In today’s competitive market, building a trustworthy brand is everything—especially for businesses dealing in electrical appliances, lighting, heating equipment, and sanitary fittings. If you manufacture, distribute, or sell such products, registering your brand under Trademark Class 11 is crucial to protecting your business identity and ensuring long-term success.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the entire step-by-step process of registering a trademark in Class 11, the benefits, common challenges, and tips to get it right the first time.

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🌐 What is Trademark Class 11?

Trademark Class 11 falls under the Nice Classification system and covers products related to:

“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.”

This includes everything from LED lights to water purifiers, heaters, ceiling fans, bathroom fittings, and even electric cooking appliances.

✔️ Examples of Products Covered:

• LED bulbs, tube lights, panel lights
• Ceiling fans, table fans, exhaust fans
• Water heaters (geysers), immersion rods
• Air purifiers, humidifiers
• Electric ovens, rice cookers, toasters
• Faucets, taps, showers, flushing apparatus
• Water purifiers and coolers

If you deal in any of the above, Class 11 is the correct trademark category for your business.

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🔍 Why You Should Register a Trademark Under Class 11

Registering your trademark is more than a legal formality—it’s a smart investment in your brand’s future.

🛡 Benefits of Trademark Registration:

• Exclusive legal rights to use your brand name/logo under Class 11
• Stops competitors from copying or misusing your brand
• Builds consumer trust with brand recognition and authenticity
• Required by marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc.
• Enables national and international expansion
• Adds intellectual property value to your business

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🪜 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Class 11

Let’s now explore the process from start to finish:

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✅ Step 1: Identify Goods That Fall Under Class 11

The first step is confirming that your product or service falls under Class 11. Go through the official list of Class 11 goods and ensure you select the most relevant terms while applying.

📌 If you sell multiple product types (e.g., electrical tools and lighting), you may need to register under multiple classes—like Class 7, 9, or 21 along with Class 11.

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🔎 Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, check whether your brand name/logo/slogan is already registered or filed by someone else under Class 11.

You can conduct a free public search at:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

Search Tips:

• Enter your exact brand name and variants
• Select Class 11
• Look out for phonetic similarities and conflicting logos

If a similar name exists, consider modifying your mark or adding a unique element to reduce rejection chances.

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📝 Step 3: Draft & File Form TM-A

Once you’re confident about your trademark’s uniqueness, the next step is to file Form TM-A with the Indian Trademark Registry.

Information Required:

• Applicant’s name & address
• Nature of business (individual/startup/company)
• Wordmark/logo/design
• Specific goods under Class 11
• Trademark usage status (proposed to be used or already in use)
• Power of Attorney (if filing through a professional)

Government Fee:

• ₹4,500 for individuals, startups, and small entities (per class)
• ₹9,000 for others (per class)

👉 You can file:

• Online via https://ipindia.gov.in
• Or physically at the nearest Trademark Registry office

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📄 Step 4: Get Your Trademark Application Number

Once submitted, you’ll receive a Trademark Application Number—which is proof that your application is under process.

You can now legally use the ™ symbol with your brand name while the registration is pending.

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🕵️ Step 5: Trademark Examination

After submission, the Trademark Examiner reviews your application. They check:

• If the mark is distinctive
• If it resembles existing trademarks
• If all documents are valid

🧾 Outcome:

• Accepted – The mark proceeds to publication
• Objected – You receive an Examination Report

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⚖️ Step 6: Respond to Objection (If Any)

If objections are raised (under Section 9 or 11), you must file a written response within 30 days. This reply should contain:

• Legal grounds for allowing your mark
• Evidence of use (e.g., packaging, website, invoices)

If the reply satisfies the Examiner, the application moves forward. If not, a hearing is scheduled.

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📢 Step 7: Publication in Trademark Journal

If the trademark is accepted, it’s published in the Trademark Journal for a 4-month public opposition period.

• No opposition? ✔️ The application proceeds to registration.
• Opposition raised? ⚔️ Both parties are asked to present evidence, and a hearing is conducted.

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🎓 Step 8: Receive Your Trademark Registration Certificate

If no opposition is raised or the hearing favors you, the Trademark Registry issues the Registration Certificate.

