Trademark Class List: Classification of Goods & Services Under Trademarks!

When it comes to protecting a brand, logo, name, or slogan, trademark registration plays a vital role. It offers exclusive rights to the trademark owner and prevents unauthorized use by others. However, one crucial but often misunderstood part of the process is choosing the right trademark class.

Every product or service falls under a specific trademark class, and registering under the right class ensures legal protection in that particular business area. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the complete Trademark Class List and help you understand how the classification of goods and services under trademarks works.

What is a Trademark Class?

A trademark class is a category defined under the Nice Classification (NCL) system, developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). There are 45 trademark classes in total:

• Classes 1 to 34 deal with goods

• Classes 35 to 45 deal with services

When applying for trademark registration, you must identify and apply under the appropriate class or classes where your business operates. Registering under the wrong class can result in limited protection, legal disputes, and rejection of your application.

Why Is Trademark Classification Important?

Choosing the correct class is not just a formality—it determines the scope of your trademark protection. Here’s why it's crucial:

1. Legal Protection: Trademark rights are class-specific. If you register in Class 25 (clothing), you’re only protected for apparel, not other goods like electronics (Class 9).

2. Avoiding Conflicts: Similar trademarks can coexist if they are in different classes and don’t create confusion among consumers.

3. Cost Efficiency: Each class comes with a separate government fee. Registering in unnecessary classes can increase your costs.

   
   

Overview of Goods Trademark Classes (Class 1–34)

Let’s break down the 34 goods classes and what they include:

Class 1: Chemicals

Industrial chemicals, unprocessed plastics, adhesives, and chemical products for science and agriculture.

Class 2: Paints

Paints, varnishes, lacquers, dyes for clothing, and anti-rust preparations.

Class 3: Cosmetics & Cleaning Preparations

Soaps, perfumery, cosmetics, hair care, and cleaning products.

Class 4: Lubricants & Fuels

Industrial oils, greases, candles, and combustible fuels.

Class 5: Pharmaceuticals

Medicines, dietary supplements, disinfectants, and veterinary products.

Class 6: Metal Goods

Common metals, hardware, pipes, and building materials made from metal.

Class 7: Machinery

Industrial machines, motors, and machine tools.

Class 8: Hand Tools

Manual tools, razors, and cutlery.

Class 9: Electronics

Computers, mobile phones, cameras, software, and scientific instruments.

Class 10: Medical Instruments

Surgical tools, dental equipment, and diagnostic apparatus.

Class 11: Lighting & Heating Equipment

Electric fans, air conditioners, heating, cooking, and sanitary installations.

Class 12: Vehicles

Automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and parts for vehicles.

Class 13: Firearms

Guns, ammunition, and explosives.

Class 14: Jewelry

Precious metals, gems, watches, and ornaments.

Class 15: Musical Instruments

Pianos, guitars, drums, and musical accessories.

Class 16: Paper Goods

Stationery, books, office supplies, and packaging.

Class 17: Rubber Products

Plastic, rubber, asbestos products, and insulation materials.

Class 18: Leather Goods

Bags, purses, wallets, and leather accessories.

Class 19: Building Materials

Non-metallic construction materials, stones, and tiles.

Class 20: Furniture

Furniture, mirrors, and home furnishings.

Class 21: Household Utensils

Kitchen tools, cookware, and containers.

Class 22: Ropes & Sacks

Ropes, nets, tents, tarpaulins, and bags.

Class 23: Yarns & Threads

Threads for textile use.

Class 24: Textiles

Bed covers, towels, and household linen.

Class 25: Clothing

Apparel, footwear, and headwear.

Class 26: Lace & Embroidery

Buttons, zippers, ribbons, and sewing accessories.

Class 27: Floor Coverings

Carpets, mats, and wall hangings.

Class 28: Toys & Sporting Goods

Games, toys, sports equipment, and fitness gear.

Class 29: Food Products

Meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and preserved food.

Class 30: Staple Foods

Coffee, tea, rice, flour, and bakery items.

Class 31: Raw Agricultural Products

Fruits, vegetables, grains, and live animals.

Class 32: Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Soft drinks, juices, and mineral water.

Class 33: Alcoholic Beverages

Wine, beer, whisky, and other alcoholic drinks.

Class 34: Tobacco Products

Cigarettes, cigars, and smoking accessories.

Overview of Services Trademark Classes (Class 35–45)

Now let’s look at the 11 service-based trademark classes:

Class 35: Advertising & Business

Marketing, retail services, business consultancy, and e-commerce.

Class 36: Financial & Insurance

Banking, real estate, investment, and insurance services.

Class 37: Construction & Repair

Building construction, installation, and maintenance services.

Class 38: Communication

Telecommunications, broadcasting, and data transmission.

Class 39: Transportation & Storage

Logistics, shipping, travel, and warehousing services.

Class 40: Material Treatment

Custom manufacturing, recycling, and textile treatment.

Class 41: Education & Entertainment

Training, online courses, publishing, and event management.

Class 42: Science & Technology

IT services, software development, and engineering.

Class 43: Food & Hospitality

Hotels, restaurants, catering, and bar services.

Class 44: Medical & Beauty

Healthcare, veterinary, agriculture, and beauty salons.

Class 45: Legal & Social Services

Legal aid, security services, and personal services.

How to Choose the Right Trademark Class?

To identify the correct class for your trademark registration, ask yourself:

• What is the primary product or service I offer?

• Do I plan to expand into other categories in the near future?

• Are my competitors operating in similar or different classes?

You may also file under multiple classes if your business spans more than one category. For example, an online fashion store selling apparel and footwear will need Class 25 for clothing and Class 35 for online retail services.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say you are launching a brand of organic skincare products. You would need:

• Class 3: For cosmetics and skin care items.

• Class 35: If you're selling online or through physical stores.

• Class 44: If you're offering spa or beauty treatment services.

Failing to include any of these can leave parts of your business unprotected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing the Wrong Class: This can lead to rejection of your application or leave parts of your business vulnerable.

2. Not Including All Relevant Classes: A business with multiple offerings should file under each relevant class.

3. Overlapping or Duplicate Classes: Avoid choosing similar or redundant classes unless necessary.

4. Ignoring Future Business Expansion: Always anticipate your brand’s growth while choosing classes.

   
   

How to Register a Trademark in India?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the trademark registration process:

1. Trademark Search: Check if your desired trademark is already registered in the relevant class.

2. Class Selection: Identify the right class(es) based on your business.

3. Filing the Application: Submit Form TM-A with the appropriate fee.

4. Examination: The registrar examines the application for conflicts.

5. Publication: If approved, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal.

6. Opposition (if any): Third parties can file objections within 4 months.

7. Registration: If no opposition arises, your trademark is officially registered.

   
   

Trademark Class Search Made Easy with Online Legal India

Choosing the right trademark class can be confusing for new business owners. A single mistake can delay or invalidate your trademark registration. That’s where Online Legal India can assist.

We offer:

• Free trademark search and class consultation

• Expert legal assistance with multi-class filing

• End-to-end support throughout the registration process

Let our experts take the complexity out of the process so you can focus on building your brand!

Conclusion

Understanding the Trademark Class List is essential for proper trademark registration and brand protection. Whether you're selling goods or providing services, choosing the correct class ensures that your trademark enjoys full legal coverage.

If you’re unsure which class applies to your business, consult professionals like Online Legal India who can guide you through the process efficiently and affordably.