How to Find Trademark Classes for Trademark Registration

How to Find Trademark Classes for Trademark Registration. When you want to protect your brand in India, choosing the right trademark class is very important. Many people make the mistake of filing in the wrong class, and as a result, their applications get delayed, objected, or even rejected.
Whether you are registering a brand name, logo, tagline, or business name, selecting the correct class ensures your brand is legally protected for the products or services you provide.
Even if your brand name is unique, it may not be fully protected if you choose the wrong class.
What is a Trademark Class?
A trademark class is basically a category that groups similar products or services together.
 The Indian trademark system uses the Nice Classification, which divides all goods and services into 45 different classes.

Class 1 to 34 are for goods

Class 35 to 45 are for services

When you file a trademark application, it is very important to select the class that matches what your business actually does.
Examples:

Selling clothes → Class 25

Running a coaching institute → Class 41

Running an online store → Class 35

If you choose the wrong class, your brand will not be legally protected for your products or services.
Why Trademark Class Selection is Important
Choosing the right trademark class is not just a formality. It directly affects your legal protection.
Here’s why it matters:

Your trademark protection applies only to the class you file

Wrong class can lead to objection or refusal

Another company may legally use the same brand in a different class

Future legal enforcement depends on your registered class

Licensing, franchising, and valuation depend on correct class

For example, if you register your brand for clothing but later start selling perfumes without registering in Class 3, your perfume brand will not be legally protected.
Complete List of All 45 Trademark Classes

Class

Description

Goods (Class 1 – 34)

Class 1

Chemicals for industry, science, agriculture

Class 2

Paints, varnishes, dyes

Class 3

Cosmetics, soaps, perfumes

Class 4

Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels

Class 5

Pharmaceuticals, medical products

Class 6

Metal goods, hardware

Class 7

Machines, motors

Class 8

Hand tools

Class 9

Electronics, software, mobile apps

Class 10

Medical instruments

Class 11

Lighting, heating, cooling appliances

Class 12

Vehicles, parts

Class 13

Firearms, explosives

Class 14

Jewellery, watches

Class 15

Musical instruments

Class 16

Paper, books, printed materials

Class 17

Rubber, insulation materials

Class 18

Leather goods, bags

Class 19

Building materials

Class 20

Furniture

Class 21

Household utensils

Class 22

Ropes, nets

Class 23

Threads, yarn

Class 24

Textiles

Class 25

Clothing, footwear

Class 26

Laces, buttons

Class 27

Carpets, mats

Class 28

Toys, games, sports goods

Class 29

Meat, dairy products

Class 30

Tea, coffee, bakery products

Class 31

Agricultural products

Class 32

Soft drinks, juices

Class 33

Alcoholic beverages

Class 34

Tobacco products

Service Classes (Class 35–45)

Class 35

Advertising, business services, online selling

Class 36

Finance, insurance, investments

Class 37

Construction, repair services

Class 38

Telecommunication, broadcasting

Class 39

Transport, logistics

Class 40

Manufacturing services

Class 41

Education, training, entertainment

Class 42

Software, IT, SaaS services

Class 43

Hotels, restaurants

Class 44

Medical, beauty, wellness services

Class 45

Legal, security, social services

Sector-wise Trademark Class Guide

Business Type

Correct Trademark Class

Clothing brand

Class 25

Shoe brand

Class 25

Cosmetic company

Class 3

Pharma company

Class 5

Mobile App

Class 9 + Class 42

Software Company

Class 42

Online Store / Marketplace

Class 35

Digital Marketing Agency

Class 35

Education Institute

Class 41

Coaching Centre

Class 41

Hospital

Class 44

Beauty Salon

Class 44

Law Firm

Class 45

Finance / Investment firm

Class 36

Travel Agency

Class 39

Hotel / Restaurant

Class 43

Manufacturer

Class 40

Jewellery Brand

Class 14

Toy Brand

Class 28

Food Brand

Class 30

How to Find the Correct Trademark Class
Step 1: Clearly Identify Your Business Activity
Start by listing what you actually do. Ask yourself:

Do I sell physical products?

Do I provide services?

Is my business online or offline?

Am I manufacturing, trading, or consulting?

