Understand every trademark class under the Nice Classification, identify the right class for your goods or services, and file your trademark application on IP India with confidence. All 45 classes explained with examples.
Get Trademark Filed — Expert AssistanceBy SetupFiling.in · Trademark & IP Advisory · Updated June 2026
Trademark classes are categories used to classify goods and services for the purpose of trademark registration. India follows the Nice Classification (NCL), an international system established under the Nice Agreement, 1957 and administered by WIPO. The system divides all possible goods and services into 45 classes — Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services.
Under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017, every trademark application in India must specify the class or classes in which the mark is to be registered. A trademark registration provides protection only in the class(es) applied for — it does not automatically extend to other classes.
Choosing the wrong class is one of the most common mistakes in trademark filing. It can result in an examination objection, incomplete brand protection, or a gap that a competitor can exploit.
Classes 1 to 34 cover all physical goods. Each class is described below with its scope, typical products, and common business examples in India.
Classes 1–5 | Chemicals, Paints, Cosmetics, PharmaceuticalsChemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Includes unprocessed synthetic resins, adhesives for industry, fire extinguishing compositions, fertilisers, biological preparations for industry.
Examples: Industrial adhesives, chemical reagents, fertilisers, photographic chemicals, epoxy resins.Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood, colorants, dyes, inks for printing, raw natural resins, metals in foil and powder form for painters and decorators.
Examples: Wall paints, wood varnish, printing inks, anti-rust coatings, artist paints, pigments.Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations, soaps, perfumes, essential oils, hair care preparations, dentifrices, nail care preparations, cleaning and polishing preparations.
Examples: Shampoo, face cream, perfume, toothpaste, soap, nail polish, hair oil, sunscreen.Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, dust absorbing and binding preparations, fuels and illuminants including motor spirit, candles and wicks for lighting.
Examples: Engine oil, lubricants, diesel, candles, paraffin, industrial grease.Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, sanitary preparations for medical purposes, dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use, food for babies, dietary supplements, plasters and bandages, disinfectants, pest control preparations.
Examples: Medicines, vitamins, antiseptic creams, baby food, insecticides, surgical dressings.Common metals and their alloys, metal ores, metal building and construction materials, metal transportable buildings, non-electric cables and wires of common metal, safes, metal hardware.
Examples: Steel rods, iron pipes, metal screws, metal door fittings, safes, metal cables.Machines, machine tools, power-operated tools, motors and engines (except for land vehicles), machine coupling and transmission components, agricultural implements (not hand-operated), incubators for eggs, automatic vending machines.
Examples: Industrial pumps, generators, agricultural machinery, lathe machines, electric motors.Hand tools and implements (hand-operated), cutlery, side arms (except firearms), razors. Includes spanners, scissors, knives, forks, blades, manicure sets.
Examples: Kitchen knives, scissors, hand drills, spanners, razors, manicure tools.Scientific, research, navigation, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, audiovisual, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, detecting, testing, inspecting, life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments. Computers, computer hardware, computer software, mobile applications, downloadable software, semiconductors, telecommunications apparatus, spectacles.
Examples: Smartphones, laptops, software, mobile apps, cameras, GPS devices, batteries, earphones.Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth, orthopaedic articles, sutures, therapeutic and assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
Examples: Surgical instruments, stethoscopes, dental drills, hearing aids, artificial limbs, wheelchairs.Apparatus and installations for lighting, heating, cooling, steam generating, cooking, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.
Examples: LED bulbs, air conditioners, water heaters, ovens, exhaust fans, water purifiers, geysers.Vehicles for locomotion by land, air, water, or rail. Includes cars, motorcycles, bicycles, aircraft, boats, engines for land vehicles, vehicle parts and fittings.
Examples: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, electric vehicles, drones, boats.Firearms, ammunition and projectiles, explosives, fireworks.
Examples: Rifles, pistols, cartridges, fireworks, explosives for industrial use.Precious metals and their alloys, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments (clocks and watches).
Examples: Gold jewellery, diamond rings, wristwatches, silver ornaments, clocks.Musical instruments, music stands and supports, conductors' batons.
Examples: Guitars, sitars, pianos, drums, violins, harmoniums, music stands.Paper and cardboard, printed matter, books, periodicals, newspapers, photographs, stationery and office requisites (except furniture), adhesives for stationery, artists' materials, paintbrushes, plastic sheets and packaging materials of plastic.
