Trademark Classes in India: Complete 1 to 45 List, Fees & How to Choose (2026 Guide)
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique word, name, logo, symbol, or combination that legally identifies and distinguishes your brand from others. It gives you exclusive rights to use that brand name for specific goods or services in India.
What are Trademark Classes in India?
Trademark classes are 45 predefined categories under the Nice Classification system used to classify goods and services for trademark registration. Classes 1–34 cover goods (physical products), while Classes 35–45 cover services (intangible activities).
Imagine walking into a massive library to find a math book, but all the books are thrown into one giant pile. It would be impossible to find anything! To solve this, libraries use categories like Science, Fiction, and History.
The trademark registry works exactly the same way. When you initiate your trademark registration, you cannot just say, "I own this word." You must legally specify which business category you own it in. These categories are called trademark classes.
Before filing, it is highly recommended to conduct a trademark search to avoid objections or rejection from the trademark registry.
In this latest 2026 guide, we provide a complete breakdown of all 45 trademark classes, government fees, and expert strategies to choose the correct class. Remember, filing in the wrong class can lead to rejection and loss of fees, so understanding the classification system is critical to securing your brand.
Difference Between Trademark and Trademark Class
Trademark and Trademark Class are two different but closely related concepts in trademark registration. Understanding this difference is crucial to avoid filing mistakes.
| Basis | Trademark | Trademark Class |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A unique brand name, logo, symbol, or slogan that identifies your business | A predefined category used to classify goods or services under trademark law |
| Purpose | To protect brand identity | To define the scope of protection |
| Example | "Nike", "Apple" | Class 25 (Clothing), Class 9 (Electronics) |
| Legal Scope | Gives ownership of brand name | Limits protection to specific business category |
In simple terms, a trademark is what you protect, and a trademark class is where you protect it.
Example for Better Understanding
If your brand name is "ABC" and you sell shoes, you will register it under Class 25. However, if you also sell mobile apps under the same brand, you must additionally register under Class 9.
Your trademark protection is only valid in the selected classes. Therefore, before filing your application, it is highly recommended to conduct a trademark search and choose the correct class carefully.
What is the Nice Classification System?
Nice Classification (Trademark Classes System)
The Nice Classification is an internationally recognized system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration. It divides all business activities into 45 classes to standardize trademark protection across countries.
The Nice Classification system was established under the Nice Agreement by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). India follows this globally accepted system to ensure uniform trademark classification and international consistency.
This system helps trademark authorities and businesses clearly identify the scope of protection for a brand name based on its business activity.
Under this system, the entire commercial world is divided into exactly 45 trademark classes:
- Class 1 to 34: Covers Goods – physical products that are manufactured, processed, or sold (e.g., clothing, electronics, food items).
- Class 35 to 45: Covers Services – professional, commercial, or business activities (e.g., IT services, education, legal services).
Understanding the Nice Classification system is essential to selecting the correct trademark class and avoiding rejection during the trademark registration process.
Complete List of Trademark Classes (1 to 45)
Below is the complete, detailed, and official list of all trademark classes in India under the Nice Classification system. Use this comprehensive table to identify exactly where your products or services belong.
📦 Classes 1 to 34: GOODS (Physical Products)
| Class | Detailed Description of Goods |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry; unprocessed plastics, manures, fire extinguishing compositions. |
| Class 2 | Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; raw natural resins. |
| Class 3 | Cosmetics, non-medicated soaps, perfumery, essential oils, non-medicated hair lotions, cleaning and polishing preparations. |
| Class 4 | Industrial oils and greases, wax; lubricants; dust absorbing compositions; fuels and illuminants; candles and wicks. |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic food; dietary supplements; plasters. |
| Class 6 | Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; cables and wires of common metal; hardware. |
| Class 7 | Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components; agricultural implements. |
| Class 8 | Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors. |
| Class 9 | Scientific, IT, and electronic apparatus; computers, software, mobile apps, fire-extinguishing apparatus, optical devices, and recording media. |
| Class 10 | Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary apparatus and instruments; artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth; orthopedic articles. |
| Class 11 | Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, and water supply. |
| Class 12 | Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water (cars, bikes, boats, airplanes). |
| Class 13 | Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks. |
| Class 14 | Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments (watches). |
| Class 15 | Musical instruments. |
| Class 16 | Paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery and office requisites; instructional and teaching materials. |
| Class 17 | Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; flexible pipes. |
| Class 18 | Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins and hides; luggage and carrying bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks, saddlery. |
| Class 19 | Building materials (non-metallic); non-metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch, and bitumen; non-metallic transportable buildings. |