Example:
 A company selling baby clothes online
Goods: Clothing → Class 25
Service: Online retail → Class 35
So, they need two classes.
Step 2: Check the Official Trademark Class List
The Indian Trademark Registry provides a searchable classification system based on the Nice Classification.
You can search by keywords such as:

“Shoes”

“Coaching”

“Cosmetics”

“Mobile app”

“Legal services”

It will show the corresponding trademark class.
Step 3: Understand the Scope of Each Class
Each class has a detailed description.
For example:

Class 35 is not just advertising. It includes online selling, marketing, business consultancy, and e-commerce.

Class 42 is not just software. It covers SaaS, cloud computing, app development, and IT services.

Step 4: Check Competitor Trademarks
Search trademarks of similar businesses in the trademark database.
For example, if you run a digital marketing agency, search for brands like:

Web marketing companies

SEO agencies

Check which classes they filed in. This gives clarity on industry practice.
Step 5: Choose Single or Multiple Classes
You can file in:

One class, or

Multiple classes, depending on your business

Example:
A fitness brand selling:

Gym equipment → Class 28

Supplements → Class 5

Fitness training → Class 41

They should file three classes to get full protection.
Common Mistakes While Selecting Trademark Classes
Many applicants make these mistakes:

Filing only in Class 35 when they actually sell products

Choosing goods class instead of service class

Ignoring future expansion plans

Selecting a broad class without covering the actual activity

Using generic keywords instead of exact goods/services

These mistakes often lead to objections or limited brand protection.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Class?
If the class is wrong:

The Trademark Examiner may object

You may have to attend a hearing

Your application may be refused

You may need to file again and pay fees again

Your brand may remain unprotected in the correct category

This is why professional class selection is critical.
Why Multi-Class Filing is Smart for Growing Businesses
If you plan to expand, filing multiple classes gives stronger protection.
Example:
 A startup selling organic tea today (Class 30)
Tomorrow it may sell herbal supplements (Class 5) And open cafes (Class 43)
If only Class 30 is filed, future brands are vulnerable.
How Compliance Calendar LLP Helps in Class Selection
At Compliance Calendar LLP, trademark class selection is done through:

Business activity analysis

Industry-specific trademark search

Future expansion mapping

Legal review of Nice Classification

Government keyword matching

This ensures your trademark is protected properly and avoids objections and costly re-filing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right trademark class is an important step in protecting your brand. Even if your brand name is unique, selecting the wrong class can limit your legal rights and leave your products or services unprotected. Before filing, carefully review what your business currently offers. Check the official trademark classes to make sure your business fits the right category. When you select the correct class, your brand is fully protected, legally secure, and ready for future growth without any risk of others using your name.
FAQs on Trademark Classes in India
Q1. What is a trademark class?
Ans. A trademark class is a category that groups similar products or services. It helps the government organize trademarks and ensures your brand is protected only for the products or services you register.
Q2. How many trademark classes are there in India?
Ans. There are 45 trademark classes. Classes 1–34 are for goods and Classes 35–45 are for services.
Q3. Why is selecting the correct trademark class important?
Ans. Your trademark protection applies only to the class you file. Choosing the wrong class can lead to objections, rejection, or allow someone else to use your brand in other categories.
Q4. Can I register my brand in more than one class?
Ans. Yes! If your business covers multiple products or services, you can file in multiple classes to get full protection. For example, a company selling clothes and running an online store should file in Class 25 (clothes) and Class 35 (online selling).
Q5. How do I know which class to choose for my business?
Ans. Identify what your business currently does.

Think about future expansion.

Check the official trademark class list.

Look at competitors in your industry to see which classes they registered.

Q6. What happens if I choose the wrong class?
Ans. If your trademark class is wrong:

The examiner may object.

Your application may be refused.

You may have to file again and pay fees again.

Your brand may not be fully protected in the correct category.

Q7. Do service businesses need trademark classes too?
Ans. Yes! Services are also classified (Classes 35–45). For example, a coaching center falls under Class 41, a hotel under Class 43, and a law firm under Class 45.
Q8. Is multi-class filing expensive?
Ans. Yes, filing in multiple classes costs more because each class requires a separate filing fee. However, it is worth it to fully protect your brand for all products and services.
Q9. Can a unique brand name fail if the class is wrong?
Ans. Yes. Even if your name is unique, filing in the wrong class will not protect your brand legally for the products or services you actually provide.
Q10. Can a professional help me choose the right class?
Ans. Absolutely! Trademark experts or firms like Compliance Calendar LLP can help analyze your business, suggest correct classes, and avoid mistakes that may lead to objections or extra fees.