Examples: Books, magazines, notebooks, pens, greeting cards, printed labels, photograph albums.Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and substitutes for all these materials, plastics and resins in extruded form, packing, stopping and insulating materials, flexible pipes (not of metal).
Examples: Rubber sheets, plastic pipes, sealing gaskets, insulation tape, silicone tubes.Leather and imitations of leather, animal skins and hides, luggage and carrying bags, umbrellas and parasols, walking sticks, whips, harness and saddlery, collars, leashes and clothing for animals.
Examples: Handbags, wallets, backpacks, travel bags, belts, umbrellas, purses, luggage.Non-metallic building and construction materials, non-metallic rigid pipes for building, asphalt, pitch and bitumen, non-metallic transportable buildings, monuments, not of metal.
Examples: Bricks, cement, tiles, glass for construction, marble slabs, PVC pipes, plywood.Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, containers of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for these, plastic containers, pillows and cushions.
Examples: Sofas, beds, wardrobes, office chairs, photo frames, wooden containers, plastic furniture.Household or kitchen utensils and containers, cookware and tableware (except forks, knives and spoons), combs and sponges, brushes (except paintbrushes), brush-making materials, articles for cleaning, glass, porcelain and earthenware.
Examples: Pressure cookers, coffee mugs, glassware, toothbrushes, brooms, crockery, lunch boxes.Ropes and string, nets, tents and tarpaulins, awnings of textile or synthetic materials, sails, sacks for the transport and storage of materials, padding, cushioning and stuffing materials, raw fibrous textile materials and substitutes.
Examples: Jute ropes, fishing nets, tarpaulins, canvas bags, cotton wadding, agricultural nets.Yarns and threads for textile use.
Examples: Cotton yarn, polyester thread, woollen yarn, silk thread, embroidery thread, knitting yarn.Textiles and substitutes for textiles, household linen, curtains of textile or plastic. Includes bed and table covers, blankets, towels, fabric for clothing.
Examples: Bed sheets, curtains, towels, blankets, tablecloths, cotton fabric, upholstery fabric.Clothing, footwear and headgear. One of the most commonly filed trademark classes in India for fashion and apparel brands.
Examples: T-shirts, jeans, sarees, shoes, sandals, caps, jackets, sportswear, ethnic wear, school uniforms.Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid, buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles, artificial flowers, hair decorations, artificial hair.
Examples: Zari embroidery, hair pins, decorative buttons, lace fabric, sewing needles, hair clips.Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors, wall hangings (non-textile).
Examples: Carpets, doormats, rubber flooring, vinyl floor tiles, rugs, wall stickers.Games, toys, sports and fitness equipment, decorations for Christmas trees, video game apparatus.
Examples: Cricket bats, footballs, board games, toys, gym equipment, video game controllers, chess sets.Meat, fish, poultry and game, meat extracts, preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, fruit sauces, eggs and egg products, milk and dairy products, edible oils and fats, prepared snacks based on these.
Examples: Ghee, paneer, pickles, frozen peas, canned fish, cheese, butter, fruit jams, dry fruits.Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee, rice and pasta, tapioca and sago, flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, sugar, honey, treacle, salt, mustard, vinegar, sauces and condiments, spices, ice for refreshment.
Examples: Tea, coffee, atta, bread, biscuits, spices, sauces, namkeen, mithai, papad, masala.Raw or unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products, live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, natural plants and flowers, foodstuffs for animals, malt.
Examples: Fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, live plants, flowers, cattle feed, pet food, malt.Beer, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral and aerated waters, fruit beverages and fruit juices, syrups and other preparations for making beverages.
Examples: Beer, soft drinks, fruit juices, mineral water, energy drinks, flavoured syrups.Alcoholic beverages, except beer. Includes wines, spirits, liqueurs.
Examples: Whisky, rum, vodka, wine, brandy, gin, liqueurs.Tobacco and tobacco substitutes, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, smokers' articles including cigarette holders, lighters and matches.
Examples: Cigarettes, bidis, cigars, tobacco, e-cigarettes, lighters, matchboxes, hookah tobacco.Classes 35 to 45 cover all service activities. These are the most relevant classes for startups, technology companies, consultancies, healthcare providers, and businesses in the new economy.
