Overview
Businesses or individuals get the exclusive rights to protect their brand's logo or any specific mark via trademark registration. However, a minor mistake during trademark class search results in application rejection or re-filing. Trademark classes are classified into 2 parts: physical goods (1-34) and services (35-45). To avoid application rejection, you must select the right class type according to your goods or services' primary baseline. Let's dive into this guide to choose the right one for your business and all 45 trademark classes in one checklist.
Trademark Updates in 2026
The individuals and businesses must be aware of the new updates related to trademarks. Here are the core updates that were implemented for the trademark framework:
- On July 1, 2026, the "Public Search of Trade Marks" portal was closed and replaced with a new platform, "tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/ESEARCH."
- Officially notified on February 24, 2026, that the "Well-Known Trademark Section" shifted from Mumbai to New Delhi. It relocated to improve coordination with the central IP administration.
- The IP office advised only to use the official website (ipindia.gov.in), as most cases found regarding misleading, fake notices demanding mandatory fees or actions.
What is a trademark class?
Trademark class check is the primary requirement before applying for registration. Under the international “Nice Classification” system, the trademark search is a category that is used to classify the goods or services for which you want to register the trademark. During the filing of online trademark registration, businesses or individuals are first required to define the class for their specific goods or services. It means your trademark is only protected in the specific class under which you registered.
For example, suppose you file in Class 25 for your clothing brand name. With the same name, a person files in Class 43 for their restaurant or cafe. In this situation, you cannot take action against the restaurant owner because your rights are only restricted to the filed trademark class, e.g., in 25, not in 43. It means another person can use the brand name for their restaurant or cafe if registered in Class 43. Furthermore, there are a total of 45 classes—1-34 cover physical goods and 34-45 cover services.
Trademark Class Search: Goods & Services
The following is the complete reference of trademark classes. Match the trademark class with your product baseline.
Trademark Goods Classes (Class 1 – 34)
| Class | Goods Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Chemicals | Chemicals for industry, scientific research, and agriculture; fire-extinguishing compositions; fertilizers; and so on. |
| Class 2 | Paints | Paints, varnishes, lacquers; rust-inhibiting compositions; colourants; dyes; printing inks. |
| Class 3 | Cosmetics & Cleaning Preparations | Soaps, perfumes, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, toothpaste, and cleaning products. |
| Class 4 | Lubricants & Fuels | Lubricants, candles and wicks, industrial oils and greases, fuels, illuminants. |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations, sanitary products, and dietetic foods. |
| Class 6 | Metal Goods | Common metals and their alloys, metal building materials; pipes, tubes; and hardware. |
| Class 7 | Machinery | Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except land vehicles); agricultural machines. |
| Class 8 | Hand Tools | Hand tools and implements; cutlery; side arms; razors; manual tools for agriculture, gardening, etc. |
| Class 9 | Electrical & Scientific Apparatus | Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, measuring, signalling, checking (supervision), etc. |
| Class 10 | Medical Apparatus | Apparatus and instruments for surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary use, such as artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth. |
| Class 11 | Environmental Control Apparatus | Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, water supply, and sanitary purposes. |
| Class 12 | Vehicles | Apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water: automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, aircraft, ships. |
| Class 13 | Firearms | Ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks. |
| Class 14 | Jewelry | Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery; precious stones; watches, clocks, chronometric instruments. |
| Class 15 | Musical Instruments | Musical instruments, their parts, and accessories. |
| Class 16 | Paper Goods & Printed Matter | Paper, cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding; photographs; stationery; office requisites; teaching materials; plastic packaging materials. |
| Class 17 | Rubber Goods | Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica, plastic in extruded form, packing, stopping and insulating materials. |
| Class 18 | Leather Goods | Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins, hides; trunks, suitcases, bags, wallets, and purses. |
| Class 19 | Non-Metallic Building Materials | Nonmetal rigid pipes for building, asphalt, pitch, and bitumen; nonmetal monuments; and wood, glass, and stone articles for construction. |
| Class 20 | Furniture & Articles Not Otherwise Classified | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, and mother-of-pearl. |
| Class 21 | Housewares & Glass | Household or kitchen utensils and containers; combs, sponges, brushes; glassware; and porcelain. |
| Class 22 | Cordage & Fibers | Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks; padding and stuffing materials; raw fibrous textile materials. |
| Class 23 | Yarns & Threads | Yarns and threads, for textile use. |
| Class 24 | Fabrics | Textiles and textile goods; bed and table covers; fabrics for clothing and upholstery. |
| Class 25 | Clothing | Clothing, footwear, and headgear. |
| Class 26 | Fancy Goods | Lace, embroidery, ribbons, braid; buttons, hooks, eyes, pins, needles; artificial flowers; hair decorations; false hair. |
| Class 27 | Floor Coverings | Carpets, rugs, mats, matting, linoleum and other floor coverings, including non-textile wall hangings. |
| Class 28 | Toys & Sporting Goods | Games, toys, gymnastic and sporting articles; decorations for Christmas trees; video game apparatus; controllers, consoles. |
| Class 29 | Meats & Processed Foods | Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies; jams, etc. |
| Class 30 | Staple Foods | Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastry, confectionery, ices. |
| Class 31 | Natural Agricultural Products | Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains not elsewhere classified; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| Class 32 | Light Beverages | Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices. |
| Class 33 | Wines & Spirits | Alcoholic beverages (except beers), wines, spirits, liqueurs, and alcoholic preparations for making beverages. |
| Class 34 | Smokers' Articles | Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches; cigarettes; cigars; electronic cigarettes and related products. |
Classification of Services (35-45)
| Class | Services Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Class 35 | Advertising & Business | Advertising, marketing, business management, business administration (including online marketplaces), e‑commerce platforms, distribution and promotional services |
| Class 36 | Financial, Insurance & Real Estate | Banking, financial services, insurance, monetary affairs, real estate services, property management, leasing and rental of real estate, financial advisory, investment services |
| Class 37 | Construction, Installation & Repair | Building construction, civil engineering, installation, repair, electrical and electronic equipment, and construction-related consulting |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications | Telecommunication services, internet access and connectivity, data transmission, wireless and telecom network services |
| Class 39 | Transport, Storage & Logistics | Transportation of goods and passengers, packaging, travel arrangement, freight forwarding, and transport information services |
| Class 40 | Treatment of Materials & Manufacturing | Custom manufacturing, treatment of materials (metal, textiles, food, chemicals, etc.), food and drink processing, energy production |
| Class 41 | Education, Training & Entertainment services | Education, training, coaching, tuition, workshops, seminars, production of shows, libraries, and gaming services |
| Class 42 | Scientific, IT & Technical services | Scientific and technological services, research and design, software development, SaaS, cloud computing, IT consultancy, computer security |
| Class 43 | Food, Drink & Accommodation | Restaurants, cafes, bars, catering, food and drink services, online hotel and restaurant booking services |
| Class 44 | Medical, Beauty & Agricultural | Medical services, hospital and clinic services, dental and veterinary services, horticultural and forestry services, and health counselling |
| Class 45 | Legal, Security & Personal Services | Legal services, security services for property and individuals, online dating, matchmaking, funeral services, protection and safety services |
How to Choose the Right Trademark Class?