When you want to protect your brand in India, choosing the right trademark class is very important. Many people make the mistake of filing in the wrong class, and as a result, their applications get delayed, objected, or even rejected.

Whether you are registering a brand name, logo, tagline, or business name, selecting the correct class ensures your brand is legally protected for the products or services you provide.

Even if your brand name is unique, it may not be fully protected if you choose the wrong class.

What is a Trademark Class?

A trademark class is basically a category that groups similar products or services together.

The Indian trademark system uses the Nice Classification, which divides all goods and services into 45 different classes.

Class 1 to 34 are for goods
Class 35 to 45 are for services

When you file a trademark application, it is very important to select the class that matches what your business actually does.

Examples:

Selling clothes → Class 25
Running a coaching institute → Class 41
Running an online store → Class 35

If you choose the wrong class, your brand will not be legally protected for your products or services.

Why Trademark Class Selection is Important

Choosing the right trademark class is not just a formality. It directly affects your legal protection.

Here’s why it matters:

Your trademark protection applies only to the class you file
Wrong class can lead to objection or refusal
Another company may legally use the same brand in a different class
Future legal enforcement depends on your registered class
Licensing, franchising, and valuation depend on correct class

For example, if you register your brand for clothing but later start selling perfumes without registering in Class 3, your perfume brand will not be legally protected.

Complete List of All 45 Trademark Classes

Class	Description
	Goods (Class 1 – 34)
Class 1	Chemicals for industry, science, agriculture
Class 2	Paints, varnishes, dyes
Class 3	Cosmetics, soaps, perfumes
Class 4	Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels
Class 5	Pharmaceuticals, medical products
Class 6	Metal goods, hardware
Class 7	Machines, motors
Class 8	Hand tools
Class 9	Electronics, software, mobile apps
Class 10	Medical instruments
Class 11	Lighting, heating, cooling appliances
Class 12	Vehicles, parts
Class 13	Firearms, explosives
Class 14	Jewellery, watches
Class 15	Musical instruments
Class 16	Paper, books, printed materials
Class 17	Rubber, insulation materials
Class 18	Leather goods, bags
Class 19	Building materials
Class 20	Furniture
Class 21	Household utensils
Class 22	Ropes, nets
Class 23	Threads, yarn
Class 24	Textiles
Class 25	Clothing, footwear
Class 26	Laces, buttons
Class 27	Carpets, mats
Class 28	Toys, games, sports goods
Class 29	Meat, dairy products
Class 30	Tea, coffee, bakery products
Class 31	Agricultural products
Class 32	Soft drinks, juices
Class 33	Alcoholic beverages
Class 34	Tobacco products
	Service Classes (Class 35–45)
Class 35	Advertising, business services, online selling
Class 36	Finance, insurance, investments
Class 37	Construction, repair services
Class 38	Telecommunication, broadcasting
Class 39	Transport, logistics
Class 40	Manufacturing services
Class 41	Education, training, entertainment
Class 42	Software, IT, SaaS services
Class 43	Hotels, restaurants
Class 44	Medical, beauty, wellness services
Class 45	Legal, security, social services

Sector-wise Trademark Class Guide

Business Type	Correct Trademark Class
Clothing brand	Class 25
Shoe brand	Class 25
Cosmetic company	Class 3
Pharma company	Class 5
Mobile App	Class 9 + Class 42
Software Company	Class 42
Online Store / Marketplace	Class 35
Digital Marketing Agency	Class 35
Education Institute	Class 41
Coaching Centre	Class 41
Hospital	Class 44
Beauty Salon	Class 44
Law Firm	Class 45
Finance / Investment firm	Class 36
Travel Agency	Class 39
Hotel / Restaurant	Class 43
Manufacturer	Class 40
Jewellery Brand	Class 14
Toy Brand	Class 28
Food Brand	Class 30

How to Find the Correct Trademark Class

Step 1: Clearly Identify Your Business Activity

Start by listing what you actually do. Ask yourself:

Do I sell physical products?
Do I provide services?
Is my business online or offline?
Am I manufacturing, trading, or consulting?

Example:

A company selling baby clothes online

Goods: Clothing → Class 25

Service: Online retail → Class 35

So, they need two classes.

Step 2: Check the Official Trademark Class List

The Indian Trademark Registry provides a searchable classification system based on the Nice Classification.

