When filing a trademark application in India, you must mention the goods or services for which you want protection. These goods and services are divided into 45 different trademark classes.
Choosing the correct class is very important. A trademark registered in the wrong class may not protect your actual business. In some cases, a business may also need to file the same trademark in more than one class.
India follows the international Nice Classification system. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, while Classes 35 to 45 cover services. The current 13th edition of the Nice Classification came into effect on 1 January 2026.
This article explains all 45 trademark classes in simple words and gives common examples to help you understand which class may apply to your business.
What Is a Trademark Class?
A trademark class is a category of goods or services.
For example:
- Clothing is mainly covered under Class 25.
- Cosmetics are mainly covered under Class 3.
- Software development services are mainly covered under Class 42.
- Restaurant services are covered under Class 43.
The purpose of classification is to clearly identify the area in which the applicant wants trademark protection.
The Indian Trade Marks Registry requires applicants to select the correct Nice class and decide whether they need a single-class or multi-class application before filing.
Goods Classes and Service Classes
The 45 trademark classes are divided into two main groups:
- Classes 1 to 34: Goods or physical products
- Classes 35 to 45: Services
A business selling products and also providing services may need protection in both groups.
For example, a clothing company may require:
- Class 25 for clothing products
- Class 35 for online or retail-store services
Complete List of Trademark Classes in India
Trademark Classes for Goods
Class 1: Chemicals
Class 1 covers chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
Common examples include:
- Industrial chemicals
- Fertilizers
- Chemical substances for laboratories
- Unprocessed plastics
- Adhesives used in industry
Class 2: Paints and Colouring Materials
Class 2 generally covers:
- Paints
- Varnishes
- Lacquers
- Dyes
- Printing inks
- Anti-rust preparations
- Natural resins in raw form
Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Products
Class 3 is commonly used for:
- Cosmetics
- Beauty products
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Shampoos
- Toothpaste
- Laundry products
- Cleaning and polishing preparations
Medicinal cosmetics may fall under Class 5 instead of Class 3.
Class 4: Oils, Fuels and Candles
This class includes:
- Industrial oils
- Lubricants
- Fuels
- Petrol-related products
- Candles
- Wicks for lighting
Class 5: Medicines and Pharmaceutical Products
Class 5 generally covers:
- Medicines
- Pharmaceutical products
- Medical supplements
- Veterinary medicines
- Sanitary products
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides
- Fungicides and herbicides
Class 6: Common Metals and Metal Goods
This class includes:
- Common metals
- Metal building materials
- Metal pipes
- Metal locks and hardware
- Metal containers
- Safes
- Transportable metal buildings
Class 7: Machines and Machine Tools
Class 7 covers:
- Industrial machines
- Machine tools
- Agricultural machines
- Pumps
- Motors and engines, except for land vehicles
- Robotic machines
- Food-processing machines
Class 8: Hand Tools
This class includes:
- Hand-operated tools
- Cutlery
- Knives
- Razors
- Scissors
- Screwdrivers
- Hand-operated agricultural tools
Class 9: Electronics, Software and Scientific Equipment
Class 9 is important for technology businesses. It covers:
- Computers
- Downloadable software
- Mobile applications
- Electronic devices
- Scientific instruments
- Cameras
- Audio and video equipment
- Batteries
- Safety equipment
- Downloadable digital files
A downloadable mobile app is generally filed in Class 9, while software provided as an online service may require Class 42.
