When you file a trademark application in India, one of the most important decisions is which Nice Classification class (or classes) you claim. The classes you choose set the scope of your protection. File in the wrong one and your registration may not stop the competitor who matters most.
This guide explains how classification works in India, which classes matter for Indian industries, and how to think about multi class filing.
Not sure which class fits? Our Class Assist tool walks you through it in a couple of minutes, and a free trademark check shows what is already registered in your space.
Related: How to Register a Trademark in India: Complete 2026 Guide
What is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is the international system for sorting goods and services for trademark purposes. It comes from the Nice Agreement of 1957, is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and divides everything into 45 classes:
- Classes 1 to 34: goods
- Classes 35 to 45: services
India applies the current edition of the Nice Classification, which WIPO updates each year, to applications filed with the Trade Marks Registry. Because the list changes, check the wording for your goods against the version in force when you file.
Why classification matters
Trademark protection in India is class specific. That means:
- Your registration protects you inside the classes you filed in. A registration in Class 25 (clothing) does not stop the same name in Class 9 (electronics).
- The examiner searches your class. During examination the Registry compares your mark with earlier marks in the same and related classes.
- Opposition follows the same lines. A third party can oppose your mark based on registrations in the same or related classes.
- Enforcement follows the registration. In infringement proceedings you enforce the scope you registered.
The 45 classes at a glance
Goods (Classes 1 to 34)
| Class | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemicals | Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, adhesives |
| 2 | Paints | Paints, varnishes, lacquers, dyes |
| 3 | Cosmetics | Soaps, perfumes, skincare, hair products |
| 4 | Lubricants | Industrial oils, fuels, candles |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals | Medicines, dietary supplements, medical supplies |
| 6 | Metal goods | Common metals, hardware, pipes |
| 7 | Machinery | Machines, motors, engines |
| 8 | Hand tools | Hand-operated tools, cutlery, razors |
| 9 | Electronics | Computers, software, mobile apps, scientific instruments |
| 10 | Medical devices | Surgical instruments, therapeutic equipment |
| 11 | Environmental control | Lighting, heating, cooling, water treatment |
| 12 | Vehicles | Automobiles, bicycles, boats |
| 13 | Firearms | Weapons, ammunition, fireworks |
| 14 | Jewelry | Precious metals, watches, jewelry |
| 15 | Musical instruments | Pianos, guitars, musical accessories |
| 16 | Paper goods | Printed matter, stationery, packaging |
| 17 | Rubber goods | Rubber, plastics, insulation materials |
| 18 | Leather goods | Luggage, bags, wallets, umbrellas |
| 19 | Building materials | Non-metallic building materials, pipes |
| 20 | Furniture | Furniture, mirrors, picture frames |
| 21 | Housewares | Kitchen utensils, glassware, ceramics |
| 22 | Cordage | Ropes, nets, tents, awnings |
| 23 | Yarns | Textile yarns and threads |
| 24 | Textiles | Fabrics, bed linens, table covers |
| 25 | Clothing | Apparel, footwear, headgear |
| 26 | Haberdashery | Lace, ribbons, buttons, artificial flowers |
| 27 | Floor coverings | Carpets, rugs, mats, wallpaper |
| 28 | Toys and games | Sporting goods, games, decorations |
| 29 | Processed foods | Meat, fish, dairy, preserved foods |
| 30 | Staple foods | Coffee, tea, rice, spices, bakery goods |
| 31 | Agricultural products | Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, animal feed |
| 32 | Beverages | Non-alcoholic beverages, beer |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages | Wines, spirits (except beer) |
| 34 | Tobacco | Tobacco products, smokers' articles |
Services (Classes 35 to 45)
| Class | Category | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Advertising and business | Retail services, marketing, office functions |
| 36 | Financial services | Insurance, banking, real estate |
| 37 | Construction | Building, repair, installation |
| 38 | Telecommunications | Broadcasting, internet services |
| 39 | Transport | Shipping, travel, logistics |
| 40 | Material treatment | Manufacturing, printing, food processing |
| 41 | Education and entertainment | Training, publishing, sports, arts |
| 42 | Technology | Software development, IT consulting, R&D |
| 43 | Food services | Restaurants, catering, accommodation |
| 44 | Medical services | Healthcare, veterinary, beauty |
| 45 | Legal and personal | Legal services, security, personal services |
The classes Indian businesses file in most
Based on filing patterns at the Trade Marks Registry, these come up again and again:
- Class 5 (pharmaceuticals), where brand names are defended hard
- Class 9 (electronics and software), driven by IT, SaaS and app businesses
- Class 25 (clothing), from India's textile and fashion industry
- Class 35 (retail and business services), for e-commerce platforms, agencies and retail brands
- Class 30 (staple foods), including spices, tea and bakery
- Class 42 (technology services), for software development and IT consulting
- Class 3 (cosmetics), from the beauty and personal care market
- Class 29 (processed foods), for packaged food and dairy brands
Multi class applications
India accepts multi class applications under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and the 2017 Rules simplified the forms and the fee structure. You can file one application covering several classes instead of one application per class.
