Trademark Classes in India: Complete Guide 2026 — How to Choose the Right Class for Your Brand

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Introduction

You have built a brand. You have a name, a logo, maybe a tagline. You know you need to register it as a trademark to protect it legally. You go to the trademark registration portal or speak to a consultant, and the very first question you are asked is: which class do you want to register in?

And just like that, most people are stuck.

Trademark classes are one of the most misunderstood aspects of intellectual property law in India. Get the class right and your brand is protected exactly where it needs to be. Get it wrong and you have spent money on a trademark that does not actually protect you from your most likely competitors, leaving your brand vulnerable to copying in the very market you operate in.

India follows the Nice Classification system, an internationally recognised framework that divides all possible goods and services into 45 trademark classes. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods and Classes 35 to 45 cover services. Every trademark application in India must specify at least one class, and the protection granted by the registered trademark applies only within the class or classes for which it is registered.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about trademark classes in India in 2026: what the classification system is, a detailed breakdown of all 45 classes with examples, how to identify the right class for your specific business, what happens if you choose the wrong class, and why getting expert help with class selection is one of the most important decisions in the trademark registration process.

For expert trademark filing with correct class selection, the IP specialists at LegalTax.in, LegalIP.in, and OnlineTrademark India are available for a free consultation.

What is the Nice Classification System?

The Nice Classification, formally known as the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks, is an international system established by the Nice Agreement of 1957 and administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

India adopted the Nice Classification system and it is now the mandatory framework used by the Trade Marks Registry of India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2017.

The system is updated periodically. The current version in use in India is the 12th edition of the Nice Classification, which is reviewed and updated regularly to keep pace with the emergence of new industries, technologies, and business models.

The 45 classes are divided as follows:

🏭 Classes 1 to 34 — Goods (physical products of all kinds) 🛎 Classes 35 to 45 — Services (all categories of services)

Every trademark application must specify the class or classes that correspond to the goods or services associated with the brand being registered. A trademark registered in one class provides no protection in another class, which is why correct class selection is so critical.

Complete List of All 45 Trademark Classes in India 2026

GOODS: Classes 1 to 34

Class 1: Chemicals Industrial chemicals, chemical substances for scientific use, unprocessed artificial resins, fertilisers, fire extinguishing compositions, tempering and soldering preparations, chemical additives for food industry use, adhesives for industrial purposes. Examples: Industrial adhesives, chemical fertilisers, food preservatives used in manufacturing, laboratory reagents.

Class 2: Paints and Coatings Paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives against rust and wood decay, colorants, mordants, raw natural resins, metals in foil and powder form for artists and decorators. Examples: Wall paints, wood varnish, metal rust-proofing coatings, artist colour pigments.

Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Products Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations, non-medicated dentifrices, perfumery, essential oils, bleaching preparations, cleaning and polishing preparations. Examples: Shampoo, face cream, lipstick, perfume, toothpaste, soap, floor cleaner, shoe polish.

Class 4: Lubricants and Fuels Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, dust absorbing and wetting compositions, fuels, illuminants, candles. Examples: Engine oil, industrial lubricants, diesel, petrol, candles, wax.

Class 5: Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations, dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use, food supplements for humans and animals, plasters and dressings, material for stopping teeth, disinfectants, preparations for destroying vermin, fungicides, herbicides. Examples: Medicines, tablets, syrups, vitamin supplements, surgical dressings, antiseptic creams, pest control products.

Class 6: Metals Common metals and their alloys, metal ores, metal materials for building and construction, transportable buildings of metal, non-electric cables and wires of metal, small items of metal hardware, metal containers for storage or transport, safes. Examples: Steel rods, iron sheets, metal pipes, locks and keys, metal containers, wire fencing.

Class 7: Machinery Machines, machine tools, power-operated tools, motors and engines (except for land vehicles), machine coupling and belting, agricultural implements (other than hand-operated), incubators for eggs, automatic vending machines. Examples: Industrial machines, power drills, generators, agricultural equipment, conveyor belts.

