The classes most businesses need
| Class | Covers | Typical business |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Cosmetics, soaps, perfumery, cleaning preparations | Skincare and beauty brands |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals, medical and dietary supplements | Pharma, nutraceuticals |
| 9 | Computers, downloadable software and apps, electronics | App makers, software products, gadgets |
| 14 | Jewellery, precious metals, watches | Jewellers |
| 16 | Paper goods, printed matter, stationery | Publishers, stationery brands |
| 18 | Leather goods, bags, wallets | Bag and accessories brands |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headwear | Fashion and apparel |
| 29 / 30 | Processed foods (29); coffee, tea, bakery, spices, snacks (30) | Food and FMCG brands |
| 32 | Non-alcoholic beverages, juices, mineral water | Beverage brands |
| 35 | Advertising, business management, retail and online store services | Retailers, marketplaces, agencies |
| 36 | Financial, insurance and real estate services | Fintech, insurance, property businesses |
| 39 | Transport, travel arrangement, delivery | Logistics, travel agencies |
| 41 | Education, training, entertainment, events | Coaching, edtech, event companies |
| 42 | Software development, SaaS, IT and scientific services | Software and SaaS companies |
| 43 | Restaurants, cafes, catering, hotels | Food service and hospitality |
| 44 | Medical, beauty, salon and healthcare services | Clinics, salons, wellness |
| 45 | Legal, security and personal services | Law firms, security agencies |
Worked examples
- A D2C clothing brand selling on its own website: class 25 for the clothes, and class 35 for the online retail service if you want the store name protected as well.
- A SaaS startup: class 42 for the software service, and class 9 if you also offer a downloadable app or software.
- A cafe chain that also sells packaged coffee: class 43 for the cafes and class 30 for the coffee.
- A coaching institute with books: class 41 for the teaching and class 16 for printed material.
How to choose, and how many
- Start from what you sell, not the industry label. Each item belongs to one class.
- Cover the near future: add classes for products you will launch soon; a later application gives later priority.
- One application, several classes: you can file a single multi-class application in Form TM-A, but the fee is per class.
- Write the specification carefully: describe the actual goods or services. Very broad descriptions invite objections; very narrow ones leave gaps.
- Search each class first; see how to check trademark availability.
A well-known mark is protected across classes, so a clash with a famous brand is a problem even in a different class. For the difference between trademarks, copyright and patents, see trademark vs copyright vs patent. Until the mark is registered, use TM rather than ®; see TM vs ® symbol.
Talk to Regikart
We pick the classes, draft the specification, search the register and file your application from ₹2,499 per class plus the IP India fee. See trademark registration or call or WhatsApp +91 70444 94804.
Frequently asked questions
How many trademark classes are there in India?
45, under the international Nice classification: classes 1 to 34 for goods and 35 to 45 for services.
Which trademark class is for software?
Class 9 covers downloadable software and apps; class 42 covers software development and software as a service. Many software businesses file in both.
Which class is for an online store?
Class 35 covers retail and online store services. The goods you sell are protected in their own classes, such as 25 for clothing.
Can I file one application for several classes?
Yes. A single multi-class application in Form TM-A is allowed, but the IP India fee is charged per class.
What is the trademark fee per class?
₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises filing online, and ₹9,000 for others.
About the author
Regikart CS Team
Company Secretaries at Regikart. Want to discuss this in the context of your business?
