Trademark Class List: A Detailed Guide for Business Owners

Rashmita Choudhary
May 2
8 min read

A trademark is a symbol, sign, or mark that is used to distinguish products offered by two or more firms. The right to trademark protection is granted to the owner upon registration. Classes are used to categorise the production of commodities and services. Registration is different for each class. This category includes about 80,000 goods and services. In this article, we will provide the details about the trademark class list for business owners.

Table of Content

What is a Trademark?

What is Trademark Class?

NICE Classification of Goods and Services

Trademark Classification of Goods

Trademark Classification of Services

Basis of Classification of Trademark Classes

Importance of Trademark Classes

Steps for Trademark Registration in India

Conclusion

Most Asked Questions

What is a Trademark?

An intellectual property known as a trademark gives its owner the sole authority to use a term, symbol, logo, phrase, design, sound, digital signature, or expression. No other person, organization, or entity may use such a trademark in the public domain without the owner's permission. Any attempt to replicate it will result in legal action from the business whose trademark has been infringed. A trademark can be used to set one company's goods apart from another.

What is Trademark Class?

The classes into which different goods and services are separated under the NICE categorization are referred to as trademark classes. Forty-five trademark classes exist. A certain type of commodities and services make up each class. The applicant must choose the appropriate trademark class to which his or her product or service belongs when submitting a trademark application. In order to look for trademarks and stop trademark infringement, trademark class is essential.

NICE Classification of Goods and Services

A global approach for categorizing products and services in trademark registrations is called the Nice Classification. It offers a uniform framework for classifying goods and services globally and was created in 1957 with revisions since then. In 2019, India made the Nice Classification the official system that the Indian Trademark Office uses. By classifying goods and services into distinct groups, this classification system facilitates the assessment process. The Nice Classification consists of 45 classes:

Classes 1 through 34 classify products or goods.
Services are categorised in Classes 35–45.

A brief explanation of the kinds of products or services that each class contains is given in the class header.

Trademark Classification of Goods

Class	Description
Trademark Class 1	Chemical used in industry, agriculture, horticulture and forestry, science, photography; unprocessed plastics; unprocessed artificial resins, Tanning and adhesive substances; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs
Trademark Class 2	Paints, varnishes, colorants, lacquers, mordants, preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; metals in foil and powder form for painters, printers, decorators, and artists
Trademark Class 3	Bleaching preparations and substances for laundry use, cleaning, polishing, soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, abrasive preparations, hair lotions
Trademark Class 4	Industrial oils and greases, dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions, lubricants, fuels (including motor spirit), candles, wicks
Trademark Class 5	Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations, food for babies, disinfectants, dietetic substances adapted for medical use, herbicides, fungicides
Trademark Class 6	Common metals and their alloys, small items of metal hardware, pipes and tubes of metal, metal building materials, goods of metal not included in other classes
Trademark Class 7	Machines, machine tools, machine coupling and transmission components, incubators for eggs, agricultural implements other than hand-operated
Trademark Class 8	Hand tools and implements (hand-operated), razors, cutlery, side arms
Trademark Class 9	Scientific, photographic, electric, measuring, data processing equipment and computers, apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images
Trademark Class 10	Medical, surgical, dental, and veterinary instruments, suture materials, orthopaedic articles, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth
Trademark Class 11	Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigerating, drying ventilating, steam generating, water supply and sanitary purposes
Trademark Class 12	Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, water, or air
Trademark Class 13	Firearms, explosives, fireworks, ammunition and projectiles
Trademark Class 14	Precious metals and their alloys, goods in precious metals, precious stones, jewellery, horological and other chronometric instruments
Trademark Class 15	Musical instruments
Trademark Class 16	Paper, cardboard and goods crafted from these materials, plastic materials for packaging, stationery, brushes, printed matter, typewriters and office requisites
Trademark Class 17	Rubber, mica, asbestos, and goods made from these materials, packing, stopping and insulating materials, flexible pipes, plastics in extruded form for manufacturing usage
Trademark Class 18	Animal skins, trunks, hides, and travelling bags, leather and imitations, whips, harness and saddler, umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks
Trademark Class 19	Asphalt, pitch and bitumen, non-metallic rigid pipes for building, building materials (non-metallic), non-metallic transportable buildings
Trademark Class 20	Furniture, goods of wood, cork, reed, bone, ivory, whalebone, cane, wicker, horn, shell, amber, mother- of-pearl, meerschaum or of plastics, mirrors, picture frames
Trademark Class 21	Household or kitchen utensils and containers, articles for cleaning purposes, unworked or semi-worked glass, combs and sponges, glassware and earthenware
Trademark Class 22	Ropes, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, string, nets, sails, sacks and bags, raw fibrous textile materials, padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics)
Trademark Class 23	Yarns and threads for textile use
Trademark Class 24	Bed and table covers, textiles and textile goods, not covered in other classes
Trademark Class 25	Clothing, headgear, footwear
Trademark Class 26	Lace and embroidery, pins and needles, buttons, hooks and eyes, ribbons and braid, artificial flowers
Trademark Class 27	Carpets, mats and matting, rugs, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors, wall hangings(non-textile)
Trademark Class 28	Games and playthings, decorations for Christmas trees, gymnastic and sporting articles not included in other classes
Trademark Class 29	Meat, poultry and game, fish, meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and milk products, jams, fruit sauces, edible oils and fats
Trademark Class 30	Coffee, tea, tapioca, sago, cocoa, sugar, rice, bread, pastry and confectionery, yeast, baking powder, honey, treacle, ice, salt, mustard, vinegar, spices
Trademark Class 31	Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, live animals, foodstuffs for animals, malt, natural plants and flowers
Trademark Class 32	Beers, other non-alcoholic drinks, mineral and aerated waters, fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for beverages
Trademark Class 33	Alcoholic beverages (except beers)
Trademark Class 34	Tobacco, matches, smokers' articles