Class 8: Hand Tools Hand tools and implements, hand-operated implements, cutlery, side arms, razors. Examples: Knives, scissors, hand saws, hammers, screwdrivers, razors, kitchen cutlery.

Class 9: Electronics and Technology Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments, apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling the distribution or use of electricity, apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images, magnetic data carriers, recording discs, computer hardware, software, smartphones, electrical and electronic devices. Examples: Mobile phones, computers, laptops, televisions, cameras, software applications, USB drives, circuit breakers, headphones, GPS devices.

This is one of the most important and most frequently applied-for classes in India, particularly for technology companies, app developers, electronics brands, and startups.

Class 10: Medical Devices Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth, orthopaedic articles, suture materials, therapeutic and assistive devices adapted for persons with disabilities, massage apparatus, apparatus, devices and articles for nursing infants, sexual activity apparatus. Examples: Surgical instruments, wheelchairs, hearing aids, dental equipment, diagnostic devices.

Class 11: Lighting and Sanitary Equipment Apparatus and installations for lighting, heating, cooling, steam generating, cooking, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes. Examples: LED bulbs, air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, gas stoves, water purifiers, bathroom fittings.

Class 12: Vehicles Vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water. Examples: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, boats, aircraft, electric vehicles, vehicle parts.

Class 13: Firearms Firearms, ammunition and projectiles, explosives, fireworks. Examples: Guns, bullets, fireworks, explosive substances.

Class 14: Jewellery and Precious Metals Precious metals and their alloys, jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments. Examples: Gold jewellery, diamond rings, watches, clocks, silver articles.

Class 15: Musical Instruments Musical instruments, music stands and supports, conductors’ batons. Examples: Guitars, pianos, drums, violins, harmoniums, electronic keyboards.

Class 16: Paper and Stationery Paper and cardboard, printed matter, bookbinding material, photographs, stationery and office requisites (except furniture), adhesives for stationery, educational material (except apparatus), playing cards, printers’ type, printing blocks. Examples: Books, notebooks, greeting cards, pens, pencils, calendars, printed packaging material, newspapers, magazines.

Class 17: Rubber and Insulation Materials Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made of these materials, plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture, packing, stopping and insulating materials, flexible pipes and tubes (not of metal). Examples: Rubber sheets, gaskets, insulation tape, plastic pipes, rubber hoses.

Class 18: Leather Goods and Bags Leather and imitations of leather, animal skins and hides, luggage and carrying bags, handbags, wallets, purses, umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks, whips, harness and saddlery, collars, leashes and clothing for animals. Examples: Leather bags, purses, wallets, backpacks, suitcases, belts, umbrellas.

Class 19: Building Materials Building materials (non-metallic), 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, granite, wooden planks.

Class 20: Furniture Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, containers of plastic or wood for storage or transport, unworked or semi-worked bone, horn, whalebone or mother-of-pearl, shells, meerschaum, and substitutes for all these materials. Examples: Sofas, beds, cupboards, tables, chairs, plastic storage containers, picture frames.

Class 21: Household Utensils and Glassware Household or kitchen utensils and containers, cookware and tableware (except forks, knives and spoons), combs and sponges, brushes, brush-making materials, articles for cleaning purposes, unworked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building), glassware, porcelain and earthenware. Examples: Plates, bowls, cups, cooking pots, juicers, toothbrushes, cleaning brushes, crystal glassware.

Class 22: Ropes and Textiles in Raw Form Ropes and string, nets, tents, tarpaulins and sails, sacks for transporting bulk materials, padding and stuffing materials (except of paper, cardboard, rubber or plastics), raw fibrous textile materials and substitutes therefor. Examples: Ropes, fishing nets, tarpaulins, cotton in raw form, jute bags.

Class 23: Yarn and Threads Yarns and threads for textile use. Examples: Cotton yarn, silk thread, woollen yarn, synthetic thread used in textile manufacturing.

