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.

Trademark Class List: Classification of Goods and Services

3 min

19 August 2025

The trademark classification system, also known as the Nice Classification, is a globally recognised system established by the Nice Agreement in 1957. It divides products and services into 45 distinct classes—34 for goods and 11 for services. This system helps in the systematic filing of trademark, ensuring that each application is specific to the nature of the goods or services offered by the business.

What is trademark class?

A trademark class is a category used to classify goods and services for trademark registration. By categorising trademarks under different classes, it becomes easier for businesses to protect their brand identity within their specific industry.

For instance, Class 25 covers clothing, footwear, and headgear, while Class 35 includes services related to advertising and business management. Understanding and selecting the appropriate trademark class is crucial for businesses as it determines the scope of protection and the industry in which their trademark is safeguarded. Registering under the correct class helps avoid conflicts with existing trademarks and ensures comprehensive protection of the brand.

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:

Clear Protection: It clearly shows which goods or services your trademark covers, stopping others from using a similar mark in the same category.

Avoid Conflicts: It helps avoid confusion by allowing similar trademarks to exist in different classes without clashing.

Proper Classification: Choosing the right class is essential for strong trademark protection and enforcement.

Legal Security: Registering in the correct class gives you legal rights, making it easier to take action if someone copies your mark.

International Recognition: Trademark classes are accepted worldwide, making it easier to protect your brand if you expand internationally.

Business Identity: It helps you build and protect your brand identity in your particular industry.

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/Services Covered

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

Paints, varnishes, lacquers, pigments, wood preservatives

Soaps, cleaning and bleaching products, cosmetics, essential oils

Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, candles, wicks

Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary supplies, baby food, disinfectants

Common metals, metal goods, pipes and tubes, hardware

Machines, tools, engines, agricultural equipment

Hand tools, cutlery, razors

Scientific & electrical instruments, computers, audiovisual devices

Medical, surgical, dental and veterinary instruments

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

Vehicles and parts for land, air or water travel

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks

Jewellery, precious metals, watches

Musical instruments

Paper goods, printed materials, stationery

Rubber, plastics, packing, insulating materials

Leather goods, luggage, umbrellas, saddlery

Non-metallic building materials, monuments

Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, non-metal containers

Kitchenware, household utensils, glassware

Ropes, nets, tents, sacks, fibre goods

Yarns and threads for textiles

Textiles and textile goods, bed and table covers

Clothing, footwear, headgear

Ribbons, lace, embroidery, buttons, artificial flowers

Carpets, mats, floor coverings

Toys, games, sporting goods

Meat, dairy, processed food products

Staple foods like coffee, spices, breads, confectionery

Fresh agricultural products, grains, live animals, plants

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

Alcoholic beverages (except beer)

Tobacco, smokers’ articles, matches

Trademark Classification of Services

Class

Services Covered

Advertising, business management and administration, office functions

Insurance, finance, monetary services, real estate affairs

Construction, repairs, installation services

Telecommunications

Transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangements

Treatment and processing of materials

Education, training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities

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

Food and drink services, temporary accommodation

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

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

How to choose a trademark class?

Identify your goods or services: Start by clearly defining the goods or services your business offers. This will help in narrowing down the appropriate trademark class.

Research existing trademarks: Look into existing trademarks in your industry to understand how they are classified. This research can guide you in selecting the correct class.

Consult the Nice Classification: Use the Nice Classification system to identify the most relevant class for your goods or services. This system is the standard reference for trademark classification.

Consider multiple classes: If your business offers a wide range of products or services, you may need to register your trademark under multiple classes to ensure comprehensive protection.

Seek professional advice: Consulting with a trademark attorney or professional can provide insights into the most appropriate class for your trademark, considering legal and industry-specific nuances.

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 costs: Trademark 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.

Trademark Class List in India: Classification of Goods and Services

What is trademark class?

Basis of the classification of trademark classes

Significance of Trademark Classes in Business