Finding the right class is not a big task, but a minor mistake results in a trademark application rejection. Follow this step-by-step guide to find the right trademark class for your primary business line:
Step 1: Identify your core product/service
The primary step is to determine the primary baseline product or service for your business. Start preparing the list of all the products or services that you provide or sell. In case you are managing both goods and services, you must separate them.
Step 2: Check IP India's official class list
As per the fourth schedule of the Trade Mark Rules, aligning with the international Nice Classification system is crucial. To avoid the errors, one must use the searchable database (Trademark e-Filing) to find a pre-approved description.
Step 3: Cross-check similar registered marks
To avoid the trademark objections under Sections 9 and 11 of the Trade Marks Act, the applicants must verify the already existing mark. To verify, you must use the official IP India Public Search Portal.
Step 4: Consider multi-class filing if diversified
If you are operating in multiple sectors, such as in physical goods and services, you also must use the Form TM-A. In this single application form, you can combine multiple classes for your primary business (Goods & Services).
Important Reminder: The trademark registration authority charges fees per class and per application.
What Are Common Trademark Class Mistakes?
One of the most costly mistakes business owners make is choosing the wrong class for their primary business line. Here is the checklist of mistakes with their solution, which you must apply while verifying the trademark class.
Mistake 1: Filing in only one class when your business spans multiple
Solution: The trademark is a class-specific system. Your product's mark, or any logo, is protected only in those classes in which you registered. If your business spans multiple sectors, you must apply to other specific classes because one class covers all categories. For example, if you have a clothing brand that sells clothes plus bags and wallets and also operates an online store, you must file in multiple classes. For clothing, file under Class 25, and for bags and wallets, file under Class 18.
Mistake 2: Choosing a Broad Class instead of a precise one
Solution: The businesses often assume that filing only in a broad class is enough for their single business line. It can lead to application rejection and loss of exclusive rights for your business. Class 30 covers all kinds of food products, but doesn't specify what kind of products it covers. To clear the doubts regarding the specific class, one must utilize the Nice Classification list.
Mistake 3: Copying a competitor’s class without verifying that it fits your Goods/ Services
Solution: The trademark class depends on every specific business model. Copying your competitor’s class without verifying whether it belongs to your main service or product line or not can cause a big mistake. To choose the right trademark class for your business line, you must make a checklist of your specific physical goods or services. Still following your competitors, you must only follow for reference, not to copy their every step.
Final Discussion
The trademark class is classified under the Nice Classification system. The system is operated by the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). By adopting the best practice of trademark class research, businesses can avoid conflicts and refusals. Through the trademark class research process, the businesses look for the existing trademarks in that specific class(es). The authority rejects the proposal if a similar mark already exists in your class. Choosing the right class is important to minimize legal risks, ensure real protection, and save, as one wrong class means wasting filing fees. But these big mistakes can be avoided with the help of JustStart's experts. At the platform, you will assist with trademark class searching and filing the application, as well as manage the trademark objection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I apply for multiple trademark classes?
Ans. Yes, you can apply for multiple trademark classes by using a single application. Form TM-A on the IP portal is a single application that is used to combine multiple trademark classes.
Q2. What if I choose the wrong trademark class?
Ans. Selecting the wrong class for your goods/services results in a waste of money and time. The verification authority sends the objection notice if they find that your selected trademark class does not match your goods/services. Also, you probably lost the rights to protect your brand logo or mark in that specific class, as the whole cycle is based on the “Nice Classification System."
Q3. What is the cost of trademark registration?
Ans. The exact cost of trademark registration in India depends on the applicant type (individual, startup, or company) and the number of classes. In case you hired a professional for the trademark services, the cost can be increased. If a trademark is filed by a startup, individual, or MSME, the government fee is ₹4,500 per class. For partnerships and registered companies, the government fee is ₹9,000 per class.
Q4. Do I need a separate application for multiple classes?
Ans. No, it is not necessary to file a separate application for each specific class; instead, use the form TM-A to combine all trademarks into an all-in-one application.
Q5. What is covered in Class 35?
Ans. Class 35 covers the services related to advertisement and business, business management, business administration, office functions, retail and wholesale services (including online marketplaces), e‑commerce platforms, and distribution and promotional services.
