How Much Time It Takes
to Get Your Trademark Registered?

This fundamental class is the backbone of manufacturing, encompassing chemicals used in photography, agriculture, and forestry. It also includes unprocessed artificial resins and plastics. For businesses, choosing Class 1 requires careful distinction between industrial raw materials and finished consumer goods. If your brand produces fertilizers or industrial adhesives, this is your primary legal haven. Correct classification here avoids early formalities rejections.

Dedicated to substances used to preserve or color surfaces, this class covers paints, lacquers, and preservatives against rust and wood deterioration. It also includes colorants and dyes used for printing. A common mistake for startups is including household cleaning agents here; Class 2 is strictly for 'coating' and 'coloring' purposes. Understanding this nuance is key to navigating the Registry's scrutiny.

One of the most competitive classes in India, Class 3 includes non-medicated toiletries, shampoos, soaps, perfumes, and even bleaching preparations for laundry. Because of the sheer volume of applications, the examination timeline for Class 3 can be slightly longer as the Registry checks for phonetic overlaps among thousands of competing beauty and wellness brands.

This class covers industrial oils, greases, lubricants, and fuels, including candles and wicks for lighting. It is essential for the energy and manufacturing sectors. While it seems straightforward, the Registry often flags applications that confuse industrial lubricants with medical oils (Class 5). Precision in your 'specifications' of goods is vital to passing the examination stage without objections.

The most strictly scrutinized class in India. It includes medicines, veterinary preparations, vaccines, and dietary supplements for humans and animals. Given the public health implications, the standard for 'deceptive similarity' is set extremely high. Even a minor phonetic resemblance can lead to a prompt rejection. Expert legal guidance is mandatory for anyone filing in Class 5 to navigate the rigorous examination path.

Encompassing metals in raw or semi-processed form, metal building materials, and small items of metal hardware like safes or metal containers. It is the core class for the infrastructure and construction supplies industry. Manufacturers must differentiate between raw metal bars (Class 6) and machine components (Class 7) to avoid classification delays.

Class 7 is the home for large-scale machines, machine tools, and motors (excluding land vehicles). It also includes incubators for eggs and automatic vending machines. The distinction between power-operated (Class 7) and manual (Class 8) tools is a frequent point of confusion for new applicants, leading to avoidable formalities check failures.

Dedicated to hand-operated tools, cutlery, razors, and manual side arms. This class serves the traditional craft and personal care sectors. As automation increases, the Registry carefully examines whether a tool is truly 'hand-operated' or belongs as a machine part in the more complex Class 7.

The fastest-growing class globally. Includes computers, smartphones, software, downloadable digital assets like NFTs, and scientific apparatus. Because digital products often overlap with services, the timeline for Class 9 can be extended due to complex examination queries regarding the 'intangible' nature of the goods. Most tech startups find themselves filing here alongside Class 42.

Focuses on medical hardware rather than substances. Stethoscopes, surgical gloves, artificial limbs, and even therapeutic massage apparatus belong here. For health-tech innovators, Class 10 is the primary territory. Accuracy in detailing the 'intended medical use' can speed up the examiners' review significantly.

Covers lighting, heating, cooling, steam generating, and water supply installations. From household LED bulbs to massive industrial air conditioning systems, Class 11 is broad. The Registry often objects to vague descriptions like 'environmental systems', so detailed specifications are required for a smooth path to publication.

Includes vehicles for land, air, or water. Bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and drones for transport belong here. If you are an EV (Electric Vehicle) manufacturer, Class 12 is your foundation. However, the charging infrastructure for these vehicles belongs in Class 9, leading to many strategic dual-filings.

A highly regulated class for weapons and fireworks. Beyond the Registry's review, applications in Class 13 are often monitored for compliance with national security guidelines. While the timeline is stable, the documentation required for proof of lawful activity is more extensive than in other classes.

The diamond and gemstone heart of the retail sector. Encompasses jewellery, precious stones, and horological instruments like watches. Similar to the pharmaceutical class, the high value of these goods leads to a very cautious examination process, ensuring no brand can easily ride on the reputation of another.

