Complete Guide to Trademark Classes in India (List & How to Choose)

The trademark classes in India classify goods and services into 45 numbered categories to simplify registration, examination, and protection. India follows the Nice Classification system administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and implemented domestically by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).

Overview of trademark classes in India

The Nice Classification groups similar goods and services into numbered classes. Classes 1–34 cover goods (manufactured items, raw materials, chemicals, clothing, food, etc.) and classes 35–45 cover services (advertising, business management, education, legal services, etc.). Choosing the correct class or classes is essential to define the scope of a trademark application and subsequent protection.

List and brief description of classes (1–34): goods

The following is a concise list of goods classes used in Indian trademark practice. Each class includes many specific items; applicants should consult the official classification lists for detailed specifications.

Class 1

Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed plastics, adhesives for industrial use.

Class 2

Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and deterioration, colorants, inks.

Class 3

Cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; cosmetics and toiletries.

Class 4

Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels and illuminants.

Class 5

Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations for medical purposes.

Class 6

Common metals and their alloys, metal building materials, metal goods not included in other classes.

Class 7

Machines and machine tools, motors and engines (except for land vehicles), machine coupling and transmission components.

Class 8

Hand tools and implements (hand-operated), cutlery, side arms, razors.

Class 9

Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision) apparatus and instruments; computers and software.

Class 10

Medical apparatus and instruments; surgical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments.

Class 11

Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating.

Class 12

Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.

Class 13

Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives and fireworks.

Class 14

Precious metals and their alloys; jewelry, precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments.

Class 15

Musical instruments.

Class 16

Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials; printed matter; office requisites; bookbinding material.

Class 17

Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials; flexible pipes, packing and insulating materials.

Class 18

Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins, luggage and bags.

Class 19

Non-metallic building materials; rigid pipes not of metal; asphalt, pitch and bitumen.

Class 20

Furniture, mirrors, picture frames and goods (not of metal) for home and office use.

Class 21

Household or kitchen utensils and containers; combs and sponges; brushes; glassware, porcelain and earthenware.

Class 22

Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags.

Class 23

Yarns and threads for textile use.

Class 24

Textiles and substitutes for textiles; household linen; curtains.

Class 25

Clothing, footwear, headgear.

Class 26

Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; haberdashery; buttons, hooks and eyes.

Class 27

Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors.

Class 28

Games, toys, sporting articles and gymnastic and sporting apparatus not included in other classes.

Class 29

Meat, fish, poultry and game; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; processed foods and edible oils.

Class 30

Staple foods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, rice, tapioca, sago, flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastries, confectionery.

Class 31

Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products, grains and fresh fruits and vegetables; live animals.

Class 32

Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic beverages; fruit drinks and juices.

Class 33

Alcoholic beverages (except beers).

Class 34

Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.

List and brief description of classes (35–45): services

Services cover a wide range of business activities. Below are the descriptive headings for services classes used in India.

Class 35

Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.

Class 36

Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.

Class 37

Construction; repair; installation services.

Class 38

Telecommunications.

Class 39

Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.

Class 40

Treatment of materials; custom manufacture; recycling services.

Class 41

Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

Class 42

Scientific and technological services and research; design and development of computer hardware and software.

Class 43

Providing food and drink; temporary accommodation.

Class 44

Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

Class 45

Legal services; security services for the physical protection of tangible property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals.

How classes are used and practical considerations

Trademark applicants select one or more classes to indicate the goods or services covered. The exact specification within a class can affect the scope of protection and the search/examination process. India follows editions of the Nice Classification; periodic updates may add or refine terms. For authoritative and current class headings, see the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks on the official IP India website: ipindia.gov.in.

Other practical points: cross-class conflicts can arise if a mark is similar and used in related classes; some applicants file in multiple classes to broaden protection; examiners may raise objections if specifications are vague. Official guidance and fee schedules are available from the CGPDTM and should be consulted for procedural details.

References and official sources

Classification practice in India is governed by the Trade Marks Act and international standards such as the Nice Classification maintained by WIPO. The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) publishes classification guidance, search tools and current lists for use by applicants and practitioners.

FAQ

What are the trademark classes in India?

India uses 45 trademark classes under the Nice Classification: classes 1–34 for goods and classes 35–45 for services. Each class groups related items or activities to define the scope of trademark protection.

How does India follow the Nice Classification?

India adopts editions of the Nice Classification as the standard for grouping goods and services. The CGPDTM issues updates and guidance; applicants should consult official lists for current terminology.

Can one trademark application cover multiple classes?

Yes. An application can include goods or services from multiple classes, but fees, specification clarity, and examination matters must be addressed for each class included.

Where to find the official list of classes and exact wording?

The official IP India website maintained by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks provides searchable classification databases, current class headings, and procedural guidance for trademark filing in India.

Do class headings alone determine protection scope?

No. Protection depends on the specific goods or services listed in the application, how the mark is used, and examination/registration outcomes. The class heading is a guide; detailed specifications matter for enforcement and conflicts.