Trademarking your brand is one thing; doing it properly is quite another. Once you make the decision to trademark your brand (which is already a big step), you need to make one important decision before you even file your registration – what trademark class do you fall under?
This is why we have the Trademark Class List.
Each product or service exists in a certain trademark class; choosing a trademark class that is not applicable can slow down or possibly reject your registration. You don’t have to be a legal expert to determine this. All you have to do is know how it works.
Let’s simplify it.
What Are Trademark Classes?
In India (and globally), trademarks are categorized under 45 different classes:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods (like clothes, food, cosmetics)
- Classes 35–45 cover services (like advertising, education, legal services)
When you register a trademark, you’re only safeguarding your brand in the class you register under. That is to say, if someone registers a similar name within a different class, then it may still be possible.
So selecting the right class is not a formality; it has a direct impact on your brand protection.
How Trademark Classes Affect Your Brand Protection
Imagine this:
You launch a skincare brand branded “Aurora” and trademark it in Class 3 (cosmetics). Later, someone starts a yoga studio using the same name “Aurora” and trademarks it in Class 41 (fitness and training).
Because you operate in different classes, the two trademarks will likely co-exist legally. Conversely, if someone with a trademark in your class has already trademarked “Aurora”, you will be denied or opposed on your trademark application. This is why the Trademark Class List is so important.
A Quick Glimpse: Popular Trademark Classes In India
Here are some of the most commonly used trademark classes by startups and MSMEs:
| Class | Category | Examples |
| Trademark class 3 | Cosmetics & Personal Care | Skincare, perfumes, and soaps |
| Trademark class 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, supplements |
| Trademark class 9 | Electronics & Software | Apps, gadgets, wearable tech |
| Trademark class 25 | Clothing & Apparel | Footwear, kidswear, designer wear |
| Trademark class 30 | Food Products | Snacks, coffee, packaged goods |
| Trademark class 35 | Business Services | Advertising, retail services |
| Trademark class 41 | Education & Training | Coaching, workshops, courses |
| Trademark class 43 | Food & Hospitality | Foods, drinks, and temporary accommodation |
How To Choose The Right Class For Your Brand
Here’s how to narrow it down:
1. Start With What You Sell
Are you selling a product (physical or digital) or offering a service? That’ll immediately cut the list in half.
2. Be Specific
Don’t just say “technology”, is it an app? A smartwatch? A POS machine? That detail matters for choosing between Classes 9, 42, or 35.
3. Think Long-Term
Even if you’re only selling t-shirts now, but plan to launch shoes next year, consider registering in multiple classes to cover your expansion.
4. Check Existing Trademarks
Use the public trademark search tools, or let a professional handle it, to check if similar names already exist in your chosen class.
Want to understand it better? Check out this helpful guide on How to Choose a Trademark Class for Trademark Registration.
Can You Register Under Multiple Classes?
Yes. Many growing brands do this to future-proof their identity.
For example:
- A wellness brand may file under Class 3 (cosmetics) and Class 5 (nutraceuticals)
- An edtech startup might register under Class 9 (software) and Class 41 (education)
You can also register more than one trademark class under one application, which gives you broader legal protection.
When To Get Expert Help For Trademark Registration
You are not alone in figuring this out. Choosing a class may seem complicated, especially if your brand overlaps categories (a product + service model).
That’s why many founders use platforms like LegalWiz.in to makes business registration and compliance easier by:
- Identify the correct classes
- File your application accurately
- Respond to any objections or notices from the Trademark Registry
It will save you time and, more importantly, ensure a minor mistake does not become an expensive mistake.
Final Thoughts
Registering your trademark is one of the most essential processes for safeguarding your brand, but it all originates with selecting the right trademark class. The Trademark Class List is not simply a technical detail, but a legal foundation.
Whether you are selling a product, offering a service, or doing both, picking the right classification provides total coverage for your brand. With Trademark Registration Online through LegalWiz.in, you also receive the benefit of an expert that assesses your needs and takes care of the technical details safely, clearly, and without concern, so you can continue with business expansion with peace of mind.
