A plain-English guide to all 45 trademark classes in India — what each class covers, real examples, how to find the right class for your brand, and why choosing wrong costs you.
Trademark Classes in India: The Complete List of All 45 Classes (2026 Guide)
You have finally decided to protect your brand name or logo. You open the trademark application and hit the first real hurdle: "Select your class." Suddenly you are staring at 45 numbered categories, unsure whether your clothing brand is Class 25, your online store is Class 35, or your restaurant is Class 43 — and picking wrong can cost you the fee, the wait, and even the protection you were after.
This guide fixes that. In simple language, we explain what trademark classes are, list all 45 with real examples so you can spot yours instantly, and show you how to choose the right one (or several) so your application sails through the first time.
What Are Trademark Classes?
When you register a trademark in India, you do not register the name or logo for "everything." You register it for specific goods or services, grouped into 45 standardised classes under the international NICE Classification (adopted by the Indian Trade Marks Registry). Classes 1 to 34 are for goods (physical products) and classes 35 to 45 are for services.
Think of it like a filing cabinet with 45 drawers. Your trademark goes into the drawer (or drawers) that matches what you actually sell. This is why the same name can be registered by different businesses in different classes — "Dove" is a soap brand (Class 3) and a chocolate brand (Class 30), owned by different companies, both perfectly legal because they sit in different drawers.
Why Choosing the Right Class Matters (More Than You Think)
This is the single most important decision in your entire trademark filing, and getting it wrong is the most common — and most expensive — mistake founders make.
- Your protection is limited to the class you file in. If you sell cosmetics but register only in a stationery class, a rival can legally use your brand name on cosmetics. Your registration will not stop them.
- The wrong class means wasted money and time. Government fees are charged per class, per application. File in the wrong class and you have paid for protection you cannot use — and you will have to file again.
- It affects objections. A wrong or over-broad class raises the odds of an examination objection under Section 11 (conflict with existing marks), delaying your registration by months.
- It shapes your brand's future. If you plan to expand — say, from a clothing label (Class 25) into a retail store (Class 35) or a cafe (Class 43) — smart class selection now protects that roadmap.
In short: the right class is what turns a trademark certificate into real, enforceable protection. The wrong class is an expensive piece of paper.
Goods vs Services: The First Split
Before the 45 classes, understand the big divide:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods — anything physical you manufacture, sell, or trade, from chemicals and clothing to food and furniture.
- Classes 35–45 cover services — anything you do for others, from advertising and finance to education, software, restaurants, and legal work.
Most product businesses need at least one goods class. Most modern businesses — especially anyone selling online, offering software, or running a service — also need a services class. Many need both.
The Complete List of All 45 Trademark Classes (With Examples)
Goods — Classes 1 to 34
- Class 1 – Chemicals: Industrial, scientific and agricultural chemicals, unprocessed plastics, fertilisers, adhesives for industry. Example: manure, industrial glue, coolant.
- Class 2 – Paints: Paints, varnishes, lacquers, rust preventives, colorants, dyes, printing inks. Example: wall paint, wood polish.
- Class 3 – Cosmetics & Cleaning: Non-medicated cosmetics, soaps, perfumery, shampoo, toothpaste, detergents. Example: a skincare brand, a soap brand, a perfume line.
- Class 4 – Fuels & Lubricants: Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels, candles, wicks. Example: engine oil, candles.
- Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals: Medicines, veterinary and sanitary preparations, dietary supplements, baby food, disinfectants. Example: a medicine brand, health supplements, sanitary pads.
- Class 6 – Common Metals: Metals and alloys, metal building materials, hardware, pipes, safes. Example: steel, metal fittings.
- Class 7 – Machines & Machine Tools: Machines, motors and engines (except for land vehicles), agricultural and industrial machinery. Example: manufacturing machinery, pumps.
- Class 8 – Hand Tools: Hand-operated tools and implements, cutlery, razors. Example: spanners, kitchen knives.
- Class 9 – Electronics, Software & IT: Computers, software (downloadable apps), mobiles, electronic and scientific apparatus, safety equipment. Example: a mobile app, a gadget brand, downloadable software. One of the most-used classes for tech startups.
- Class 10 – Medical Instruments: Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments. Example: syringes, medical devices.
- Class 11 – Lighting, Heating & Cooking: Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigerating, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes. Example: LED lights, water heaters, chimneys.
- Class 12 – Vehicles: Vehicles and apparatus for movement by land, air or water. Example: cars, cycles, auto parts.
- Class 13 – Firearms: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks. Example: crackers.
- Class 14 – Jewellery & Watches: Precious metals, jewellery, precious stones, watches and clocks. Example: a jewellery brand, a watch brand.
- Class 15 – Musical Instruments: Musical instruments and their parts. Example: guitars, keyboards.
