India follows the Nice Classification system for trademark registration. There are 45 trademark classes in total – Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, and Classes 35 to 45 cover services. Filing in the correct class is critical: a trademark only protects you within the class or classes you register in.
Why the Correct Class Matters
A trademark registration gives you exclusive rights only within the registered class. If you manufacture software (Class 42) and also provide consulting services (Class 35), you need to file in both classes. Filing in the wrong class leaves you without protection for your actual business activity.
Trademark Classes for Goods (Class 1 to 34)
| Class | Description | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemicals | Industrial chemicals, fertilisers, adhesives, photographic chemicals |
| 2 | Paints and coatings | Paints, varnishes, lacquers, anti-rust preparations, wood stains |
| 3 | Cosmetics and cleaning | Soaps, perfumes, shampoos, toothpastes, cleaning products |
| 4 | Lubricants and fuels | Engine oils, candles, fuels, industrial lubricants |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, veterinary preparations, dietary supplements |
| 6 | Metals | Metal goods, hardware, pipes, iron, steel, aluminium products |
| 7 | Machinery | Industrial machines, motors, engines, agricultural machinery |
| 8 | Hand tools | Cutlery, hand tools, razors, scissors, knives |
| 9 | Electronics and software | Computers, mobile phones, software, cameras, instruments |
| 10 | Medical devices | Surgical instruments, wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics |
| 11 | Appliances | Air conditioners, refrigerators, water purifiers, fans |
| 12 | Vehicles | Cars, bikes, scooters, vehicle parts, bicycles |
| 13 | Firearms and explosives | Guns, ammunition, fireworks (restricted in India) |
| 14 | Jewellery | Gold, silver, diamonds, watches, clocks |
| 15 | Musical instruments | Guitars, keyboards, sitars, drums |
| 16 | Paper and stationery | Books, printed matter, stationery, office supplies |
| 17 | Rubber and plastics | Rubber goods, insulating materials, flexible hoses |
| 18 | Leather goods | Bags, wallets, luggage, umbrellas |
| 19 | Building materials | Bricks, tiles, non-metallic construction materials |
| 20 | Furniture | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, plastic containers |
| 21 | Housewares | Kitchen utensils, cookware, glassware, brushes |
| 22 | Ropes and fibres | Ropes, nets, tents, canvas, natural fibres |
| 23 | Yarns and threads | Yarns and threads for textile use |
| 24 | Textiles | Fabrics, bed linen, table covers, towels |
| 25 | Clothing | Clothing, footwear, headgear, T-shirts, sarees, kurtas |
| 26 | Haberdashery | Lace, buttons, zips, ribbons, badges, hair accessories |
| 27 | Floor coverings | Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum, wallpaper |
| 28 | Games and toys | Board games, sports equipment, toys |
| 29 | Meat and dairy | Meat, fish, dairy products, processed vegetables |
| 30 | Staple foods | Coffee, tea, rice, flour, sugar, spices, baked goods |
| 31 | Agriculture | Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, live animals, plants |
| 32 | Beers and non-alcoholic drinks | Beer, mineral water, soft drinks, juices |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages | Wine, spirits, whisky, rum, gin |
| 34 | Tobacco | Tobacco, cigarettes, matches |
Trademark Classes for Services (Class 35 to 45)
| Class | Description | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Business and advertising | Marketing agencies, business consulting, recruitment, retail shops |
| 36 | Finance and insurance | Banking, insurance, real estate, FinTech apps |
| 37 | Construction and repair | Building services, renovation, electrical installation |
| 38 | Telecommunications | Mobile networks, internet providers, messaging apps |
| 39 | Transport and storage | Logistics, courier, travel agencies, warehousing |
| 40 | Material treatment | Printing, dyeing, textile treatment, recycling |
| 41 | Education and entertainment | Schools, coaching, EdTech, film production, publishing |
| 42 | Technology and IT services | Software development, SaaS, IT consulting, cloud services |
| 43 | Food and accommodation | Restaurants, hotels, catering, food delivery platforms |
| 44 | Medical and veterinary | Hospitals, clinics, dental services, beauty salons |
| 45 | Legal and security | Legal services, IP licensing, security agencies |
Quick Reference – Which Class for My Business?
| Business Type | Recommended Class(es) |
|---|---|
| Mobile app / SaaS startup | Class 42 |
| Restaurant or food delivery | Class 43 |
| Clothing brand or fashion | Class 25 |
| E-commerce or online retail | Class 35 |
| Professional services firm | Class 45 or 35 |
| EdTech or online education | Class 41 + 42 |
| Hospital or healthcare | Class 44 |
| NBFC or FinTech | Class 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file one trademark application for multiple classes?
Yes. Multi-class applications are permitted in India. The government filing charge applies per class. It is administratively efficient to file multiple classes in a single application.
What happens if I file in the wrong class?
A trademark provides protection only within its registered class. Filing in the wrong class gives you no protection for your actual goods or services. A fresh application in the correct class would be needed, and any third-party filing made in the interim takes priority.
How do I know if a similar mark already exists in my class?
A comprehensive trademark search on the IP India database before filing reveals identical or similar marks in your class. Dealintax includes a full search with every trademark application.
Also See
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Classes in India
Clear answers on India’s 45 trademark classes — to help you file in the right category and protect your brand correctly.
How many trademark classes are there in India?
India follows the Nice Classification system, which has 45 trademark classes in total: Classes 1–34 cover goods (physical products) and Classes 35–45 cover services. Every trademark application must specify the class or classes under which protection is sought. A single trademark registration in one class does not protect your mark in any other class — which is why choosing the right class at the time of filing is critical.
Which trademark class should I choose for my business?
The right class depends entirely on what your business sells or provides. For example: software companies typically register under Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (technology services); clothing brands under Class 25; food businesses under Classes 29, 30, or 43 (restaurant services); educational institutions under Class 41; and business consultants under Class 35. Dealintax’s IP experts review your business model and identify every relevant class to ensure complete protection.
Can I register a trademark in multiple classes?
Yes — you can and often should register in multiple classes if your business operates across categories. Each class requires a separate filing fee (₹4,500 per class for individuals/MSMEs, ₹9,000 for large companies). A multi-class strategy protects your brand holistically. For instance, a food brand should register in Class 30 (food products), Class 43 (restaurant services), and possibly Class 35 (marketing and retail services).
What happens if I file in the wrong trademark class?
Filing in the wrong class is a serious mistake — it provides zero legal protection for your actual products or services. If a competitor uses your brand name in the correct class and you are only registered in the wrong one, you cannot sue them for infringement. The Registrar will not automatically correct a wrong class after filing. You would need to file a fresh application in the correct class, losing your original priority date. Dealintax’s pre-filing class analysis prevents this entirely.
What is a multi-class trademark application?
A multi-class trademark application allows you to apply for the same mark across multiple classes in a single filing, rather than submitting separate applications for each class. In India, each class in a multi-class application still attracts its own government fee. The advantage is streamlined processing and a single application reference number. Dealintax advises on the optimal combination of classes and handles all multi-class filing paperwork.
Do trademark class registrations need to be renewed?
Yes — every trademark registration, regardless of class, is valid for 10 years from the date of application and must be renewed every 10 years to remain in force. Renewal can be filed 1 year before expiry. Failure to renew results in the trademark being removed from the register, after which competitors can apply for your mark. Dealintax sends renewal reminders and manages the renewal filing process on behalf of clients.
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