Trademark Class List in India: Classification of Goods and Services

Learn about trademark classes, its significance in business, classification of goods/services and tips for choosing the right class.
Business Loan
3 min
01 December 2025

Trademark classes are essential for protecting your brand effectively. They organise goods and services into specific categories, ensuring that trademarks are registered in the right sector and receive proper legal protection. This guide explains the purpose of trademark classes, how they are structured under the Nice Classification, and why choosing the correct class matters. You will also learn how accurate classification helps avoid disputes, simplifies registration, and supports business growth and long-term brand value.

What is trademark class?

A trademark class is a category used by national and international authorities, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to organise goods and services for trademark registration. The international Nice Classification system has 45 classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. Choosing the right class is important for effective trademark registration, ensuring proper protection of your brand and helping prevent potential legal disputes.

Basis of the classification of trademark classes

  • Nature of goods and services: The classification system groups similar products and services together, ensuring that businesses within the same industry can register their trademarks under the appropriate class.
  • International standards: The Nice Classification, which forms the basis for trademark classes, is used globally, allowing for consistency in trademark registration across different countries.
  • Specificity: The classification system is designed to provide specific categories for various goods and services, reducing ambiguity in trademark registration.
  • Industry categorisation: Trademark classes are organised according to the industries they pertain to, such as manufacturing, services, retail, etc.
  • Legal protection: By classifying trademarks according to the nature of the goods or services, the system helps in offering legal protection specific to that category.
  • Ease of registration: The systematic classification makes the trademark registration process more straightforward, enabling businesses to identify the correct class for their trademark.

Significance of Trademark Classes in Business

Trademark classes are very important because they help businesses protect their brand in specific areas. Here’s why picking the right trademark class matters:

  • Defining the Scope of Protection: A trademark provides protection only for the goods or services listed under the chosen class(es). Selecting the correct class ensures legal protection within your industry and grants exclusive rights to use the mark in that sector.
  • Avoiding Legal Conflicts and Confusion: The classification system allows similar trademarks to exist in unrelated classes, reducing the risk of consumer confusion. Proper classification helps businesses prevent infringement issues, legal disputes, and costly litigation.
  • Streamlining the Registration Process: Using the correct class under the Nice Classification (NCL) system ensures smoother and faster trademark registration. Incorrect classification can lead to delays, rejections, and additional expenses.
  • Facilitating Market Expansion and Building Brand Value: Registering in the right or additional classes allows businesses to plan for future growth. Accurate classification boosts brand recognition, trust, and overall value, supporting licensing or franchising opportunities. Tools such as WIPO’s NICE Classification and EUIPO’s TMclass can help in this process.

Trademark class list

The trademark class system is vital for businesses to protect their brand within specific categories. Here's why selecting the appropriate class is essential:

  • Clear Protection: It specifies the exact goods or services under which the proposed trademark falls, preventing others from using a similar mark in the same category.
  • Avoid Conflicts: It helps avoid conflicts by ensuring that two similar trademarks can co-exist in different classes.
  • Proper Classification: Proper classification of trademark classes is essential for effective trademark protection and enforcement.
  • Legal Security: Registering a trademark in the right class gives legal protection, making it easier to take action against infringement.
  • International Standardisation: The trademark class system is recognised globally, simplifying international trademark registration for businesses expanding to new markets.
  • Business Identity: It allows businesses to build and safeguard their identity in their specific industry or sector.

Trademark classification of goods

Class

Goods Covered

1

Chemicals for industry, science, agriculture, forestry; unprocessed plastics; food preservatives; adhesives

2

Paints, varnishes, lacquers, pigments, wood preservatives

3

Soaps, cleaning and bleaching products, cosmetics, essential oils

4

Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, candles, wicks

5

Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary supplies, baby food, disinfectants

6

Common metals, metal goods, pipes and tubes, hardware

7

Machines, tools, engines, agricultural equipment

8

Hand tools, cutlery, razors

9

Scientific & electrical instruments, computers, audiovisual devices

10

Medical, surgical, dental and veterinary instruments

11

Lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration equipment, water and sanitary apparatus

12

Vehicles and parts for land, air or water travel

13

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks

14

Jewellery, precious metals, watches

15

Musical instruments

16

Paper goods, printed materials, stationery

17

Rubber, plastics, packing, insulating materials

18

Leather goods, luggage, umbrellas, saddlery

19

Non-metallic building materials, monuments

20

Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, non-metal containers

21

Kitchenware, household utensils, glassware

22

Ropes, nets, tents, sacks, fibre goods

23

Yarns and threads for textiles

24

Textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers

25

Clothing, footwear, headgear

26

Ribbons, lace, embroidery, buttons, artificial flowers

27

Carpets, mats, floor coverings

28

Toys, games, sporting goods

29

Meat, dairy, processed food products

30

Staple foods like coffee, spices, breads, confectionery

31

Fresh agricultural products, grains, live animals, plants

32

Non-alcoholic beverages like juices, soft drinks, mineral water

33

Alcoholic beverages (except beer)

