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If you are trying to register your brand in India, one of the first things that stops most business owners is a simple but confusing question: which trademark class do I pick?
You open the IP India portal, you see “45 classes,” and suddenly registering a trademark feels like studying for an exam you never signed up for. You either guess, pick the wrong class, or put off filing altogether.
This post breaks down all 45 trademark classes India explained — in plain language, with real business examples — so you can find exactly where your business fits and file with full confidence.
Table of Contents
What Is a Trademark Class and Why Does It Matter?
When you register a trademark in India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, your registration does not protect your brand across every product and service category. It only protects you within the specific class you register under.
Here is a practical example. If you register your clothing brand under Class 25, someone else can technically register the exact same brand name under Class 35 (retail services) — because they are different classes, they are treated as different protections.
Your class defines the legal boundary of your trademark. Get it wrong, and you may spend money on a registration that leaves you exposed.
India follows the international Nice Classification system, which divides all trademarks into 45 classes. Classes 1 to 34 cover physical goods. Classes 35 to 45 cover services. Let’s go through all of them.
Classes 1–34: For Businesses That Sell Physical Goods
Class 1 — Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture. Think fertilisers, adhesives, chemical compounds.
Class 2 — Paints, varnishes, lacquers, dyes, rust-preventive products. Relevant for paint brands and coating manufacturers.
Class 3 — Cosmetics and cleaning products. Soaps, shampoos, perfumes, toothpaste, skincare products all fall here. If you sell beauty or personal care products, this is your class.
Class 4 — Fuels and lubricants. Petrol, diesel, candles, industrial oils, wax.
Class 5 — Pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Medicines, vitamin supplements, baby food, sanitary preparations, disinfectants. One of the most closely monitored classes in India.
Class 6 — Metals and hardware. Steel products, pipes, safes, metal structures, building materials.
Class 7 — Machinery and machine tools. Industrial engines, power tools, pumps, agricultural machines.
Class 8 — Hand tools and cutlery. Knives, scissors, razors, forks, spoons.
Class 9 — Electronics, software, and technology. Mobile phones, computers, apps, downloaded software, optical equipment, scientific instruments. If you have a tech product or app, you almost certainly need this class.
Class 10 — Medical and surgical devices. Hospital equipment, prosthetics, orthopaedic products.
Class 11 — Lighting, heating, cooling, and sanitary equipment. Air conditioners, refrigerators, water purifiers, lamps, cooking appliances.
Class 12 — Vehicles and transport equipment. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, vehicle parts.
Class 13 — Firearms and explosives. Guns, ammunition, fireworks. Heavily regulated.
Class 14 — Jewellery and watches. Precious stones, gold, silver jewellery, clocks, watches.
Class 15 — Musical instruments. Guitars, keyboards, harmoniums, drums.
Class 16 — Paper and printed goods. Books, stationery, newspapers, magazines, packaging materials.
Class 17 — Rubber, plastic, and insulating materials. Packaging foils, flexible pipes, sealants.
Class 18 — Leather goods and bags. Handbags, wallets, luggage, umbrellas. Fashion and accessory brands pay close attention here.
Class 19 — Non-metallic building materials. Bricks, tiles, pipes, asphalt, glass for construction.
Class 20 — Furniture and wooden goods. Tables, chairs, beds, mirrors, picture frames.
Class 21 — Household and kitchen products. Utensils, cookware, glassware, cleaning tools, pet accessories.
Class 22 — Ropes, nets, and raw fibres. Tents, sacks, canvas, padding materials.
Class 23 — Yarn and threads for textile use.
Class 24 — Textiles and fabric. Bed linen, curtains, towels, fabric rolls. Distinct from finished clothing, which sits in Class 25.
Class 25 — Clothing and footwear. Shirts, trousers, dresses, shoes, caps. One of the most filed classes in India for fashion and apparel brands.
Class 26 — Lace, ribbons, hair accessories, embroidery, buttons, hooks.
Class 27 — Floor coverings. Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum.
Class 28 — Toys, games, and sports equipment. Board games, video game hardware, gym equipment, fishing gear.
Class 29 — Processed food. Meat, fish, dairy products, cooked vegetables, jams, cooking oils. Food brands take note — there are three food-related classes (29, 30, 31).
Class 30 — Staple foods and condiments. Tea, coffee, flour, bread, pastries, spices, sugar, sauces, rice.
Class 31 — Raw agricultural products. Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, live plants, animal feed.
