – Education & Entertainment

Education, training, cultural activities.
Examples:

• Schools, universities, sports, coaching, movie production

Brands: BYJU’S, Unacademy.

Class 42 – Technology & Research

Scientific and IT services.
Examples:

• Software development, web design, AI, R&D

 Brands: Infosys, TCS.

Class 43 – Food & Accommodation

Hospitality and catering.
Examples:

• Hotels, cafés, restaurants, food delivery

 Brands: Zomato, Marriott.

Class 44 – Medical & Beauty

Healthcare, veterinary, beauty and wellness.
Examples:

• Hospitals, yoga, spa, clinics, salons

 Brands: Apollo, Kaya.

Class 45 – Legal & Security

Legal, personal, and social services.
Examples:

• Law firms, detective agencies, security providers

Brands: Trilegal, G4S.

Trademark Class Summary Table

Category	Range	Examples
Goods	1–34	Clothing, chemicals, electronics, foods
Services	35–45	Business, education, finance, legal

LawgicalSearch Pro Tips

1. One product ≠ One class:
   Many brands require multi-class registration.
   Example:
   • A clothing store with an online platform → Class 25 + Class 35.
   • A food delivery startup → Class 39 + 42 + 43.
2. Conduct a class search:
   Use ipindia.gov.in → TM Class Search → Identify accurate classification.
3. Avoid Misclassification:
   Filing under the wrong class = no protection = wasted money.
4. Trademark validity:
   Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a trademark class?
A trademark class categorizes goods and services under specific groups for registration.

Q2. How many classes exist in India?
45 classes (1–34 for goods, 35–45 for services).

Q3. Can I file a trademark under multiple classes?
Yes. You can file in as many classes as your business requires.

Q4. How to find my correct class?
Use IP India’s classification search tool or consult a CS/trademark agent.

Q5. Are the same classes used worldwide?
Yes — India follows the international Nice Classification (11th Edition).

Q6. What happens if I file under the wrong class?
Your registration won’t cover your actual product/service — leaving you unprotected.

Q7. How long does a trademark last?
10 years from the filing date, renewable every decade.

Q8. Can I trademark a logo and name together?
No. File separately — one for word mark and one for device/logo mark.

Q9. Do startups need class protection early?
Absolutely. Early filing secures your brand identity and prevents imitation.

Q10. Can similar marks exist in different classes?
Yes — if industries are unrelated (e.g., Dove soap vs. Dove chocolates).

 Conclusion

Understanding trademark classes is the foundation of brand protection.
Whether you are registering your logo, business name, or product design, choosing the right class defines your protection boundaries.

A well-classified trademark safeguards your brand identity and prevents future disputes.
So, before filing, analyze your goods/services carefully and seek guidance from professionals like Company Secretaries or Trademark Attorneys.

At LawgicalSearch, we simplify legal and compliance topics for entrepreneurs and professionals.

Stay connected for upcoming blogs on:

“How to File a Trademark in India Step-by-Step”

 “Trademark Objection & Opposition Explained”

 Legal Reference

1. https://ipindia.gov.in/Trademarks/acts_rules_tm
2. https://ipindia.gov.in/Trademarks/Rules_trademark
3.   https://nclpub.wipo.int/enfr/

Written by Mahboob Gaddi and Farman Ahmad | Founders, Lawgical Search