Trademark Classes: The 45 Classes Explained

Trademark classes are the 45 categories of the Nice Classification used in India. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods and classes 35 to 45 cover services. You pick the class that matches what you sell or offer, and the fee and protection apply class by class.

Why classes matter

A registration protects your mark only for the class it is filed in. A brand registered for clothing does not automatically cover a software app. Before you apply, a trademark search in your chosen class shows who already holds a similar mark there.

Goods: classes 1 to 34

• 1-5: chemicals, paints, cosmetics and cleaning products, industrial oils, pharmaceuticals.
• 6-12: metals, machines, hand tools, electronics and software (class 9), medical apparatus, lighting, vehicles.
• 13-20: firearms, jewellery, musical instruments, paper and stationery, rubber, leather goods, building materials, furniture.
• 21-28: household utensils, ropes, yarns, fabrics, clothing and footwear (class 25), lace and buttons, carpets, toys and sports goods.
• 29-34: foods, tea and spices, agricultural produce, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, tobacco.

Apparel brands usually file under trademark class 25, and app or hardware makers under trademark class 9.

Services: classes 35 to 45

• 35: advertising, business management, retail and trading services.
• 36: finance, banking, insurance, real estate.
• 37-39: construction and repair, telecom, transport and travel.
• 40-41: material treatment and printing, education and entertainment.
• 42: scientific and IT services, software design.
• 43-45: food and accommodation, medical and beauty services, legal and security services.

Traders and consultants often look at trademark class 35, and tech startups at trademark class 42.

How to choose and common mistakes

List what you sell today and what you plan to add in the next few years, then match each item to a class. The Registry has the final say on classification, so class headings are only a guide; the actual description of goods or services counts.

• Filing in one class when the business also needs a service class.
• Using a vague description that the examiner objects to.
• Assuming a class heading alone covers every product.

Not sure where your product sits? Our trademark registration process starts with class selection.

Related guides: Trademark forms explained, Trademark objection vs opposition, MCA and ROC

FAQs

How many trademark classes are there in India?

There are 45: 34 for goods and 11 for services.

Can I file in more than one class?

Yes. You can cover several classes in one application, and fees apply for each class.

Which class is software in?

Downloadable software falls in class 9, while IT and software design services fall in class 42.

Want help picking classes? Talk to a Taxhint expert before you file.