Advertising, marketing and promotional services, business management, business administration, office functions, retail services in relation to goods, online marketplace services, import-export agencies, franchising.
Examples: Digital marketing agencies, retail stores, e-commerce platforms, HR consultancies, franchise businesses, business process outsourcing.Insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, banking services, investment services, stock brokerage, real estate affairs, cryptocurrency exchange services.
Examples: Banks, insurance companies, mutual fund distributors, stockbrokers, real estate agents, fintech platforms, wealth managers.Building construction, repair and installation services. Includes construction of buildings, roads and bridges, maintenance and repair of machinery and vehicles, painting and decorating services.
Examples: Construction companies, interior contractors, civil engineers, vehicle repair garages, home maintenance services, solar panel installation.Telecommunications, broadcasting, streaming services, internet access services, telephone and mobile communication services, satellite transmission services, social media platforms.
Examples: Telecom operators, internet service providers, OTT streaming platforms, cable TV, social media apps, VoIP services.Transport and delivery of goods and passengers, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement and booking services, travel agency services, car rental.
Examples: Courier companies, logistics providers, airlines, travel agents, cab aggregators, warehousing, freight forwarding.Treatment or processing of materials, including custom manufacturing, food processing, recycling, metal treatment, textile processing, printing, photocopying.
Examples: Metal fabrication shops, textile dyeing units, food processing services, custom printing, recycling companies, water treatment plants.Education and training, providing of training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities. Includes schools, coaching institutes, online learning platforms, publishing, event management.
Examples: Schools, colleges, coaching centres, EdTech platforms, online courses, publishing houses, gyms, sports academies, film production.Scientific and technological services and research, industrial analysis, design and development of computer hardware and software, IT consultancy, SaaS platforms, cloud computing, cybersecurity services, UI/UX design, data analytics.
Examples: IT companies, SaaS startups, app developers, cybersecurity firms, data analytics firms, AI platforms, web design agencies.Services for providing food and drink, temporary accommodation. Includes restaurants, hotels, cafes, canteens, catering, food delivery services, resorts, hostels, cloud kitchens.
Examples: Restaurants, cafes, hotels, cloud kitchens, food delivery apps, canteens, resorts, banquet halls, bakeries.Medical services, veterinary services, hygienic and beauty care for humans and animals, agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture and forestry services.
Examples: Hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, veterinary clinics, beauty salons, spas, ayurvedic clinics, farm advisory services.Legal services, security services for the protection of property and individuals, personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals. Includes law firms, IP licensing, matrimonial services, funeral services, online dating platforms, security agencies.
Examples: Law firms, IP attorneys, security agencies, matrimonial services, online dating apps, personal concierge services, licensing agencies.Use this table to quickly locate the trademark class for any goods or services category.
| Class | Type | Category | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goods | Industrial Chemicals | Adhesives, fertilisers, photographic chemicals, resins |
| 2 | Goods | Paints & Coatings | Wall paints, varnish, printing inks, anti-rust |
| 3 | Goods | Cosmetics & Toiletries | Shampoo, face cream, perfume, toothpaste, soap |
| 4 | Goods | Fuels & Lubricants | Engine oil, diesel, candles, industrial grease |
| 5 | Goods | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, vitamins, antiseptics, baby food |
| 6 | Goods | Common Metals | Steel rods, iron pipes, metal hardware, safes |
| 7 | Goods | Machines & Motors | Industrial pumps, generators, agricultural machinery |
| 8 | Goods | Hand Tools & Cutlery | Kitchen knives, scissors, razors, spanners |
| 9 | Goods | Electronics & Software | Smartphones, laptops, software, mobile apps, cameras |
| 10 | Goods | Medical Instruments | Surgical tools, stethoscopes, hearing aids |
| 11 | Goods | Lighting & Appliances | LED bulbs, AC, water heaters, ovens |
| 12 | Goods | Vehicles | Cars, motorcycles, EVs, bicycles, boats |
| 13 | Goods | Firearms & Explosives | Rifles, ammunition, fireworks |