Class 24: Textiles and Fabrics Textiles and substitutes for textiles, household linen, curtains of textile or plastic. Examples: Cotton fabric, silk cloth, bed sheets, pillow covers, curtains, blankets, towels.

Class 25: Clothing and Footwear Clothing, footwear, headgear. Examples: T-shirts, jeans, sarees, kurtas, shoes, sandals, caps, hats, socks, sportswear.

This is one of the most applied-for classes in India given the massive size of the Indian fashion, apparel, and footwear industry.

Class 26: Lace and Embroidery Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid, buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles, artificial flowers, hair decorations, false hair. Examples: Embroidery lace, decorative ribbons, buttons, hair clips, artificial flowers, brooches.

Class 27: Floor Coverings Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors, wallpapers. Examples: Carpets, doormats, floor rugs, yoga mats, wallpaper.

Class 28: Toys and Sporting Goods Games, toys and playthings, video game apparatus, gymnastic and sporting articles, decorations for Christmas trees. Examples: Board games, dolls, cricket bats, footballs, video games, gym equipment, playing cards.

Class 29: Food Products (Processed) Meat, fish, poultry and game, meat extracts, preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables, jellies, jams, compotes, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, edible oils and fats, processed food. Examples: Packaged vegetables, dairy products, cheese, butter, canned fish, frozen food, edible oils, fruit juices.

Class 30: Staple Foods Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee, flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastries and confectionery, chocolate, ice cream, honey, treacle, yeast, baking-powder, salt, mustard, vinegar, sauces (condiments), spices, ice. Examples: Tea, coffee, biscuits, bread, rice, wheat flour, spices, chocolates, ice cream, ketchup, salt.

Class 31: Agricultural Products and Live Animals Raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural and forestry products, raw and unprocessed grains and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, natural plants and flowers, live animals, foodstuffs for animals, malt. Examples: Fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, seeds, live poultry, animal feed, natural flowers, plants.

Class 32: Beers and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Beers, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral and aerated waters, fruit beverages and fruit juices, syrups and other preparations for making beverages. Examples: Soft drinks, mineral water, fruit juices, energy drinks, beer, lemonade, squash.

Class 33: Alcoholic Beverages Alcoholic beverages (except beers), alcoholic preparations for making beverages. Examples: Whisky, rum, vodka, wine, gin, brandy, liqueurs.

Class 34: Tobacco Products Tobacco and tobacco products, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes and oral vaporisers for smokers, smokers’ articles, matches. Examples: Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, matchboxes, lighters, electronic cigarettes.

SERVICES: Classes 35 to 45

Class 35: Advertising and Business Services Advertising, business management, business administration, office functions, retail and wholesale services, business consultancy, market research, public relations. Examples: Digital marketing agencies, advertising firms, business consulting companies, HR outsourcing firms, e-commerce retail platforms, accounting services, import-export trading companies.

This is one of the most important classes for Indian startups and service businesses. Any business that sells or promotes other people’s products or provides business support services should consider this class.

Class 36: Financial and Insurance Services Insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, real estate affairs, banking services, investment services, money lending. Examples: Banks, insurance companies, mutual fund houses, real estate brokers, financial advisors, money transfer services, NBFCs.

Class 37: Construction and Repair Services Building construction, repair, installation services. Examples: Construction companies, renovation contractors, plumbing services, electrical installation, painting contractors, equipment repair services.

Class 38: Telecommunications Telecommunications, broadcasting, internet services, telephone services, cable television services. Examples: Telecom operators, internet service providers, cable TV companies, satellite communication services, messaging platforms.

Class 39: Transport and Travel Transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement. Examples: Logistics companies, courier services, airlines, travel agencies, shipping companies, cab aggregators, warehousing services.

Class 40: Treatment of Materials Treatment of materials, recycling of waste and trash, air purification and treatment of water, printing services, food and drink preservation. Examples: Printing presses, water treatment plants, recycling companies, metal processing services, food processing services.

