Indian Trademark Classes Explained for UK Businesses, With Examples

Trademark classes India uses are the same 45 classes as the UK. India follows the Nice Classification, which groups goods in classes 1 to 34 and services in classes 35 to 45. For UK businesses entering India, the good news is that the system will look familiar. The practical difference is in how the Indian Registry examines the description of your goods and services, and how many classes you need to cover your plans.

This guide explains the Nice system, how India applies it, examples of classes for common UK products and services, how to choose classes and write a specification, how fees and filing work, and the mistakes to avoid. It is general information for UK businesses. Class numbers are a guide, and a trade mark professional should confirm the right classes for your goods.

How the class system works

The Nice Classification, run by the World Intellectual Property Organization, divides goods and services into 45 classes. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, such as chemicals, medicines, clothing and food. Classes 35 to 45 cover services, such as advertising and retail, education, software services, restaurants and legal services. A trade mark registration protects the mark only for the goods and services listed in the classes you file in. Trademark classes India applicants choose define the scope of protection.

India has used Nice for many years and applies the classification when examining applications. The Registry checks that each item is in the right class and may ask you to correct or narrow a description. The class heading, which is a short general description of a class, is not enough on its own. A clear specification of the actual goods and services is what decides the scope of your rights.

Classes also affect conflicts. The Registry compares your mark with earlier marks for the same and similar goods, and not just within the same class. Goods in different classes can be treated as similar, for example clothing and footwear, or restaurant services and food products. That is why a search should cover related classes. Understanding trademark classes India examiners use helps you plan filings and avoid objections.

Examples of classes for common businesses

For physical goods, common classes include class 3 for cosmetics and cleaning products, class 9 for software, apps and electronics, class 14 for jewellery and watches, class 18 for bags and leather goods, class 25 for clothing, footwear and headgear, class 29 for meat, dairy and processed foods, class 30 for coffee, tea, bakery and confectionery, class 32 for beers and soft drinks, and class 33 for alcoholic drinks other than beer.

For services, class 35 covers advertising, business management and retail store services, and online marketplace services. Class 36 covers finance and insurance, class 37 covers construction and repair, class 38 covers telecommunications, class 41 covers education, training and entertainment, class 42 covers software as a service, technology design and development, class 43 covers restaurants, cafes and hotels, class 44 covers medical and beauty services, and class 45 covers legal and security services.

Take three UK examples. A fashion brand selling clothing online would consider class 25 for the clothing and class 35 for retail services. A software company would consider class 9 for downloadable software and class 42 for software as a service. A coffee chain would consider class 30 for coffee, class 43 for cafe services, and possibly class 35 for franchising services. Each business should confirm the classes against its own plans.

How to choose classes and write a specification

Start with what you sell now and what you plan to sell in the next few years. List each product and service, then map each to a class. Include the core goods or services, related items you may add, and the way you sell them, since retail services and online platforms are in class 35. Do not file in classes that you have no intention of using, because a mark that is not used can be vulnerable to removal for non-use. Choosing trademark classes India filings need is a business decision as much as a legal one.

Write the specification with care. Use clear, specific descriptions such as “men’s and women’s clothing, namely shirts, trousers and jackets” instead of vague terms. Broad wording may invite an objection or be treated as too wide, and narrow wording may leave gaps. Use the WIPO Goods and Services database or the Registry’s lists for accepted terms. Keep wording consistent across your UK, EU and Indian filings, where possible.

Think about protection against copycats. Consider filing in your core class and in classes where a copier would be likely to use your mark, such as related goods. A word mark protects the name in any style, and a logo mark protects the design. A UK business may file the word and logo separately. Review your classes whenever you expand into new products, since adding classes later needs a new application.

Filing, fees and common mistakes

In India, a single application form can cover multiple classes, with an official fee per class, and the fee differs for individuals, start-ups and small enterprises and for other applicants. Fees have changed over time, so check the current fee schedule on the IP India website before you file. A UK company may file directly through an Indian agent or advocate, or designate India under the Madrid Protocol from its UK application or registration. Fees are charged per class, so the trademark classes India filings cover directly affect cost.

Common mistakes include filing in the wrong class, using vague descriptions, forgetting services classes such as retail, filing only the word mark, not filing in India until after launch, and filing in too many classes without a plan. Another mistake is assuming that a UK specification will be accepted as it is. The Registry may object, and a Madrid designation may receive a provisional refusal that needs a local reply.

Keep watching your classes. After registration, use the mark for the goods and services in the specification, and renew it every ten years. If a squatter or competitor files in a nearby class, an opposition within four months of advertisement can protect you. Good records of use in each class will also help. Trademark classes India applies are not just a form field; they define the scope of your brand’s protection.

Next steps and quick answers

Make a table of your goods and services, map them to classes, check them against the Registry’s accepted terms and search the register in those classes and related ones. Decide whether to file directly or through Madrid, and file in your own name before launch. Take advice from an Indian trade mark agent on the specification. This is general information, not legal advice.

Related reading: UK trade marks in India: Madrid or national filing, how to check a UK brand in India for free, trade mark squatting in India for UK companies, trade mark renewals and watching for UK firms, licensing a UK brand to Indian franchisees, why trade mark applications fail in India and IP India’s AI trade mark search; also what a US company pays for an Indian trade mark and trade mark renewal in India; also trade mark clearance in India for UK brands.

Quick answers

How many trademark classes are there in India?

There are 45 classes under the Nice Classification: 34 for goods and 11 for services. You can file in one or more classes, with an official fee for each class.

Which class is clothing in India?

Clothing, footwear and headgear are in class 25. Retail services for clothing are in class 35. File in both if you sell your own brand at retail.

Can I file in all classes to be safe?

It is not advisable. Filing in classes you do not plan to use costs more, may attract objections and may leave the mark open to removal for non-use. File where you trade or plan to trade.

Can one application cover several classes in India?

Yes. A single application form can cover multiple classes, with an official fee per class. Check the current fee schedule.

What if my UK specification is not accepted?

The Registry may object to wording and ask you to correct or narrow it. A Madrid designation can receive a provisional refusal that needs a local reply.

Final word

Halverton & Co. is an Indian law firm advising UK companies, founders, investors and law firms on Indian law, including trade mark filing and specification drafting for foreign companies, Madrid Protocol designations for India, and brand protection. We practise in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and before the Supreme Court of India, and work alongside your UK solicitors, who advise on English law. Halverton & Co.: Where tech needs law! If you have a question about Indian law, write to us at office@halvertonandco.com, or get in touch.

This article reflects developments reported up to 31 October 2026. It is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Halverton & Co. is an Indian law firm, is not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and does not advise on English law; UK-law points should be confirmed with UK advisers.