What multi class filing gives you
- One application number to track
- One filing date across every class
- One set of forms and correspondence
The fees are per class either way
Government fees are charged per class, whether you file one multi class application or several single class applications:
| Applicant type | Official fee per class |
|---|---|
| Individual, startup or small enterprise | 4,500 INR |
| Companies and other applicants | 9,000 INR |
A three class filing therefore costs 13,500 INR at the lower tier or 27,000 INR at the standard tier. A foreign company files at the 9,000 INR tier. Our fees sit on top of the official fee and are listed on our pricing page.
Startup filing? Learn about DPIIT startup benefits for trademark fees
Multi class or separate applications?
Multi class suits a brand that spans several categories and wants the admin kept simple.
Separate applications suit a brand that wants each class to move independently. If a multi class application picks up an objection in one class, it can hold up the rest. Filed separately, the clean classes carry on to registration.
Writing the goods and services description
The description does as much work as the class number. A good one gives you wide protection with fewer objections.
Best practice
- Be specific rather than vague. "Computer software for managing customer relationships" beats "software".
- Use accepted terminology. The Registry follows WIPO's classification, so use terms from the official list where you can.
- Cover what you sell now and what you will sell soon. You cannot add classes later.
- Avoid catch all wording. "All goods in Class 25" attracts an objection. List the items.
- Match the description to the business, because an inflated specification is easier to attack.
Good and poor descriptions
| Poor | Good |
|---|---|
| "Clothing" | "Men's and women's casual and formal wear, namely shirts, trousers, dresses, jackets; footwear, namely shoes and sandals; headgear, namely caps and hats" |
| "Software" | "Downloadable mobile application software for food delivery services; cloud-based software for restaurant management and point-of-sale transactions" |
| "Food products" | "Packaged snack foods, namely potato chips, puffed rice snacks, and roasted nuts; spice blends and seasoning mixes" |
The Class 35 question
The most common question in Indian practice is whether a business that sells goods online also needs Class 35 (retail services). It depends on what you actually do:
- You make or source products and sell them under your brand. Your primary classes are the goods classes, for example Class 25 for clothing. Class 35 is optional, and worth adding if your brand name is also the store name.
- You run a marketplace or platform where other people sell. Class 35 is essential.
- You provide marketing, advertising or business consulting. Class 35 is your primary class.
Selling on Amazon or Flipkart? With the right classes registered you can open Amazon Brand Registry India.
More on timelines, documents and the Registry process is in our India country guide, and you can start a filing on our India trademark service page.
Sources
- Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, India
- WIPO, Nice Classification
Need help with your trademark?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add classes after filing?
No. Once the application is filed, the class list is fixed. Additional classes need a new application, which is why it pays to map the classes properly before you file.
What if I file in the wrong class?
Expect an objection. Sometimes the goods can be reclassified, and sometimes you need a fresh application in the right class.
How many classes should I file in?
File where you sell today and where you will sell in the next year or two. Most small businesses land on one to three classes; larger companies often file in five or more.
Is Class 35 required for every online business?
No. If you sell your own branded products online, the goods classes do the work. Class 35 is worth adding when your brand is also the store or platform name, or when you provide business services.
Do Indian classes differ from international classes?
No. India uses the same Nice Classification as everyone else, though the Registry has its own guidance on accepted wording.
Can two parties own the same mark in different classes?
Often, yes. Rights are class specific, so the same word can sit with different owners in unrelated classes. Well known marks are the exception and can be protected across classes under section 11(2) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