Class 41: Education and Entertainment Education, providing of training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities. Examples: Schools, colleges, coaching institutes, online learning platforms, sports clubs, event management companies, publishing houses, film production companies, music academies.

This is a critical class for EdTech companies, content creators, training institutes, and entertainment platforms.

Class 42: Scientific and Technology Services Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto, industrial analysis, industrial research, design and development of computer hardware and software, IT services, software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing. Examples: IT companies, software development firms, SaaS platforms, cybersecurity companies, data analytics firms, research laboratories, quality testing services.

This is one of the most applied-for classes in India among technology companies, software firms, and IT service providers.

Class 43: Food and Beverage Services Services for providing food and drink, temporary accommodation. Examples: Restaurants, cafes, hotels, dhabas, food delivery services, catering companies, cloud kitchens, guest houses.

Class 44: Medical and Beauty Services Medical services, veterinary services, hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals, agriculture, horticulture and forestry services. Examples: Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, dental clinics, veterinary hospitals, beauty salons, spas, ayurvedic treatment centres.

Class 45: Legal and Personal 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. Examples: Law firms, legal consultancies, security agencies, dating services, funeral services, religious services, licensing of intellectual property.

How to Identify the Right Trademark Class for Your Business

Now that you have a complete picture of all 45 classes, here is a practical framework for identifying which class or classes are right for your specific brand:

Step 1: Define Your Core Business Activity Start by clearly identifying what your business primarily does. Are you selling a physical product or providing a service? If selling a product, what category does it fall into? If providing a service, what type of service is it?

Step 2: Use the NICE Classification Search Tool The Trade Marks Registry of India provides an online classification search tool where you can search by keyword to identify which class your goods or services fall under. This is a helpful starting point but should not be your only reference, as the tool sometimes returns multiple possible classes for the same keyword.

Step 3: Consider All Revenue Streams Many businesses operate across multiple classes. A company that manufactures health drinks (Class 32) and also runs a chain of health cafes (Class 43) and sells branded sportswear (Class 25) needs to consider all three classes separately. Your trademark is only protected in the classes you register in.

Step 4: Think About Future Business Plans If you plan to expand into related product or service categories within the next few years, it is worth registering in those classes now rather than waiting. Registering in additional classes later requires a fresh application and a fresh fee.

Step 5: Consult an IP Expert This is the most important step. Trademark class selection is a technical and strategic decision with long-term consequences. An incorrect class selection can leave your brand unprotected in the market you actually operate in, and you may not discover this until a competitor copies your brand and you find that your trademark registration does not cover their specific activity.

The trademark experts at LegalTax.in, LegalIP.in, and OnlineTrademark India conduct a detailed analysis of your business, identify all applicable classes, conduct a comprehensive trademark search to check for conflicts, and file your application with the correct class specification to maximise your protection.

Common Business Types and Their Recommended Trademark Classes

Restaurant or Food Business Primary: Class 43 (food and beverage services) Also consider: Class 30 (packaged food products if you sell packaged items), Class 32 (beverages), Class 35 (if you franchise or retail through others)

Clothing and Fashion Brand Primary: Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear) Also consider: Class 18 (bags, wallets, belts), Class 35 (retail services), Class 14 (jewellery if applicable)

Technology Startup or App Primary: Class 42 (software and IT services) Also consider: Class 9 (downloadable software, mobile apps), Class 35 (business services if applicable), Class 38 (communication services if applicable)

Educational Institute or EdTech Platform Primary: Class 41 (education and training services) Also consider: Class 16 (educational books and printed materials), Class 42 (software if you have an app or platform), Class 35 (if you provide career placement services)

Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Brand Primary: Class 5 (pharmaceutical products) Also consider: Class 10 (medical devices), Class 44 (healthcare services), Class 3 (cosmetics or personal care products if applicable)

E-commerce Business Primary: Class 35 (retail services) Also consider: Classes covering the specific products you sell, Class 39 (logistics and delivery if applicable)

Legal or Consulting Firm Primary: Class 45 (legal services) or Class 35 (business consulting) Also consider: Class 41 (training and education services if applicable), Class 42 (technology or research services if applicable)

Hotel or Hospitality Brand Primary: Class 43 (accommodation and food services) Also consider: Class 41 (entertainment services), Class 39 (travel arrangements if applicable), Class 44 (spa or wellness services if applicable)

Manufacturing Company Classes vary based on what is manufactured. Refer to the relevant goods class above and also consider Class 40 (treatment of materials) and Class 37 (installation and repair services) as applicable.