From traditional sitars to modern digital synthesizers, everything musical belongs here. It also covers music stands and batons. While historically a niche class, the rise of digital music hardware has increased the volume of applications, making unique brand names harder to find and register quickly.

This class covers paper, cardboard, and goods made from these materials, including books, photographs, and stationery. In the digital age, Class 16 remains vital for educational institutions and publishing houses. It also includes plastic materials for packaging, such as bags and bubble wrap, which are essential for e-commerce logistics. Navigating Class 16 requires a careful distinction between physical paper products and digital content, which belongs in Class 9 or 41.

Class 17 includes semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, and plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture. It also encompasses packing, stopping, and insulating materials, as well as non-metallic flexible pipes. Manufacturers of industrial gaskets, thermal insulation, and irrigation pipes find their legal protection here. The Registry often scrutinizes the 'semi-processed' nature of these goods to ensure they aren't confused with finished hardware in Class 6.

Encompassing leather and imitations of leather, animal skins, and hides. It primarily covers luggage, travel bags, umbrellas, and walking sticks. For fashion houses, Class 18 is the destination for handbags and wallets. A critical distinction must be made: leather clothing belongs in Class 25, while the leather material and bags belong here. Misclassification between these two classes is a common cause for mid-process delay.

Covers building materials (non-metallic), non-metallic rigid pipes for building, and asphalt, pitch, and bitumen. From cement and tiles to glass panels for construction, Class 19 is the backbone of the real estate supply chain. Applicants must ensure that their descriptions do not overlap with 'construction services', which instead belong in the service-oriented Class 37.

Includes furniture, mirrors, and picture frames. It also covers non-metallic containers for storage or transport, and bone, horn, whalebone, or mother-of-pearl (unprocessed or semi-processed). For interior design brands, Class 20 is essential. The Registry often examines whether a piece of furniture has integrated electronic components, which might necessitate an additional filing in Class 9 or 11.

Covers household or kitchen utensils and containers, including cookware and tableware (except knives). It also includes combs, sponges, and brushes (except paintbrushes). This is a high-volume class with intense competition. To speed up registration, applicants should avoid generic terms like 'kitchenware' and provide specific lists of items to minimize examination queries.

Includes ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, and sails. It also covers raw fibrous textile materials and padding/stuffing materials (except paper/plastic). This class serves the outdoor gear and textile raw material industries. Detailed descriptions of the fiber source (synthetic vs natural) are often required by the examiner to pass the formalities stage.

A specialized class for the textile manufacturing industry, focusing on yarns and threads used for weaving and sewing. While it appears simple, the technical specifications of the thread (strength, material) often help in distinguishing brand identities in a crowded manufacturing market.

Once the threads are woven into fabrics, they move to Class 24. This includes textiles and substitutes for textiles, sowie household linen, curtains, and bedsheets. Brands in the home decor and furnishing sector must be careful to distinguish between the fabric itself (Class 24) and the finished clothing (Class 25) to avoid trademark overlaps.

The most registered class globally. Every fashion brand, from local boutiques to global giants, files in Class 25. Due to the massive volume, finding a unique name is incredibly difficult. Most objections in Class 25 are relative grounds (similarity) objections. Successful registration requires a very distinctive brand name or a highly unique logo design.

Includes lace, ribbons, and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; and artificial flowers. It serves the apparel manufacturing support sector and the DIY craft market. Despite its small scale compared to Class 25, it is a vital part of the fashion ecosystem and requires precise descriptions of 'fastening' vs 'decorative' items.

Covers carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors. It also includes non-textile wall hangings. This class is distinct from Class 19 (building tiles) and Class 24 (curtains). The Registry focuses on the 'removable' nature of floor coverings in this class.

Including video game consoles, board games, toys, and gymnastic/sporting articles. It also covers decorations for Christmas trees. Class 28 is a vibrant sector for the entertainment and lifestyle industry. The distinction between physical toys (Class 28) and digital game software (Class 9) is the most critical factor for a smooth application process.

Class 29 covers meat, fish, poultry, and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables; and dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter. It is a fundamental class for the FMCG sector. Correct classification here requires distinguishing between 'fresh' (Class 31) and 'preserved' (Class 29) produce.