| 14 | Goods | Jewellery & Watches | Gold jewellery, diamonds, wristwatches, clocks |
| 15 | Goods | Musical Instruments | Guitars, sitars, pianos, drums |
| 16 | Goods | Paper & Stationery | Books, magazines, pens, notebooks, printed labels |
| 17 | Goods | Rubber & Insulation | Rubber sheets, plastic pipes, sealing gaskets |
| 18 | Goods | Leather Goods & Bags | Handbags, wallets, backpacks, umbrellas |
| 19 | Goods | Building Materials | Bricks, cement, tiles, glass, marble, plywood |
| 20 | Goods | Furniture & Frames | Sofas, beds, wardrobes, office chairs |
| 21 | Goods | Kitchenware & Utensils | Pressure cookers, mugs, glassware, crockery |
| 22 | Goods | Ropes & Nets | Ropes, fishing nets, tarpaulins, sacks |
| 23 | Goods | Yarns & Threads | Cotton yarn, polyester thread, silk thread |
| 24 | Goods | Textiles & Fabrics | Bed sheets, curtains, towels, blankets, fabric |
| 25 | Goods | Clothing & Footwear | T-shirts, jeans, shoes, sarees, caps, sportswear |
| 26 | Goods | Lace & Sewing Accessories | Buttons, needles, ribbons, hair clips, embroidery |
| 27 | Goods | Floor Coverings | Carpets, rugs, doormats, vinyl flooring |
| 28 | Goods | Toys & Sports Equipment | Cricket bats, footballs, board games, gym equipment |
| 29 | Goods | Processed Foods | Ghee, pickles, dairy, frozen vegetables, dry fruits |
| 30 | Goods | Staple Foods & Condiments | Tea, coffee, atta, bread, spices, sauces, mithai |
| 31 | Goods | Raw Agricultural Produce | Fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, live plants, pet food |
| 32 | Goods | Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Beer, soft drinks, fruit juices, mineral water |
| 33 | Goods | Alcoholic Beverages | Whisky, rum, vodka, wine, brandy |
| 34 | Goods | Tobacco Products | Cigarettes, bidis, cigars, lighters, e-cigarettes |
| 35 | Services | Advertising & Business | Marketing agencies, e-commerce, retail, HR, BPO |
| 36 | Services | Finance & Insurance | Banks, insurers, stock brokers, fintech, real estate |
| 37 | Services | Construction & Repair | Builders, interior work, vehicle repair, maintenance |
| 38 | Services | Telecommunications | Telecom, internet providers, OTT, social media apps |
| 39 | Services | Transport & Logistics | Courier, logistics, airlines, travel agents, cab apps |
| 40 | Services | Material Treatment | Metal fabrication, textile dyeing, custom printing |
| 41 | Services | Education & Entertainment | Schools, EdTech, coaching, publishing, gyms, events |
| 42 | Services | IT & Software Services | IT firms, SaaS, app dev, AI, cybersecurity, cloud |
| 43 | Services | Restaurants & Hotels | Restaurants, cafes, hotels, cloud kitchens, resorts |
| 44 | Services | Medical & Beauty Services | Hospitals, clinics, salons, spas, veterinary clinics |
| 45 | Services | Legal & Security Services | Law firms, IP attorneys, security agencies, matrimonial |
Follow this process to correctly identify and select the trademark class(es) before filing your application on the IP India portal.
Write down every product you sell and every service you provide. Be specific — include product types, variants, and the nature of activities. This list is the foundation of your class selection.
Tip: Include goods or services you plan to launch in the next 2–3 years — you cannot add them to an existing registration later without a fresh application.Divide your list into physical goods (Classes 1–34) and service activities (Classes 35–45). A business that manufactures a product and also provides related services typically needs classes in both ranges.
Example: A clothing brand that also runs an online retail store needs Class 25 (clothing) and Class 35 (online retail services).Use the WIPO Madrid Goods & Services Manager or the IP India trademark manual's alphabetical list to find the correct class for each item. Search by keyword — 'software' maps to Class 9, 'advertising' maps to Class 35.
Access the Nice Classification alphabetical list at: tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.inDetermine if your business spans multiple classes. Most modern businesses need at least two to three classes. A food company may need Class 29, 30, and 43. A tech company may need Class 9, 35, and 42.
Filing in fewer classes than needed is a common and costly mistake — competitors may register in the missed classes.Write a precise, accurate description of the goods or services for each class. Avoid overly broad or vague language — the Examiner may object. Use terminology that mirrors the Nice Classification headings.
Example: Instead of "all goods in Class 9", write "computer software for inventory management; mobile applications for retail businesses".Log in to the IP India trademark portal. Select Form TM-A for a new trademark application. Choose all required classes, enter the specification for each class, upload the mark image, and pay the government fee. Save your Application Number.