What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Trademark Class?

Choosing the wrong class has serious consequences that many businesses only discover when it is too late:

⚠ Your trademark does not protect you where it matters. If a competitor starts using an identical or similar name in the class you actually operate in, your registration in the wrong class gives you no legal grounds to stop them.

⚠ Your opposition to a conflicting trademark may fail. If you try to oppose a similar trademark filed by a competitor, the registry may reject your opposition if your registration is in a different class from theirs.

⚠ You waste money on a registration that does not serve your business. Each class requires a separate application fee. A wrong class means that money is spent on protection that is irrelevant to your business.

⚠ You may need to file a fresh application. Trademark applications cannot be amended to change the class after filing. If you filed in the wrong class, you must file a new application, pay fresh fees, and go through the entire examination process again.

⚠ Your brand may remain unprotected during the intervening period. If your original application was wrong and you need to file afresh, there is a window of time during which your brand has no registered protection, leaving it vulnerable.

How Much Does Trademark Registration Cost Per Class in India?

Trademark registration fees in India are charged per class per application:

💰 For individuals, startups, and small enterprises (MSME registered): Rs. 4,500 per class per application 💰 For companies, LLPs, and large enterprises: Rs. 9,000 per class per application

If you are registering in multiple classes, each class is a separate application with a separate government fee. This is why correct class selection is also important from a cost management perspective — registering in unnecessary classes wastes money, while missing a critical class leaves you unprotected.

If your business qualifies as an MSME, registering under MSME Registration before filing your trademark application can save you 50% on government fees.

Trademark Objection: What If Your Application Is Challenged?

After filing a trademark application, it goes through examination by the Trade Marks Registry. The examiner may raise an objection to your application citing reasons such as similarity to an existing trademark, descriptiveness of the proposed mark, or missing information in the application.

If an objection is raised, you must file a detailed reply within 30 days of receiving the examination report. Failure to reply within this period results in abandonment of your application. If the objection is not resolved through the written reply, a hearing is scheduled before the Trademark Examiner.

The trademark objection and hearing specialists at LegalTax.in handle objection replies and hearings with a strong track record of successful outcomes. Similarly, LegalIP.in and OnlineTrademark India provide comprehensive objection management services.

Trademark Renewal: Protecting Your Brand Long Term

A registered trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application. It can be renewed indefinitely for successive periods of 10 years each by filing a renewal application and paying the prescribed renewal fee.

Trademark renewal must be applied for before the expiry date. If the trademark lapses due to non-renewal, your brand loses its legal protection and the name becomes available for anyone else to register. The Trademark Renewal specialists at LegalTax.in ensure your trademark never lapses.

FAQs

Conclusion

Choosing the right trademark class is not a formality. It is a strategic decision that determines the scope and effectiveness of your brand’s legal protection in India. With 45 classes covering every conceivable category of goods and services, the system is comprehensive but also complex.

The consequences of getting it wrong, ranging from unprotected brand identity to wasted registration fees to failed objection proceedings, are serious enough that this is one area where expert guidance is not just helpful but genuinely necessary.

Your brand is one of the most valuable assets your business will ever build. Protecting it correctly from the very beginning is one of the best investments you can make.

Protect Your Brand with Expert Trademark Registration

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Anjali Pandey

Anjali is a Digital Marketing Expert at Quick Startup India  who builds websites that rank and convert. She specializes in SEO-driven web development, helping people find the right legal help online.