Home to staples like coffee, tea, cocoa, rice, flour, bread, and spices. It also includes confectionery and honey. Any food retail business usually needs a presence in both Class 29 and Class 30. Because names in this class are often descriptive (e.g., 'Sweet' or 'Spicy'), obtaining registration requires proving 'acquired distinctiveness' through long-term use.

Covers raw and unprocessed agricultural, aquacultural, horticultural, and forestry products. It also includes fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and live animals/animal feed. For the 'farm-to-table' industry, Class 31 is the starting point. The Registry often asks for clarification on 'live' vs 'processed' items to ensure no overlap with Class 29.

Includes beers, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral and aerated waters, and fruit juices. Interestingly, beers are placed here even though they contain alcohol, which is a specific exception in the Nice Classification. For beverage brands, Class 32 is a crowded and highly contested legal space.

Covers all alcoholic drinks except beer, such as wine, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Given the strict advertising laws for alcohol in India, the trademark becomes the primary way to build brand value. The Registry is extremely cautious about brand names that might be considered offensive or deceptively similar to established global spirits.

Includes tobacco and tobacco substitutes, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and smokers' articles like matches. This class is heavily regulated, and the Registry often requires additional compliance documents. The timeline remains stable, but the legal scrutiny of the brand name's 'decency' is higher than in other classes.

The most misunderstood service class. It is for services like advertising, business management, and notably, retail services (including e-commerce). If you sell other people's products, you belong in Class 35. Many business owners mistakenly file in the class of the goods they sell rather than the retail service they provide, which can weaken their legal standing during enforcement.

Banking, insurance, and real estate services. In the age of Fintech, Class 36 has seen a global surge. The Registry looks for clarity between 'software application' (Class 9) and the 'financial service' (Class 36). Strategic dual-filing is often the best way to protect a fintech brand's diverse operations.

Covers physical labor services like building construction, repair of appliances, and installation services. Whether you are building a skyscraper or repairing a smartphone, Class 37 is your home. Applicants must differentiate between 'manufacturing of goods' (Class 40) and 'repair of goods' (Class 37) to pass the formalities check.

Includes services that allow people to communicate with one another by a sensory means. This covers internet service providers, broadcasting, and messaging networks. With the rise of 5G and satellite internet, Class 38 is increasingly complex, and descriptions must be technically accurate to avoid examination delays.

Covers courier services, travel arrangements, freight transport, and storage of goods. It is the essential class for the logistics and tourism sectors. The Registry often requires clarification on whether the service involves 'physical' transport or 'digital' booking, the latter of which might overlap with Class 35 or 42.

If you provide services like metal plating, custom tailoring, or waste recycling, you belong in Class 40. It focuses on the chemical or mechanical transformation of substances. This is distinct from Class 37 (repair). The examiner will often ask for the specific 'process' used to ensure it is a service and not a product.

A massive class encompassing schools, training institutes, movie production, sporting events, and cultural activities. For content creators and educators, Class 41 is a legal fortress. The distinction between 'training' (Class 41) and 'consulting' (Class 35) is a frequent point of clarification in examination reports.

The 'SaaS' class. It covers computer programming, software development, industrial research, and design services. For the modern tech economy, Class 42 is the most vital service class. The Registry meticulously checks if the software is 'off-the-shelf' (Class 9) or a 'service-based platform' (Class 42), often requiring filing in both.

The heart of the hospitality sector. If you own a cafe, a fine dining restaurant, or a hotel, Class 43 is your home. Given the hyper-local nature of food services, phonetic similarity objections are common. A thorough search of the local market is essential before filing to ensure a fast path to registration.

Focuses on the care of humans or animals, including hospitals, beauty salons, and landscaping services. It is the destination for the wellness and healthcare service industry. Accuracy in describing the 'professional nature' of the service is key to passing the formalities examination.

Law firms, private investigation, security consultancy, and even social services belong in Class 45. It also includes wedding planning and horoscope casting. As these services are often bound by professional ethics, the Registry ensures the brand name does not bring the profession into disrepute.