Class 32 — Beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Juices, energy drinks, mineral water, soft drinks.
Class 33 — Alcoholic beverages (except beer). Wine, spirits, whiskey, rum, vodka.
Class 34 — Tobacco and smoking products. Cigarettes, cigars, lighters, matches.
Classes 35–45: For Businesses That Offer Services
This is where most modern Indian businesses — startups, agencies, consultants, e-commerce sellers — need to pay close attention.
Class 35 — Business and advertising services. Retail services, online marketplaces, advertising agencies, business management, data compilation, import-export agencies. E-commerce brands and aggregators commonly file here alongside their product class.
Class 36 — Financial and insurance services. Banking, insurance, real estate, investment advisory, money transfer.
Class 37 — Construction and repair services. Building construction, installation services, vehicle repair.
Class 38 — Telecommunications. Internet service providers, telephone services, broadcasting, messaging apps.
Class 39 — Transport and logistics. Delivery services, warehousing, courier companies, travel agencies.
Class 40 — Treatment of materials. Printing, food processing, recycling, manufacturing services.
Class 41 — Education and entertainment. Schools, coaching institutes, online learning platforms, event management, publishing, sports clubs.
Class 42 — Science and technology services. Software development, IT consulting, SaaS platforms, cloud computing, cybersecurity. If you are a software company or tech startup, you likely need both Class 9 and Class 42. [Link to: Trademark Classes in India]
Class 43 — Food and hospitality services. Restaurants, hotels, catering, cafes, temporary accommodation. Note the distinction: your restaurant files under Class 43 for services, but your packaged food product files under Class 29 or 30.
Class 44 — Medical and veterinary services. Healthcare clinics, hospitals, beauty salons, pharmacy services, veterinary care.
Class 45 — Legal and personal services. Legal consultancy, security services, matrimonial agencies, social networking services, funeral services.
How to Pick the Right Class for Your Business
Here is a quick decision framework:
You sell physical products → Start with Classes 1–34. Match your product type to the category description. When in doubt between two classes, ask whether your customers are buying a thing (goods class) or an experience or outcome (service class).
You offer a service → Look at Classes 35–45. Match your service type to the category.
You run a tech or e-commerce business → You almost certainly need more than one class. A food delivery app may need Class 9 (app), Class 35 (marketplace), and Class 43 (food services).
You are a clothing or fashion brand → Class 25 for the clothes, and potentially Class 35 if you run your own retail store.
You run a restaurant → Class 43. But if you also sell packaged food under your brand, add Class 29 or 30.
The rule of thumb: register in every class where you do business today, and any class where you plan to expand within the next two years. Each class requires a separate fee, but the cost of a wrong or incomplete registration is far higher.
FAQ
1. Can I register my trademark in more than one class? Yes. You can file a single trademark application covering multiple classes in India. Each additional class adds to the government fee, but it is the smartest way to get complete protection if your business spans multiple categories.
2. What happens if I file under the wrong trademark class? Your trademark registration will only protect you in the class you filed under. If a competitor uses your brand in another class, you may have limited legal recourse. In some cases you can file a fresh application, but you cannot go back and change the class of an existing registration.
3. How do I know if a class is the right fit for my business? Read the official class heading and the list of goods or services included in that class on the IP India trademark portal. If your product or service appears in that list, that is your class. If you are unsure between two, a trademark professional can advise you quickly.
4. Do service businesses need to register trademark classes differently from product businesses? Yes. Service businesses register under Classes 35–45, while goods businesses register under Classes 1–34. Many modern businesses — especially in tech and food — straddle both and need registrations in multiple classes.
5. What is the government fee for registering in one class in India? As of 2026, the government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and small enterprises, and ₹9,000 per class for all other applicants. Professional or agent fees are separate.
Conclusion
Understanding all 45 trademark classes India explained is the foundation of smart brand protection. Filing in the wrong class — or skipping classes where you actually operate — can leave your brand legally exposed, even after you have paid for registration.
Take the time to map your business to the right classes before you file. If your business operates across multiple categories, file in all of them from the start. The cost of a comprehensive filing today is nothing compared to a brand dispute tomorrow.
Ready to register your trademark in the right class the first time? Book a free consultation today — our team will review your business, identify the correct trademark classes, and handle your application end to end.
Anjali is a Digital Marketing Expert at LegalTax.in who builds websites that rank and convert. She specializes in SEO-driven web development, helping people find the right legal help online.