- Class 16 – Paper & Stationery: Paper, printed matter, books, stationery, packaging materials. Example: notebooks, printed publications.
- Class 17 – Rubber & Plastics: Rubber, semi-processed plastics, insulating materials, flexible pipes. Example: rubber seals, insulation tape.
- Class 18 – Leather & Bags: Leather and imitation leather, bags, luggage, wallets, umbrellas. Example: a handbag brand, wallets, backpacks.
- Class 19 – Non-metallic Building Materials: Non-metallic materials for building — cement, tiles, gravel, non-metal pipes. Example: cement, ceramic tiles.
- Class 20 – Furniture: Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, goods of wood, plastic or cork. Example: a furniture brand, mattresses.
- Class 21 – Household & Kitchen Utensils: Utensils and containers, glassware, crockery, cookware. Example: non-stick pans, water bottles.
- Class 22 – Ropes, Nets & Tents: Ropes, string, nets, tents, tarpaulins, sacks, raw fibrous materials. Example: tarpaulin, jute bags.
- Class 23 – Yarns & Threads: Yarns and threads for textile use. Example: sewing thread, wool yarn.
- Class 24 – Textiles: Textiles and textile substitutes, bed and table covers, curtains. Example: bedsheets, curtains, fabric.
- Class 25 – Clothing, Footwear & Headgear: Apparel, shoes, caps and hats. Example: a fashion label, a footwear brand, a t-shirt brand. One of the most popular classes for D2C brands.
- Class 26 – Lace, Buttons & Trims: Lace, ribbons, buttons, hooks, pins, needles, artificial flowers, hair decorations. Example: buttons, hair clips.
- Class 27 – Carpets & Floor Coverings: Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum, wallpaper. Example: floor mats, area rugs.
- Class 28 – Toys & Sporting Goods: Games, toys, video game apparatus, sporting and gymnastic articles. Example: a toy brand, cricket gear, fitness equipment.
- Class 29 – Processed Foods (Proteins & Dairy): Meat, fish, poultry, preserved and frozen fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, dairy, edible oils. Example: packaged paneer, frozen snacks, ghee.
- Class 30 – Staple Foods: Coffee, tea, cocoa, rice, flour, bread, pastry, confectionery, spices, sauces. Example: a snack brand, a spices brand, chocolates, packaged sauces.
- Class 31 – Agriculture & Fresh Produce: Raw agricultural and horticultural products, live animals, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, plants, pet food. Example: seeds, fresh produce, pet food.
- Class 32 – Non-alcoholic Beverages: Beers, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices and drinks. Example: a juice brand, packaged water, energy drinks.
- Class 33 – Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks except beers — wine, spirits, liqueurs. Example: a wine or spirits brand.
- Class 34 – Tobacco & Smokers' Articles: Tobacco, cigarettes, lighters, matches, smokers' accessories. Example: a cigarette brand, lighters.
Services — Classes 35 to 45
- Class 35 – Advertising, Business & Retail: Advertising, business management and administration, office functions, and retail/e-commerce services. Example: an online marketplace, a digital marketing agency, a retail chain. The single most important class for e-commerce and online sellers.
- Class 36 – Financial & Real Estate: Insurance, banking, financial and monetary affairs, real estate services. Example: a fintech app, an NBFC, a real estate brokerage.
- Class 37 – Construction & Repair: Building construction, installation, maintenance and repair services. Example: a construction company, an AC repair service.
- Class 38 – Telecommunications: Telecom services, broadcasting, providing access to communication networks. Example: an internet service provider, a telecom operator.
- Class 39 – Transport & Logistics: Transport, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement. Example: a courier/logistics company, a travel agency, a cab service.
- Class 40 – Treatment of Materials: Custom manufacturing, processing and treatment of materials, printing, recycling. Example: a printing service, custom fabrication, textile dyeing.
- Class 41 – Education & Entertainment: Education, training, coaching, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities, publishing. Example: an ed-tech platform, a coaching institute, a media/production house, an events company.
- Class 42 – Science, Technology & Software (SaaS): Scientific and technological services, research and design, IT services, software development and SaaS (software as a service), web design. Example: a SaaS product, an IT services firm, a design studio. Critical for tech companies alongside Class 9.
- Class 43 – Food, Drink & Hotels: Services for providing food and drink, and temporary accommodation. Example: a restaurant, a cafe, a cloud kitchen, a hotel. The go-to class for the F&B and hospitality industry.
- Class 44 – Medical & Beauty Services: Medical, veterinary, hygiene and beauty care services, agriculture and horticulture services. Example: a clinic, a salon, a spa, a diagnostic lab.
- Class 45 – Legal & Security Services: Legal services, security services, and personal and social services. Example: a law firm, a security agency, a matrimonial service.
What Is "Class 99" / Multi-Class Filing?