Class 10: Medical Equipment
Class 10 covers:
- Surgical instruments
- Medical devices
- Dental equipment
- Veterinary instruments
- Artificial limbs
- Orthopaedic products
- Medical masks
- Medical testing devices
Class 11: Lighting, Heating and Sanitary Equipment
This class includes:
- Lights and lamps
- Air conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Ovens
- Water purifiers
- Heating equipment
- Sanitary installations
- Cooking appliances
Class 12: Vehicles
Class 12 covers:
- Cars
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Trucks
- Boats
- Aircraft
- Vehicle parts
- Apparatus used for transportation
Class 13: Firearms and Explosives
This class covers:
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Fireworks
- Projectiles
Class 14: Jewellery and Watches
Class 14 includes:
- Jewellery
- Precious metals
- Precious stones
- Watches
- Clocks
- Fashion jewellery
Class 15: Musical Instruments
This class covers:
- Guitars
- Pianos
- Drums
- Violins
- Musical instruments
- Music stands
- Parts of musical instruments
Class 16: Paper, Books and Printed Material
Class 16 includes:
- Paper and cardboard
- Books
- Printed publications
- Magazines
- Photographs
- Stationery
- Office supplies
- Packaging made of paper
- Teaching materials
Class 17: Rubber and Insulating Materials
This class covers:
- Rubber
- Semi-processed plastics
- Insulating materials
- Flexible non-metal pipes
- Sealing and packing materials
- Plastic sheets used in manufacturing
Class 18: Leather, Bags and Luggage
Class 18 includes:
- Leather and imitation leather
- Handbags
- Luggage
- Wallets
- Backpacks
- Umbrellas
- Walking sticks
- Animal collars and leashes
Class 19: Non-Metal Building Materials
This class covers:
- Cement
- Bricks
- Stone
- Non-metal pipes for construction
- Asphalt
- Non-metal buildings
- Non-metal monuments
Class 20: Furniture
Class 20 generally includes:
- Furniture
- Chairs
- Tables
- Beds
- Mirrors
- Picture frames
- Non-metal storage containers
- Mattresses and cushions
Class 21: Household and Kitchen Items
Class 21 covers:
- Kitchen utensils
- Household containers
- Cookware
- Glassware
- Brushes
- Cleaning tools
- Bottles
- Cups and plates
Class 22: Ropes, Tents and Raw Textile Fibres
This class includes:
- Ropes
- Nets
- Tents
- Tarpaulins
- Sacks
- Awnings
- Raw textile fibres
- Stuffing materials
Class 23: Yarns and Threads
Class 23 covers:
- Yarns
- Threads used for textile purposes
- Sewing thread
- Embroidery thread
Class 24: Textiles and Fabrics
This class includes:
- Fabrics
- Bed sheets
- Towels
- Curtains
- Household linen
- Textile covers
- Blankets
Class 25: Clothing, Footwear and Headgear
Class 25 is used for:
- Shirts
- T-shirts
- Trousers
- Dresses
- Jackets
- Shoes
- Slippers
- Caps and hats
- Sportswear
Class 26: Buttons, Lace and Hair Accessories
This class covers:
- Lace
- Embroidery
- Buttons
- Hooks and eyes
- Sewing needles
- Artificial flowers
- Hair clips
- Wigs and false hair
Class 27: Carpets and Floor Coverings
Class 27 includes:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Mats
- Linoleum
- Floor coverings
- Non-textile wall hangings
Class 28: Toys, Games and Sports Goods
This class covers:
- Toys
- Board games
- Video-game equipment
- Gym equipment
- Sporting goods
- Cricket and football equipment
- Christmas-tree decorations
Class 29: Meat, Dairy and Processed Food
Class 29 generally includes:
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Milk products
- Cheese and butter
- Edible oils
- Jams and jellies
- Processed fruits and vegetables
Class 30: Tea, Coffee, Bakery and Spices
Class 30 covers:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cocoa
- Rice
- Flour
- Bread and bakery items
- Chocolates
- Ice cream
- Spices
- Sauces
- Pasta and noodles
Class 31: Fresh Agricultural Products
This class includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Raw grains
- Seeds
- Plants
- Flowers
- Live animals
- Animal food
- Agricultural and horticultural products that have not been processed
Class 32: Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Beer
Class 32 covers:
- Beer
- Mineral water
- Soft drinks
- Fruit juices
- Energy drinks
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Syrups used for making drinks
Class 33: Alcoholic Beverages
This class covers alcoholic beverages other than beer, such as:
- Wine
- Whisky
- Rum
- Vodka
- Liqueurs
- Spirits
Beer generally falls under Class 32.
Class 34: Tobacco and Smokers’ Products
Class 34 includes:
- Tobacco
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Electronic cigarettes
- Smokers’ articles
- Matches
These goods classes follow the current WIPO Nice Classification headings and explanatory notes.
Trademark Classes for Services
Class 35: Advertising, Business and Retail Services
Class 35 covers:
- Advertising
- Business management
- Business administration
- Marketing
- Online retail services
- Wholesale and retail-store services
- Office functions
- Business consultancy
Class 35 does not protect the physical products themselves. It protects services connected with selling, advertising or managing a business.