| Class 20 | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; containers (not of metal) for storage or transport; unworked or semi-worked bone, horn, whalebone. |
| Class 21 | Household or kitchen utensils and containers; cookware and tableware; combs and sponges; brushes; glassware, porcelain, and earthenware. |
| Class 22 | Ropes and string; nets; tents and tarpaulins; awnings of textile or synthetic materials; sails; sacks for the transport and storage of materials. |
| Class 23 | Yarns and threads, for textile use. |
| Class 24 | Textiles and substitutes for textiles; household linen; curtains of textile or plastic; bed covers and table covers. |
| Class 25 | Clothing, footwear, headgear. |
| Class 26 | Lace, braid, and embroidery, and haberdashery ribbons and bows; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers. |
| Class 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile). |
| Class 28 | Games, toys, and playthings; video game apparatus; gymnastic and sporting articles; decorations for Christmas trees. |
| Class 29 | Meat, fish, poultry, and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk, cheese, butter. |
| Class 30 | Coffee, tea, cocoa, and artificial coffee; rice, pasta, and noodles; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastries; sugar, honey, spices. |
| Class 31 | Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw and unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| Class 32 | Beers; non-alcoholic beverages; mineral and aerated waters; fruit beverages and fruit juices; syrups and other non-alcoholic preparations for making beverages. |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic beverages (except beers); alcoholic preparations for making beverages. |
| Class 34 | Tobacco and tobacco substitutes; cigarettes and cigars; electronic cigarettes and oral vaporizers for smokers; smokers' articles; matches. |
🏢 Classes 35 to 45: SERVICES (Business & Professional)
| Class | Detailed Description of Services |
|---|---|
| Class 35 | Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions; retail store services; wholesale services; e-commerce platforms. |
| Class 36 | Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs (banking, stockbroking, property management). |
| Class 37 | Building construction; repair; installation services; mining extraction, oil and gas drilling. |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications services; broadcasting, internet service providers, chatroom services. |
| Class 39 | Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement; courier services. |
| Class 40 | Treatment of materials; recycling of waste; custom manufacturing; printing services; food and drink preservation. |
| Class 41 | Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities; coaching institutes, publishing. |
| Class 42 | Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis; IT services, software design, and web development. |
| Class 43 | Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation; restaurants, cafes, hotels, boarding houses. |
| 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. |
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Trademark Class Finder by Business Type
How to Find the Correct Trademark Class?
You can identify the correct trademark class by analyzing your business activity, product type, or services offered. Many businesses require multi-class trademark registration to ensure complete brand protection.
To make it easy for you, here is a practical trademark class finder based on common business types in India:
| Business Type | Applicable Trademark Class | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing Brand | Class 25 + Class 35 | Apparel manufacturing + retail / e-commerce sales |
| Restaurant / Cafe | Class 43 | Food and beverage services |
| Software / Tech Company | Class 9 + Class 42 | Software products + IT services / SaaS |
| E-commerce Seller | Class 35 | Online trading, advertising, and marketplace selling |
| Coaching Institute / EdTech | Class 41 | Education, training, and online courses |
| Hospital / Clinic | Class 44 | Medical and healthcare services |
| Real Estate Business | Class 36 + Class 37 | Property dealing + construction services |
| Cosmetics Brand | Class 3 + Class 35 | Beauty products + online/offline sales |
| Digital Marketing Agency | Class 35 | Advertising, branding, and marketing services |
| Mobile App Startup | Class 9 + Class 42 | App product + backend development services |
In many cases, a single business operates in multiple categories. For complete protection, you should apply under all relevant classes through a multi-class application.
If you are unsure about your correct class, it is recommended to conduct a trademark search or consult experts before filing your trademark registration application.
Trademark Class Fees in India (2026)
Trademark Registration Fees in India
The government trademark filing fee in India is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class for companies and other entities.
A very common question is: "Trademark registration me kitna kharcha aata hai?" The Government of India charges a filing fee per class. If you apply under multiple classes, the total cost increases accordingly.
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (Per Class) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Proprietor | ₹4,500 | Any individual applying in personal name |
| Startup (DPIIT Recognized) | ₹4,500 | Recognized startups under DPIIT scheme |
| MSME (Udyam Registered) | ₹4,500 | Businesses with valid Udyam Registration |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 | Without MSME or Startup benefit |
Important: The fee is charged per trademark class. For example, if you apply under 2 classes, the total government fee will be ₹4,500 × 2 = ₹9,000 (for individuals/MSMEs).
💡 Pro Tip: Save 50% on Trademark Fees
If you are running a business, you should first complete your company registration and apply for MSME (Udyam) registration. This allows you to reduce your trademark filing fee by 50% legally.
Before applying, make sure to choose the correct class and conduct a proper trademark search to avoid rejection and additional costs.
Multi-Class Trademark Application Explained
What is a Multi-Class Trademark Application?
A multi-class trademark application allows you to register a single trademark under multiple classes using one application (Form TM-A), instead of filing separate applications for each class.