You may have seen the term "Class 99" and gotten confused — it is not an official 46th category. In India there is no goods or service that sits in a "Class 99." The number is used informally in some systems to refer to a multi-class (consolidated) application — a single application covering more than one class.
The practical point: if your business spans several classes (for example, a clothing brand in Class 25 that also runs an online store in Class 35), you can file a single multi-class application covering all of them, rather than separate filings. You still pay the government fee per class, but you manage one application number and one renewal cycle, which is simpler. Choosing between single-class and multi-class filing is a strategy call worth getting right from the start.
How to Find the Right Class for Your Business
- Write down exactly what you sell. Be specific: not "food," but "packaged spices" (Class 30) or "restaurant service" (Class 43).
- Separate goods from services. A physical product points to Classes 1–34; an activity you perform for customers points to 35–45.
- Think about how you actually reach customers. If you sell your products through your own website or app, you likely also need Class 35 (retail/e-commerce) on top of your product class.
- Plan for the next two years. If you will expand into new products or services, consider filing in those classes now to lock in the name.
- Do a trademark search in each shortlisted class. A name may be free in one class but already taken in another. Searching before filing avoids objections and rejections.
- When in doubt, get an expert opinion. Class selection is where DIY filings most often go wrong — a short consultation can save you a rejected application and a repeat fee.
Single-Class vs Multi-Class: Which Should You Choose?
- Single-class filing suits a focused business with one clear offering — for example, a spices brand that only sells packaged spices (Class 30). Lower upfront cost, simplest to manage.
- Multi-class filing suits a brand that spans products and services, or plans to expand — for example, a D2C label selling apparel (Class 25) through its own online store (Class 35). Higher upfront fee (you pay per class) but one consolidated application and renewal, and broader protection.
The right answer depends on your current offering and your growth plan — which is exactly the kind of thing to decide with an advisor before you file, not after.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing in only one class when your business needs two or more — the classic error for online sellers who forget Class 35, and tech founders who file Class 9 but miss Class 42 (or vice versa).
- Choosing a class from the name alone rather than from what you actually sell. "Coffee" is Class 30 as a product but Class 43 as a cafe service.
- Skipping the trademark search in each class, then getting an objection for conflicting with an existing mark.
- Being too broad or too vague in the goods/services description, which invites examination objections and delays.
- Ignoring future expansion, then discovering a competitor has grabbed your name in the class you wanted to grow into.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trademark classes are there in India?
There are 45 classes in total. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods (physical products) and classes 35 to 45 cover services, based on the international NICE Classification followed by the Indian Trade Marks Registry.
Can I register my trademark in more than one class?
Yes. You can file a single multi-class application covering several classes. The government fee is charged per class, but you manage one application and one renewal cycle instead of many.
How much does it cost to register a trademark per class?
Government fees are charged per class, per application, with a concessional rate generally available for individuals, startups, and small enterprises (MSMEs), and a standard rate for others. Professional fees are additional. Rates change, so verify the current fee before filing.
What class is my online store or e-commerce business?
Retail and e-commerce services generally fall under Class 35. If you also sell your own branded products, you usually need the relevant goods class as well — for example, Class 25 for apparel plus Class 35 for the online store.
What trademark class is software or an app?
Downloadable software and apps typically fall under Class 9, while software-as-a-service (SaaS) and software development services fall under Class 42. Many tech companies file in both to be fully protected.
What class is a restaurant or cafe?
Restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens and hotels fall under Class 43 (services for providing food, drink and temporary accommodation). If you also sell packaged food products under your brand, you may need a food class such as 29 or 30.
Is there a Class 99 in India?
No. There is no official Class 99. The term is used informally to refer to a multi-class (consolidated) application that covers more than one class in a single filing.
What happens if I pick the wrong class?
Your protection will not cover the goods or services you actually sell, and you may face an objection, a rejection, or the need to re-file — which means paying the government fee again. This is why correct class selection at the start is so important.
How Legal Suvidha Makes This Effortless
This is exactly the kind of process where one wrong document, a mismatched detail, or a missed deadline turns into a rejection, a resubmission, or a running penalty. Legal Suvidha handles the whole thing end-to-end so you can focus on your business.
- Fixed, all-inclusive price quoted upfront — professional fee plus government fee, itemised, with no hidden charges appearing later.
- A dedicated Chartered Accountant / Company Secretary who owns your case from the first call to the final certificate.
- Proactive updates and deadline alerts at every stage — we do not disappear after payment.
- Trusted by 10,000+ founders with a 4.9/5 rating and a multi-disciplinary team of CAs, CSs and lawyers.
Talk to a Legal Suvidha expert today for a free consultation and a free trademark search plus exact class recommendation on WhatsApp — and get it done right the first time.





