One of the key intellectual properties in the business world in the current time is trademark which got protection through trademark registration under the Trademark Act of 1999. Through these different logos, marks, symbols, signs related to the business got protected. In the current time protection of a trademark is very essential because it is directly attached with the business or we can say it directly affects the business. Trademark registration is done on the basis of the trademark classes. There are total 45 trademark classes including for both goods as well as services. In the current blog I will learn about all these classes in short so that it will help you out during the time you will get the trademark registration for the protection of your brand value.
What is a Trademark?
Trademark is made up of two words which are “trade” and “marks”, when both of them combined it forms a trademark, which means marks which are directly or indirectly related to the trade. These marks can be in any form like symbol, sign, logo etc. These trademarks provide benefits to the businesses in various forms. Hence it’s important to take trademark protection. Taking such protection is not a child play thus it is suggested to take advice of the experts in order to get trademark registration.
What are Trademark Classes?
trademark classes refer to the categorization of goods and services under the trademark system to streamline and organize the registration process. In India, trademarks are classified into 45 classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Each class represents a distinct category of products or services. When applying for a trademark, it is crucial to specify the appropriate class to ensure accurate protection for the registered mark in the relevant industry.Businesses may more easily identify and safeguard their intellectual property within a particular market sector thanks to this classification system, which also helps to preserve clarity and order in trademark registrations.
Classification of Classes of Trademark
trademark classes have been classified on the basis of two things which are goods and services. Some of the key points with respect to both are discussed below separately:
Trademark Class for Goods
- There are 34 goods trademark classes in the Indian trademark classification system.
- Properly specifying the goods is crucial for accurate classification and protection.
- Choose the class that precisely describes the nature of the goods associated with the trademark.
- Clear and specific descriptions reduce the risk of confusion and strengthen trademark protection.
- Periodically review and update classifications to align with any changes in product offerings.
- Misclassifying goods may result in insufficient protection or rejection of the trademark application.
- Accurate classification facilitates effective enforcement of trademark rights against infringing parties.
Trademark Class for Services
- Trademark classes categorize services into distinct groups for registration purposes.
- There are 11 service classes in the Indian trademark classification system.
- Clearly describe the nature of the services associated with the trademark.
- Choose the class that accurately represents the type of service provided.
- Clearly define the services to minimize confusion and strengthen trademark protection.
- Regularly review and update service classifications to align with any changes in service offerings.
- Misclassifying services may result in inadequate protection or rejection of the trademark application.
- Accurate classification aids in effective enforcement of trademark rights against potential infringers.
What are the Different Trademark Classes?
There are total 45 trademark classes after combining both for goods as well as services which are mentioned below:
| Class | Description |
| Class 1 – Chemicals | Covers chemicals for use in industry, science, and agriculture, including unprocessed plastics and chemical substances for preserving food. |
| Class 2 – Paints and Coatings | Encompasses paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and corrosion, and colorants for food and beverages. |
| Class 3 – Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations | Involves soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, and cleaning preparations. |
| Class 4 – Fuels and Lubricants | Covers industrial oils and greases, fuels, and illuminants. |
| Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals | Includes pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations, and sanitary preparations for medical purposes |
| Class 6 – Metals | Encompasses common metals and their alloys, metal building materials, and transportable buildings of metal |
| Class 7 – Machinery | Involves machines, engines, and machine tools |
| Class 8 – Hand Tools | Covers hand tools and implements used for cutting, drilling, and shaping |
| Class 9 – Electronics | Encompasses scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, and optical apparatus |
| Class 10 – Medical Devices | Includes tools and equipment for surgery, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary care. |
| Class 11 – Appliances | Includes equipment for water supply, sanitary needs, cooking, heating, steam generation, cooling, and ventilation. |
| Class 12 – For Vehicles | Covers vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water. |
| Class 13 – Firearms | Encompasses firearms, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks. |
| Class 14 – Jewelrys not included in other classes. | Involves jewelry, precious metals, and horological instruments. |
| Class 15 – Musical Instruments | Covers musical instruments. |
| Class 16 – Paper Goods | Encompasses paper, cardboard, and goods made from these materials, such as printed matter and stationery. |
| Class 17 – Rubber Goods | Covers rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, and mica and goods made from these materials. |
| Class 18 – Leather Goods | Involves leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials. |
| Class 19 – Building Material | Covers non-metallic building materials. |
| Class 20 – Furniture | Encompasses furniture, mirrors, picture frames, and good |
| Class 21 – Household Utensils | Involves household or kitchen utensils and containers. |
| Class 22 – Ropes and Cordage | Covers ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, and sails. |
| Class 23 – Yarns and Threads | Encompasses yarns and threads for textile use. |
| Class 24 – Fabrics | Covers textiles and textile goods. |
| Class 25 – Clothing | Pertains to clothing, footwear, and headgear. |
| Class 26 – Fancy Goods | Involves lace, ribbons, embroidery, and decorative textile articles. |
| Class 27 – Floor Coverings | Covers carpets, rugs, mats, and other materials for covering existing floors. |
| Class 28 – Toys and Sporting Goods | Encompasses games, toys, and sports equipment. |
| Class 29 – Meats and Processed Foods | Covers meat, fish, poultry, and processed foods. |
| Class 30 – Food Products | Involves coffee, tea, sugar, and various food products. |
| Class 31 – Natural Agricultural Products | Covers raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural, and forestry products. |
| Class 32 – Non-Alcoholic | Beverages Encompasses non-alcoholic beverages. |
| Class 33 – Alcoholic Beverages | Covers alcoholic beverages. |
| Class 34 – Tobacco and Smokers’ Articles | Involves tobacco, smokers’ articles, and matches. |
| Class 35 – Advertising and Business | Pertains to advertising, business management, and office functions. |
| Class 36 – Financial Services | Encompasses insurance, financial affairs, and monetary affairs. |
| Class 37 – Building Construction and Repair | Covers building construction, repair, installation services. |
| Class 38 – Telecommunications | Involves telecommunications services. |
| Class 39 – Transportation and Storage | Covers transport, packaging, and storage of goods. |
| Class 40 – Treatment of Materials | Encompasses treatment of materials, custom manufacturing, and material processing services. |
| Class 41 – Education and Entertainment | Involves education, training, and entertainment services. |
| Class 42 – Scientific and Technological Services | Covers scientific and technological services, research, and design services. |
| Class 43 – Food Services | Encompasses services for providing food and drink. |
| Class 44 – Medical and Beauty Services | Involves medical services, veterinary services, and beauty and agricultural services. |
| Class 45 – Legal and Security Services | Covers legal services, personal and social services, and security services for the protection of property. |
Conclusion
In the realm of intellectual property, trademarks play a crucial role in safeguarding the distinct identity of businesses. Trademark registration, governed by the Trademark Act of 1999, offers protection to various symbols, logos, and signs associated with a business. The classification of these trademarks into 45 distinct classes, comprising 34 for goods and 11 for services, is a fundamental aspect of the registration process. These Trademark classes, ranging from chemicals and machinery to education and legal services, ensure a systematic organization that aids businesses in precisely identifying and protecting their intellectual property within specific market segments. Proper understanding and classification within the appropriate trademark classes are essential for accurate protection, reflecting the significance of a well-defined and comprehensive trademark registration system in India.
