In India trademark registration acts as a fundamental mechanism which enables businesses to safeguard their brand identity through trademark rights which cover their logos and brand names and slogans and particular product designs. The trademark application process requires you to select the appropriate trademark class which matches your business’s products and services.
This guide shows how to select the correct trademark class in India through its explanation of Trademark Class List and Classification of Goods and Services and their significance.
What Is A Trademark Class?
A trademark class refers to a category which groups goods and services for the purpose of trademark registration. The procedure for establishing trademark rights needs all products and services to be divided into separate classification systems. India uses the Nice Classification system which has international recognition because it was developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
How Many Trademark Classes Are There in India?
India maintains 45 trademark classes which use the Nice Classification system that the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trade Marks controls.
- Classes 1–34: Goods
- Classes 35–45: Services
The correct class selection is essential for trademark application filing.
Trademark Classes for Goods (Classes 1–34)
Below is a simplified but accurate overview of all trademark classes for goods, based on the Trademark Goods and Services Class Codes list.
| Class | Category | What It Includes |
| Class 1 | Chemicals | Industrial, photography, agriculture chemicals |
| Class 2 | Paints & Colours | Paints, lacquers, pigments, art materials |
| Class 3 | Cleaning & Cosmetics | Soaps, cosmetics, essential oils, detergents |
| Class 4 | Fuels & Oils | Industrial oils, greases, combustion fuels |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, veterinary preparations |
| Class 6 | Metal Goods | Hardware, common metals & alloys |
| Class 7 | Machinery | Machines & machine parts |
| Class 8 | Tools | Hand tools, cutlery, razors |
| Class 9 | Electronics | Scientific, electrical & data processing items |
| Class 10 | Medical Devices | Surgical instruments & medical apparatus |
| Class 11 | Appliances | Heating, lighting, cooking & refrigeration |
| Class 12 | Vehicles | Automobiles, transport accessories |
| Class 13 | Firearms | Firearms, ammunition, explosives |
| Class 14 | Jewelry | Precious metals, watches, gems |
| Class 15 | Musical Instruments | Instruments & musical accessories |
| Class 16 | Paper & Stationery | Books, pens, printed materials |
| Class 17 | Rubber Products | Rubber, plastics (semi-processed) |
| Class 18 | Leather Goods | Bags, wallets, belts, leather products |
| Class 19 | Building Materials | Non-metallic building supplies |
| Class 20 | Furniture | Household furniture & decor |
| Class 21 | Kitchenware | Utensils, glassware, containers |
| Class 22 | Fibres & Textiles | Ropes, nets, sacks |
| Class 23 | Yarns & Threads | Textile threads |
| Class 24 | Fabrics | Textiles, linens |
| Class 25 | Clothing | Apparel, footwear, headgear |
| Class 26 | Accessories | Lace, ribbons, buttons |
| Class 27 | Floor Coverings | Carpets, mats, wallpapers |
| Class 28 | Toys & Games | Games, sports equipment |
| Class 29 | Processed Foods | Meat, dairy, edible oils |
| Class 30 | Foods & Spices | Tea, coffee, rice, confectionery |
| Class 31 | Raw Agriculture | Fresh fruits, seeds, live plants |
| Class 32 | Beverages (Non-Alcoholic) | Juices, mineral & aerated waters |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic Drinks | Alcoholic beverages (excluding beer) |
| Class 34 | Tobacco Products | Tobacco, smokers’ articles |
Tip: Goods classes often include many sub-items, for example, Class 3 includes both cosmetics and laundry cleaners.
Trademark Classes for Services (Classes 35–45)
Services are grouped into 11 classes. Here’s what they cover:
| Class | Category | What It Includes |
| Class 35 | Business Services | Advertising, consulting, retail |
| Class 36 | Financial Services | Banking, insurance, investment |
| Class 37 | Construction & Repair | Building construction, maintenance |
| Class 38 | Communication | Telecom, broadcasting services |
| Class 39 | Logistics | Transport, storage, delivery |
| Class 40 | Manufacturing Services | Material treatment, fabrication |
| Class 41 | Education & Entertainment | Teaching, training, events |
| Class 42 | Tech & IT | Software, research & development services |
| Class 43 | Food & Accommodation | Catering, hotel services |
| Class 44 | Health & Wellness | Medical services, beauty care |
| Class 45 | Personal Services | Legal services, security services |
Choosing the wrong service class can limit your trademark protection or even lead to application rejection.
Why Trademark Classification Matters?
Correct classification of your goods and services:
✔ Defines scope of protection
✔ Prevents conflicts with existing trademarks
✔ Determines fees and application strategy
✔ Improves your chances of successful registration
Example: A mobile app may require filing under Class 9 (software) and Class 42 (software services) for full protection.
How To Choose the Right Trademark Class?
Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- List all products/services your business offers.
- The Trademark Class List should be examined to identify the most appropriate classification.
- The business should prepare for its future growth by obtaining extra related trademark classes.
- A trademark class search tool should be used by the applicant before submitting their trademark application.
- The professional expert should be consulted because it helps prevent errors.
Conclusion
The process of selecting the correct Trademark Class List for your business needs to be understood because it serves as the primary method of protecting your brand in India. The correct classification of your product or service will provide your business with better legal protection together with an easier trademark registration process. The Udyamita Helpline provides assistance to businesses which require expert support to determine their appropriate trademark classes and complete their trademark application process.
FAQs
Q. What is Class 1 in trademark?
Class 1 covers industrial, photography, agriculture, forestry and chemical products used in other goods.
Q. How many trademark classes are there?
There are 45 trademark classes which consist of 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services.
Q. Can a trademark cover more than one class?
Yes, you can file for multiple classes if your business spans different products/services.