For example, if your business sells mobile phones (Class 9) and also provides mobile repair services (Class 37), you need protection in both classes.
Instead of filing multiple separate applications, the government allows you to file a multi-class trademark application, where all relevant classes are included in a single application.
| Particulars | Single-Class Application | Multi-Class Application |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Applications | Separate for each class | One application for multiple classes |
| Government Fees | Charged per application | Charged per class (within one application) |
| Management | Multiple filings to track | Single filing, easy to manage |
| Renewal Process | Separate renewals | Single renewal process |
Cost Example: If you apply under 2 classes, the total government fee will be ₹4,500 × 2 = ₹9,000 (for individuals/MSMEs).
- Simplified Process: One application instead of multiple filings.
- Easier Tracking: Single application number for all classes.
- Better Brand Protection: Covers multiple business activities.
Choosing the right classes is critical. Before filing, conduct a proper trademark search and consult experts to avoid rejection.
Legal Importance of Trademark Classes & Common Mistakes
Why Trademark Class Selection is Important?
Trademark protection in India is class-specific, meaning your brand is legally protected only in the classes you register it under. Choosing the wrong class can lead to rejection or loss of legal rights.
🚨 Important Legal Rule: Protection is Class-Specific!
If you register the brand name "ZAP" for shoes (Class 25), you only own rights in Class 25. If another company registers "ZAP" for software (Class 9), you generally cannot stop them due to different trademark classes.
This means your trademark rights are not universal. They are limited to the scope of goods or services you declare at the time of filing. If your business expands into new categories later, your brand may remain unprotected in those areas.
Common Trademark Class Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Class Selection: Filing under the wrong class leads to objections, rejection, and complete loss of government fees.
- Ignoring Future Expansion: Businesses often register only their current product (e.g., Class 25 for clothing) but ignore future plans (e.g., perfumes in Class 3), leaving the brand exposed.
- Confusion Between Class 35 vs 42: Class 35 covers trading, retail, and e-commerce, while Class 42 covers software development and IT services. Many startups select the wrong one.
- Single-Class Filing for Multi-Business Models: Modern businesses often operate in multiple areas but file only one class, reducing legal protection.
- Skipping Trademark Search: Not conducting a proper trademark search before filing increases chances of objection or opposition.
💡 Pro Tip: Think Long-Term
Always choose trademark classes based on both your current business activities and future expansion plans. A well-planned multi-class application can save you from legal disputes and re-filing costs later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick Answer: Trademark Classes in India
India follows the Nice Classification system with 45 trademark classes. Classes 1–34 cover goods, while Classes 35–45 cover services. A trademark is protected only in the classes you register it under.
How many trademark classes are there in India?
There are a total of 45 trademark classes in India under the Nice Classification System. Classes 1 to 34 are for goods (products), and Classes 35 to 45 are for services.
Can the same trademark exist in different classes?
Yes, the same trademark name can exist in different classes if the businesses are unrelated and there is no likelihood of confusion among consumers.
Is Class 35 mandatory for all businesses?
No, Class 35 is not mandatory for all businesses. However, it is highly recommended for businesses involved in trading, retail, advertising, or running e-commerce platforms.
Can I apply for multiple classes in a trademark?
Yes, you can file a multi-class trademark application using Form TM-A. The government fee is charged separately for each class included in the application.
What happens if I choose the wrong trademark class?
If you choose the wrong class, your application may be objected to or rejected by the Trademark Examiner. You will lose the government fee and must file a fresh application in the correct class.
Is a trademark valid in all classes?
No, a trademark is valid only in the class or classes you register it under. Only well-known trademarks receive cross-class protection.
Which trademark class is most important?
There is no single most important class. However, Class 9 (technology), Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (business/retail), Class 41 (education), and Class 42 (IT services) are among the most commonly used classes in India.
How do I find the correct trademark class for my business?
You can identify the correct class based on your products or services using the official classification list or by conducting a professional trademark search. Consulting an expert is highly recommended.
What is the cost of trademark registration per class in India?
The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups, and MSMEs, and ₹9,000 per class for companies, LLPs, and partnerships.
Can I add a new class after trademark filing?
No, you cannot add a new class to an existing trademark application. You must file a separate application for the additional class.
Conclusion
Trademark classes in India define the exact scope of your brand protection. Selecting the correct class is not just a formality—it is a critical legal decision that determines whether your brand is fully protected or left vulnerable.
A single mistake in class selection can lead to rejection, loss of government fees, or even allow competitors to legally use your brand name in another category.
Before filing your application, always identify your current business activities, plan for future expansion, and choose all relevant classes carefully. In many cases, opting for a multi-class trademark application is the safest strategy.
If you are launching a new business, make sure your company registration, GST registration, and trademark strategy are aligned from day one.
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