Trademark Classification of Services

Class	Description
Trademark Class 35	Advertising, business administration, business management, office function
Trademark Class 36	Insurance, financial affairs, and real estate services
Trademark Class 37	Building construction, installation services, repair
Trademark Class 38	Telecommunications
Trademark Class 39	Transport, travel arrangement, packaging and storage of goods
Trademark Class 40	Treatment of materials
Trademark Class 41	Education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities.
Trademark Class 42	Scientific, technological, and design services, design and development of computer hardware and software, industrial analysis and research services
Trademark Class 43	Services for providing food and drink, temporary accommodation
Trademark Class 44	Medical services, veterinary services, hygiene and beauty services for human beings or animals, agriculture, forestry, and horticulture services
Trademark Class 45	Legal services, personal and social services to meet the needs of individuals, security services for the protection of property and individuals

Basis of Classification of Trademark Classes

Trademarks for Goods: If a final product does not belong to any other class, it is categorised according to its function and purpose. Depending on their functions, multipurpose products can be divided into several classes. It is categorised according to the raw materials or the means of transportation if the functions are not covered by other classifications. Based on the material they are composed of raw materials and semi-finished goods are categorised. When a product is composed of more than one material, it is categorised according to the substance that predominates.
Trademarks for Services: The trademark class for services is categorised according to the branches of activity. The same class includes rental services. Services pertaining to advise or consultations are categorised according to the topic of the information, advice, or consultation.

Importance of Trademark Classes

Goods and services must be properly classified for a number of reasons. These are:

Legal Protection: This keeps others from using a mark that is identical to yours in the same category and guarantees that your trademark is protected just for the particular goods and services you provide.
Preventing clashes: Proper classification reduces the possibility of legal problems by preventing clashes with already-registered trademarks.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to international trade regulations and quality standards is guaranteed by appropriate classification.
Efficient Processing: It makes it easier for the appropriate authorities to process trademark applications quickly.

Steps for Trademark Registration in India

Step 1: Pre-Filing Search

To make sure your preferred trademark is distinct and not currently in use, a thorough trademark search is a must. The Indian Trademark Registry website is where you may accomplish this.

Step 2. Submitting the Application

Fill out Form TM-A, the trademark application, and submit it to the Trademark Registrar. This can be completed offline at the designated trademark office or online via the official IP India website.

Step 3: Application Information

Provide the applicant's information, trademark representation, product class, product description, and, if relevant, the priority date.

Step 4: Analysis

The application is reviewed by the trademark office for any trademark conflicts and conformity with regulatory requirements. It may take several months to complete this process.

Step 5: Trademark Journal Publication

The trademark is published in the Trademark Journal upon approval of the application. This enables anyone who feels there is a conflict to object to the registration.

Step 6: Opposition Window

Any third party may contest the trademark registration for a period of four months. Both parties are required to provide evidence and appear at hearings in the event that an objection is filed.

Step 7: Enrolment

A registration certificate is issued and the trademark is registered if there are no objections or if the opposition is settled in the applicant's favour.

Step 8: Post-Registration

The trademark has a ten-year validity period after registration, after which it may be renewed forever every ten years.

Conclusion

Depending on the type of goods and services, trademarks are divided into 45 classes. 45 classifications have been created by grouping and classifying related goods and services. An exhaustive list of trademark classes in India can be found in this article. However, it may appear overwhelming to a business owner. The best way to find the correct class for your business and register a trademark is by consulting an expert.

FAQ

Q1. What is the Nice Classification system used in India for trademarks?

A global approach for classifying products and services for trademark registration is called the Nice Classification. India uses this technique to make trademark classification consistent and simple.

Q2. How many trademark classes are there in India?

According to the NICE classification, the products and services covered by trademarks are separated into 45 classes. The international standard used to classify items is the NICE classification. Different categories of goods and services make up each trademark class. India has 45 trademark classes, with Classes 1 through 34 pertaining to products and Classes 35 through 45 pertaining to services.

Q3. What should I consider when deciding on a trademark class for my business?

Start by checking the Nice Classification system and keep the particular products or services you provide in mind. To prevent conflicts, make sure the class you choose appropriately represents your company’s operations.

Q4. Can I change the class of my trademark application after submission?

No, the class cannot be changed once a trademark application has been filed. If you selected the wrong class, you would have to submit a new application.

Q5. How does registering a trademark in multiple classes benefit my business?

By registering in several classes, you can prevent others from using similar marks in related fields and give greater protection for all potential markets for your goods or services.

Q6. What are some common examples of goods under Class 3?

Products in Class 3, which focuses mostly on cleaning and personal care items, include soaps, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, and fragrances.

Q7. What types of services are covered under Class 42?

Scientific and technological services, such as industrial analysis and research, as well as the design, development, and research of computer hardware and software, are included under Class 42.