34

Tobacco, smokers’ articles, matches

 

Trademark Classification of Services

Class

Services Covered

35

Advertising, business management and administration, office functions

36

Insurance, finance, monetary services, real estate affairs

37

Construction, repairs, installation services

38

Telecommunications

39

Transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangements

40

Treatment and processing of materials

41

Education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities

42

Scientific and technological services, industrial research, software and hardware design

43

Food and drink services, temporary accommodation

44

Medical and veterinary services, beauty and hygiene care, agricultural and forestry services

45

Legal services, security for property and individuals, personal and social support services

 

How to choose a trademark class?

  • Select the Right Trademark Class: Choosing the appropriate class defines the extent of legal protection for your brand.
  • Identify Your Products or Services: List all current and planned offerings. Goods fall under Classes 1–34, while services are in Classes 35–45.
    • Goods: Example: Handmade soap, a physical product.
    • Services: Example: Consulting firm, a service.
    • Both: Example: Computers and repair services, Classes 9 & 37.
  • Refer to the Nice Classification System: Use resources like the WIPO NICE Classification or the USPTO Trademark ID Manual to select suitable classes.
  • Refine Your Classification: Focus on the main purpose of your offerings. Choose multiple classes only if necessary, and avoid including unrelated classes.
  • Conduct a Trademark Search: Check that your mark is not already registered in the same class to prevent conflicts.
  • Seek Professional Help: Trademark attorneys can guide you through the process, reducing the risk of errors and registration rejections.

Important factors to consider before choosing a trademark

  • Scope of protection: Ensure the class you choose provides the right level of protection for your business, covering all aspects of your goods or services.
  • Future business expansion: Consider the future growth of your business. If you plan to expand into other product lines or services, it may be wise to register your trademark under additional classes.
  • Trademark conflicts: Investigate potential conflicts with existing trademarks. Registering under a class that overlaps with another business’s trademark can lead to legal disputes.
  • Legal implications: Understanding the legal implications of trademark classification in your industry is crucial. Different classes may have specific legal protections and requirements.
  • Registration costsTrademark registration fees vary depending on the number of classes. It is essential to budget for the costs associated with registering under multiple classes if necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding and choosing the correct trademark class is critical for securing the legal protection of your brand within your industry. By carefully considering factors such as the nature of your goods or services, potential trademark conflicts, and future business expansion, you can make informed decisions that safeguard your brand’s identity. Additionally, aligning your trademark strategy with your business growth plans ensures that your brand remains protected as your business evolves. For businesses seeking growth opportunities, having access to financial resources such as business loan with simplified application processes, high loan amounts, quick disbursal, and competitive interest rates can be instrumental in driving expansion and success.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a class in trademark?
A class in trademark refers to a specific category used to classify goods and services for trademark registration. The system, known as the Nice Classification, divides products and services into 45 distinct classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. This classification ensures that trademarks are registered within the appropriate category, providing legal protection specific to the industry in which the business operates. Selecting the correct class is essential for safeguarding a brand's identity and avoiding conflicts with other trademarks.

What is class 21 in trademarks?
Class 21 in trademarks covers household and kitchen utensils, cookware, and related items. This includes products such as glassware, porcelain, and earthenware, as well as cleaning tools like brooms and brushes. It also encompasses articles used for storage, such as containers and jars, and various kitchen gadgets. Businesses manufacturing or selling these goods should register their trademarks under Class 21 to protect their brand identity within the household and kitchenware industry.

Why is the class 35 trademark important?
Class 35 trademark is crucial as it covers advertising, business management, and administrative services, which are essential for any business's growth and operation. Registering under this class protects your brand in key areas like marketing, retail, and office functions, ensuring that your business identity is legally safeguarded. For Indian businesses, Class 35 is particularly important as it secures the brand’s presence in competitive markets, preventing others from using similar marks in the same industry.

What is class 44 in trademark?
Class 44 in trademark classification covers services related to medical, beauty, and agricultural care. This includes medical services, veterinary care, hygienic and beauty treatments, and agricultural, horticultural, and forestry services. Businesses offering services such as medical clinics, beauty salons, and veterinary practices should register under Class 44 to ensure their trademark is adequately protected. By registering under this class, these services gain legal protection, preventing others in the same field from using a similar trademark.

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