Government fee: Rs. 4,500 per class for individuals, startups, MSME. Rs. 9,000 per class for all other entities.After filing, the Trademark Registry may issue an Examination Report if the Examiner has concerns about the class, specification, or conflicting marks. File a written reply within 30 days to address each objection and proceed to publication.
Missing the 30-day deadline to reply can result in your application being treated as abandoned.Most businesses need more than one trademark class. Here are the most common business types and the classes they should file in.
The official government fee for Trademark Registration in India under the Trade Marks Rules, 2017 (as amended) is charged per class per application. There is no fee for filing an objection reply.
| Applicant Type | Fee per Class (Online) | Fee per Class (Physical) | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual / Proprietor | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 5,000 | Any individual filing in personal name |
| Startup (DPIIT Recognised) | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 5,000 | Startups with DPIIT recognition certificate |
| MSME (Udyam Registered) | Rs. 4,500 | Rs. 5,000 | Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with Udyam certificate |
| Company / LLP / Trust / Society | Rs. 9,000 | Rs. 10,000 | All other entities not qualifying above |
These errors are among the most frequently seen in trademark applications at the IP India Registry. Each one can result in objections, delays, or incomplete brand protection.
Choosing a class based on guesswork without verifying against the Nice Classification alphabetical list. An IT company filing only in Class 9 and missing Class 42 is a common example.
Product businesses failing to register in the corresponding service class. A clothing manufacturer with an online store needs both Class 25 (goods) and Class 35 (online retail services).
Writing "all goods in Class 9" or "all services in Class 42" instead of specifying actual products or services. Examiners object to vague specifications and may restrict the class scope.
Registering only for current goods or services and missing classes for products you plan to launch. You cannot amend an existing registration to add new classes — a fresh application is required.
Class 9 covers software as a product (downloadable apps, software packages). Class 42 covers software as a service (SaaS, IT development, consultancy). Most tech companies need both.
Any business that sells goods — whether physical retail or online — should also register in Class 35 (retail services). Selling clothing in Class 25 does not protect the act of retailing.
Selecting a class based on the industry you operate in rather than the function of your goods or services. A healthcare company's mobile app belongs in Class 9 and 42, not Class 44.
Trademark classes are categories under the international Nice Classification system that group goods and services into 45 classes — Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services. In India, a trademark is protected only in the class(es) for which it is registered.
There are 45 trademark classes in India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, following the Nice Classification (12th Edition). Classes 1–34 cover goods and Classes 35–45 cover services.
Software products (downloadable apps, computer programs) fall under Class 9. Software development services, SaaS, IT consultancy, cloud computing, and cybersecurity services fall under Class 42. Most IT companies register in both Class 9 and Class 42, and often also in Class 35 for business services.
Clothing, footwear, and headgear are covered under Class 25. Fashion brands also often register under Class 35 for online retail or e-commerce services. Bags and leather accessories fall under Class 18, and jewellery under Class 14.
Yes. You can file a single multi-class application covering multiple classes on the IP India portal. Each class requires a separate fee. Most businesses benefit from registering in 2–4 classes to ensure comprehensive brand protection.
The official government fee is Rs. 4,500 per class (online) for individuals, startups (DPIIT recognised), and MSMEs (Udyam registered), and Rs. 9,000 per class for companies, LLPs, and other entities. Physical filing costs Rs. 500 more per class.
Restaurants, cafes, and food delivery businesses primarily register under Class 43 (food and drink services). If the business also sells packaged food, Classes 29 or 30 may be needed. Online food delivery platforms may also need Class 35 and Class 38.
Class 9 covers software as a tangible or downloadable product — computer programs, mobile apps, electronic hardware. Class 42 covers software-related services — developing, maintaining, or providing software for others, including SaaS, cloud platforms, IT consultancy, and cybersecurity. A product-based software company needs Class 9; a service-based IT firm needs Class 42; most modern tech companies need both.
Our trademark experts handle end-to-end IP registration and protection — from class selection and filing to objection replies and renewals — for businesses across India.
Wrong class selection can leave your brand unprotected and cause examination objections. Our trademark attorneys identify every class your business needs, draft a precise specification, and file a complete application on the IP India portal — so your brand is fully protected.