You can search by keywords such as:

“Shoes”
“Coaching”
“Cosmetics”
“Mobile app”
“Legal services”

It will show the corresponding trademark class.

Step 3: Understand the Scope of Each Class

Each class has a detailed description.

For example:

Class 35 is not just advertising. It includes online selling, marketing, business consultancy, and e-commerce.
Class 42 is not just software. It covers SaaS, cloud computing, app development, and IT services.

Step 4: Check Competitor Trademarks

Search trademarks of similar businesses in the trademark database.

For example, if you run a digital marketing agency, search for brands like:

Web marketing companies
SEO agencies

Check which classes they filed in. This gives clarity on industry practice.

Step 5: Choose Single or Multiple Classes

You can file in:

One class, or
Multiple classes, depending on your business

Example:

A fitness brand selling:

Gym equipment → Class 28
Supplements → Class 5
Fitness training → Class 41

They should file three classes to get full protection.

Common Mistakes While Selecting Trademark Classes

Many applicants make these mistakes:

Filing only in Class 35 when they actually sell products
Choosing goods class instead of service class
Ignoring future expansion plans
Selecting a broad class without covering the actual activity
Using generic keywords instead of exact goods/services

These mistakes often lead to objections or limited brand protection.

What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Class?

If the class is wrong:

The Trademark Examiner may object
You may have to attend a hearing
Your application may be refused
You may need to file again and pay fees again
Your brand may remain unprotected in the correct category

This is why professional class selection is critical.

Why Multi-Class Filing is Smart for Growing Businesses

If you plan to expand, filing multiple classes gives stronger protection.

Example:

A startup selling organic tea today (Class 30)

Tomorrow it may sell herbal supplements (Class 5) And open cafes (Class 43)

If only Class 30 is filed, future brands are vulnerable.

How Compliance Calendar LLP Helps in Class Selection

At Compliance Calendar LLP, trademark class selection is done through:

Business activity analysis
Industry-specific trademark search
Future expansion mapping
Legal review of Nice Classification
Government keyword matching

This ensures your trademark is protected properly and avoids objections and costly re-filing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right trademark class is an important step in protecting your brand. Even if your brand name is unique, selecting the wrong class can limit your legal rights and leave your products or services unprotected. Before filing, carefully review what your business currently offers. Check the official trademark classes to make sure your business fits the right category. When you select the correct class, your brand is fully protected, legally secure, and ready for future growth without any risk of others using your name.

FAQs on Trademark Classes in India

Q1. What is a trademark class?

Ans. A trademark class is a category that groups similar products or services. It helps the government organize trademarks and ensures your brand is protected only for the products or services you register.

Q2. How many trademark classes are there in India?

Ans. There are 45 trademark classes. Classes 1–34 are for goods and Classes 35–45 are for services.

Q3. Why is selecting the correct trademark class important?

Ans. Your trademark protection applies only to the class you file. Choosing the wrong class can lead to objections, rejection, or allow someone else to use your brand in other categories.

Q4. Can I register my brand in more than one class?

Ans. Yes! If your business covers multiple products or services, you can file in multiple classes to get full protection. For example, a company selling clothes and running an online store should file in Class 25 (clothes) and Class 35 (online selling).

Q5. How do I know which class to choose for my business?

Ans. Identify what your business currently does.

Think about future expansion.
Check the official trademark class list.
Look at competitors in your industry to see which classes they registered.

Q6. What happens if I choose the wrong class?

Ans. If your trademark class is wrong:

The examiner may object.
Your application may be refused.
You may have to file again and pay fees again.
Your brand may not be fully protected in the correct category.

Q7. Do service businesses need trademark classes too?

Ans. Yes! Services are also classified (Classes 35–45). For example, a coaching center falls under Class 41, a hotel under Class 43, and a law firm under Class 45.

Q8. Is multi-class filing expensive?

Ans. Yes, filing in multiple classes costs more because each class requires a separate filing fee. However, it is worth it to fully protect your brand for all products and services.

Q9. Can a unique brand name fail if the class is wrong?

Ans. Yes. Even if your name is unique, filing in the wrong class will not protect your brand legally for the products or services you actually provide.

Q10. Can a professional help me choose the right class?

Ans. Absolutely! Trademark experts or firms like Compliance Calendar LLP can help analyze your business, suggest correct classes, and avoid mistakes that may lead to objections or extra fees.