Complete Guide to Trademark Classes in India (Goods & Services)

 Complete Guide to Trademark Classes in India (Goods & Services)

When applying for trademark registration in India, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the correct trademark class. Every application must specify the class of goods or services for which protection is sought.

India follows the Nice Classification system, adopted worldwide, which is divided into 45 trademark classes:

• Classes 1 to 34 cover goods

• Classes 35 to 45 cover services

This classification is laid out in the Fourth Schedule of the Trade Marks Rules, and understanding it is essential to avoid rejection and ensure your brand is legally protected in the right industry.

In this guide, we break down all the trademark classes for goods and services in India and provide tips on choosing the right class for your business.

Trademark Classes for Goods (Class 1–34)

These classes cover physical products manufactured, sold, or distributed by businesses.

• Class 1 – Chemicals for industry, science, agriculture, photography; unprocessed plastics/resins; adhesives for industrial use.

• Class 2 – Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust, wood protection products, colorants.

• Class 3 – Cleaning products, soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, essential oils, hair care products, dentifrices.

• Class 4 – Industrial oils, greases, lubricants, fuels, candles.

• Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals, veterinary and sanitary products, disinfectants, dietetic substances, fungicides, herbicides.

• Class 6 – Common metals, alloys, ores, metallic building materials, pipes, wires, safes.

• Class 7 – Machines, machine tools, motors (except land vehicles), agricultural implements (non-hand-operated), incubators.

• Class 8 – Hand-operated tools, cutlery, razors.

• Class 9 – Scientific instruments, computers, software, data carriers, cameras, fire extinguishers.

• Class 10 – Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary instruments; orthopaedic items.

• Class 11 – Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, water supply, sanitation.

• Class 12 – Vehicles; locomotion apparatus by land, air, water.

• Class 13 – Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks.

• Class 14 – Jewellery, precious metals, gemstones, watches.

• Class 15 – Musical instruments.

• Class 16 – Paper, stationery, printed matter, office requisites, packaging materials.

• Class 17 – Rubber, plastics (extruded), insulation materials, non-metal flexible pipes.

• Class 18 – Leather, bags, trunks, suitcases, umbrellas, saddlery.

• Class 19 – Non-metal building materials, rigid non-metal pipes, asphalt, monuments.

• Class 20 – Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, plastic/wood goods.

• Class 21 – Household utensils, kitchen containers, brushes, glassware, porcelain, earthenware.

• Class 22 – Ropes, nets, tents, sails, sacks, raw fibrous textiles.

• Class 23 – Yarns and threads (for textiles).

• Class 24 – Textiles, textile goods, bed and table covers.

• Class 25 – Clothing, footwear, headgear.

• Class 26 – Lace, ribbons, embroidery, buttons, needles, artificial flowers.

• Class 27 – Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum, wall hangings (non-textile).

• Class 28 – Toys, games, sports equipment, Christmas decorations.

• Class 29 – Meat, fish, poultry, preserved/cooked fruits, jams, dairy products, oils.

• Class 30 – Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, sugar, rice, bakery items, condiments, ice.

• Class 31 – Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, live animals, plants, animal feed.

• Class 32 – Beers, mineral water, soft drinks, juices, syrups.

• Class 33 – Alcoholic beverages (excluding beer).

• Class 34 – Tobacco, smokers’ articles, matches.

Trademark Classes for Services (Class 35–45)

These classes cover intangible services offered by businesses and professionals.

• Class 35 – Advertising, business management, administration, office functions.

• Class 36 – Insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, real estate services.

• Class 37 – Building construction, repair, installation services.

• Class 38 – Telecommunications.

• Class 39 – Transport, travel arrangements, packaging and storage of goods.

• Class 40 – Treatment of materials.

• Class 41 – Education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities.

• Class 42 – Scientific and technological services, R&D, IT services, software development, industrial analysis.

• Class 43 – Hospitality services: food and drink supply, hotels, restaurants, catering.

• Class 44 – Medical, veterinary, hygienic, beauty care services; agriculture, horticulture, forestry.

• Class 45 – Legal services, security services, personal and social services.

Guidelines for Classifying Goods and Services

If a product or service cannot be directly classified using the List of Classes, Explanatory Notes, or the Alphabetical List, the following criteria apply:

For Goods:

1. A finished product is classified by its function or purpose.

2. Multi-purpose products may be classified in all relevant classes.

3. Raw materials are classified by their substance.

4. Parts or accessories are classified with the main product, unless usable elsewhere.

5. If made of different materials, classification follows the predominant material.

6. Cases and containers are classified with the product they are made for.

For Services:

1. Classified according to business activity or by analogy with similar services.

2. Rental services are classified in the same class as the underlying service (e.g., rental of telephones → Class 38).

3. Consultancy/advisory services are classified according to the subject matter of advice (e.g., financial consultancy → Class 36).

Why Choosing the Right Trademark Class is Important

• Protection is class-specific – Registering in one class doesn’t cover another.

• Wrong classification = rejection – Filing in the wrong class weakens legal protection.

• Multiple classes may be required – If your business spans different categories.

• Prevents disputes – Correct classification avoids infringement conflicts.

Final Thoughts

The Fourth Schedule trademark classification in India provides a structured framework for protecting brands across both goods and services. With 45 classes in total, businesses must carefully identify the correct class before filing a trademark application.

If your brand spans multiple industries, filing across several classes ensures comprehensive protection.

💡 Pro Tip: Always consult a trademark attorney or professional to ensure accurate classification and avoid costly mistakes.

📞 Start Your Trademark Registration Today!

Don’t risk your brand’s future with the wrong classification. At Advo e-Works, we make the process simple, accurate, and hassle-free.

✅ Expert legal guidance

✅ Correct class identification

✅ Smooth filing & registration support

🌐 Visit: www.advoeworks.com

📱 Mobile: (+91) 949 106 2020

Protect your brand now — before someone else does.