Class 36: Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
This class includes:
- Banking
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Investment services
- Loans
- Real-estate services
- Property management
Class 37: Construction and Repair Services
Class 37 covers:
- Building construction
- Repair services
- Installation services
- Vehicle repair
- Machinery maintenance
- Cleaning of buildings
- Mining and drilling services
Class 38: Telecommunications
This class includes:
- Telephone services
- Internet communication
- Broadcasting
- Email transmission
- Communication through computer networks
- Telecom services
Class 39: Transport and Travel Services
Class 39 covers:
- Transport of goods and people
- Courier services
- Packaging and storage
- Warehousing
- Travel booking
- Delivery services
- Logistics
Class 40: Treatment of Materials
This class includes:
- Recycling
- Printing services
- Metal treatment
- Food processing
- Waste treatment
- Custom manufacturing
- Textile treatment
Class 41: Education and Entertainment
Class 41 covers:
- Education
- Coaching
- Training
- Schools and colleges
- Online courses
- Entertainment
- Sports activities
- Cultural events
- Publishing services
Class 42: Technology, Software and Scientific Services
Class 42 is important for IT and research businesses. It covers:
- Software development
- Website development
- Software as a service, or SaaS
- Cloud computing
- Scientific research
- Technology consultancy
- Engineering services
- Product design
- Computer programming
Class 43: Restaurants and Accommodation
This class includes:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Hotels
- Temporary accommodation
- Catering services
- Food and drink services
- Guest-house services
Packaged food is not covered under Class 43. It normally falls under Classes 29, 30, 31 or 32, depending on the product.
Class 44: Medical, Beauty and Agricultural Services
Class 44 covers:
- Medical services
- Hospitals and clinics
- Dental services
- Veterinary services
- Beauty salons
- Hair salons
- Agriculture and horticulture services
- Healthcare services
Class 45: Legal, Security and Personal Services
Class 45 includes:
- Legal services
- Intellectual property legal services
- Security services
- Personal and social services
- Online social-networking services
- Licensing of intellectual property
- Legal consultancy
The official Nice Classification places advertising and business services in Class 35, financial services in Class 36, transport in Class 39 and legal services in Class 45.
How to Select the Correct Trademark Class
Do not select a class only because another business has used it. Your class should match the exact goods or services that you provide or genuinely plan to provide.
Ask these questions:
- What exactly am I selling?
- Am I selling a product or providing a service?
- Is my product finished or unprocessed?
- Is my software downloadable or provided online?
- Am I protecting goods, retail services or both?
- Will my business expand into another area soon?
The product description inside the class is also important. Simply writing the class number may not be enough. The application should clearly state the actual goods or services for which registration is requested.
Can One Trademark Be Filed in More Than One Class?
Yes. The same trademark may be filed in several classes where the business covers different goods or services.
For example, a beauty brand may require:
- Class 3 for cosmetics
- Class 5 for medicated skincare products
- Class 35 for retail and online-store services
- Class 44 for beauty-salon services
India allows multi-class applications, but the government fee is charged separately for every class included in the application.
Common Class Combinations
Clothing Brand
- Class 25 for clothing
- Class 35 for retail and online selling
Software Company
- Class 9 for downloadable software or apps
- Class 42 for software development and SaaS
Restaurant Business
- Class 43 for restaurant services
- Class 30 for packaged sauces, bakery products or spices
- Class 29 for processed foods
- Class 35 for retail services, where applicable
Coaching Institute
- Class 41 for education and training
- Class 9 for downloadable educational apps or recorded material
- Class 16 for printed books and study material
Cosmetics Business
- Class 3 for non-medicated cosmetics
- Class 5 for medicated products
- Class 35 for retail services
- Class 44 for salon or beauty-treatment services
Common Mistakes While Choosing a Trademark Class
Applicants often make mistakes such as:
- Filing only in Class 35 when they also sell physical products
- Selecting Class 9 for every type of software service
- Filing restaurant names only in a food-product class
- Selecting a broad class without describing the actual goods
- Ignoring related classes
- Selecting a class based only on a competitor’s application
- Filing in too many unnecessary classes
- Forgetting future business plans
The correct class should provide useful protection without adding classes that have no real connection with the business.
Is Selecting the Correct Class Enough?
No. Selecting the correct class is only one part of trademark filing.
Before filing, you should also:
- Search for identical and similar trademarks
- Conduct a phonetic search
- Check related classes
- Prepare the correct goods or services description
- Decide whether to file a word mark, logo or both
- Confirm the correct name of the applicant
A trademark may still face an objection even when the class is correct if an earlier similar mark already exists.
Conclusion
Trademark classes in India divide goods and services into 45 different categories. Classes 1 to 34 cover products, while Classes 35 to 45 cover services.
The correct class depends on what your business actually sells or provides. Some businesses need only one class, while others may require several related classes.
Selecting the wrong class can reduce the value of your registration and may leave an important part of your business unprotected. A proper trademark search and careful class selection should therefore be completed before filing.
Not sure which trademark class applies to your business? IPHelm provides professional support for trademark class selection, trademark searches and complete trademark filing in India. Contact us before filing to select the right class and avoid unnecessary mistakes.