Can I change my trademark class after filing?

No. The class cannot be amended after filing. If you filed under the wrong class, you must file a new application with a new fee for the correct class.

What if my product falls in two classes?

File a separate application for each class. There is no multi-class application in India, unlike in Europe. Each class requires its own application and fee.

Class 35 appears in most applications — why?

Class 35 covers retail, e-commerce and business management services. Any brand that sells products to consumers is typically advised to register in Class 35 in addition to the specific goods class, to protect the retail activity itself.

Is Class 45 only for lawyers?

Class 45 covers legal services, security services, and personal and social services. Law firms, advocate offices, security agencies, matrimonial services, and funeral services all fall under Class 45.

Trademark Classes in India — Which of the 45 Classes Do You Need?

What Is the Nice Classification System?

India follows the Nice Classification (NCL) — an international classification system maintained by WIPO that divides all goods and services into 45 classes. Classes 1–34 cover goods; Classes 35–45 cover services. You must file your trademark application under every class that applies to your business.

Filing under the wrong class means your trademark does not protect your actual goods or services — leaving you exposed.

Goods Classes — Class 1 to Class 34

Class	Covers	Common Examples
1	Chemicals — industry/science	Industrial chemicals, photographic chemicals
3	Cosmetics, cleaning	Shampoo, soap, perfume, skincare
5	Pharmaceuticals	Medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins
9	Electronics, software	Mobile apps, software, computers, sunglasses
14	Jewellery	Gold jewellery, watches, precious stones
16	Paper, stationery, books	Books, stationery, printed materials
18	Leather, bags	Handbags, luggage, wallets, umbrellas
24	Textiles, fabrics	Sarees, curtains, bed linen
25	Clothing, footwear	Apparel, shoes, caps, accessories
29	Processed food	Dairy, meat, preserved vegetables, oils
30	Staple food	Tea, coffee, spices, flour, biscuits, rice
32	Non-alcoholic beverages	Soft drinks, fruit juices, mineral water
33	Alcoholic beverages	Whisky, wine, beer spirits

Services Classes — Class 35 to Class 45

Class	Covers	Common Examples
35	Advertising, business management	Advertising agencies, retail stores, e-commerce platforms
36	Finance, insurance	Banks, insurance, money lending, real estate
38	Telecommunications	Internet service, telecom, broadcasting
41	Education, entertainment	Schools, coaching institutes, OTT platforms, publishing
42	Technology services	IT services, software development, cloud computing
43	Food and drink services	Restaurants, cafes, hotels, catering
44	Medical services	Hospitals, clinics, veterinary services
45	Legal, security services	Advocates, law firms, security agencies

Most Important Classes for Common Indian Businesses

Fashion/clothing brand: Class 25 (clothing) + Class 35 (retail)
Food brand/restaurant: Class 30 (food products) + Class 43 (restaurants)
Tech startup / app: Class 9 (software) + Class 42 (IT services)
Advocate / law firm: Class 45 (legal services)
Educational institute: Class 41 (education)
E-commerce platform: Class 35 (retail/business) + Class 9 (software)
Jewellery brand: Class 14 (jewellery) + Class 35 (retail)
Pharmaceutical company: Class 5 (medicines) + Class 44 (medical services)
FMCG / consumer goods: Class 3/5/29/30/32 depending on product

How Many Classes Should You File In?

File under every class that covers your current products/services and your planned expansion. More classes = broader protection but higher cost (₹4,500 per class for MSME). The minimum is the class for your primary product or service.