🎉 You can now use the ® symbol next to your brand—your trademark under Class 11 is officially registered!

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⏳ Trademark Validity and Renewal

Your registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.

Renewal Process:

• File Form TM-R
• Pay renewal fee (₹9,000 or ₹4,500 for small entity)
• Renew within 6 months before expiry

Missed the deadline? You can still restore it by paying extra fees within 1 year of lapse.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 11 Trademark Registration

Avoid these errors to prevent rejection or delays:

Mistake	Consequence
Filing under wrong class	Mark becomes legally weak or void
No prior trademark search	Risk of objection or litigation
Descriptive or generic name	Rejected under Section 9
Missing documents	Application delays or rejection
Delayed objection reply	Mark gets abandoned

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📊 Real-World Scenarios

Business Type	Products	Trademark Class
LED Manufacturer	Tube lights, panel lights	✅ Class 11
Kitchen Appliance Brand	Electric ovens, tandoors	✅ Class 11
Electronic Device Brand	Mobiles, laptops	❌ Class 9
Sanitaryware Company	Taps, bathroom fittings	✅ Class 11

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🧠 Tips to Strengthen Your Class 11 Trademark Application

• 💡 Use invented or coined names for stronger protection
• 📦 Maintain usage records (invoices, website, product labels)
• 📄 Keep digital copies of all application-related documents
• 🔄 Monitor your mark using the IP India portal

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👩‍💼 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Trademark Registration?

At VMK Professionals, we’ve helped hundreds of brands in the electrical, lighting, and home appliance industries secure their trademarks across India. We offer end-to-end assistance for:

• ✅ Class selection and verification
• ✅ Trademark search and availability check
• ✅ Objection replies and hearing support
• ✅ Application drafting, filing, and tracking
• ✅ Renewal and brand portfolio management

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📞 Ready to Register Your Class 11 Trademark?

Don’t let your brand remain unprotected.

Contact VMK Professionals today and let our experts guide you through the Class 11 trademark registration process—quickly, correctly, and affordably.

📍 PAN India Service | 🧾 Expert Legal Team | 💼 Trusted by Startups & Brands

In India’s fast-growing market of electrical appliances, lighting products, and sanitary ware, protecting your brand is more than just a formality — it’s a business necessity. Whether you’re manufacturing LED lights, selling electric geysers, or designing luxury bathroom fittings, securing your trademark under Class 11 ensures your brand identity is protected from infringement.

In this blog, we’ll break down the Class 11 trademark registration fees, the documents you need, and the complete timeline—so you know exactly what to expect and how to get it right the first time.

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🔎 What is Class 11 in Trademark Registration?

The NICE Classification system is a globally accepted classification of goods and services for trademark registration. Class 11 specifically covers:

“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes.”

This means that if your business deals with any products related to home appliances or sanitary installations, your trademark application must be filed under Class 11.

🔧 Examples of Products Covered Under Class 11:

• LED bulbs, tube lights, emergency lamps
• Ceiling fans, pedestal fans, table fans, exhaust fans
• Water purifiers and RO systems
• Electric ovens, stoves, and toasters
• Air conditioners and HVAC equipment
• Geysers and water heaters
• Bathroom fittings (taps, faucets, shower heads)
• Sanitary installations and plumbing products

By filing your trademark under the correct class, you get legal ownership of your brand in that product category, helping you avoid disputes and copycats.

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💰 Trademark Registration Fees for Class 11

Trademark registration involves two types of fees:

1. Government Fee (TM-A Form)

The government fee depends on the type of applicant.

Applicant Type	Government Fee per Class
Individual / Startup / MSME	₹4,500
Company / LLP / Partnership Firm	₹9,000

If you are an MSME or a Startup, you can avail 50% discount by submitting your Udyam Registration or Startup India certificate.

💡 Pro Tip: Always file under your MSME or Startup status if eligible — it cuts your fee in half and offers other legal benefits.

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2. Professional Charges (Optional)

Though you can file the trademark on your own, many businesses prefer hiring a professional for:

• Conducting a prior trademark search
• Drafting the application properly
• Handling objections or oppositions

Service	Approx. Charges (INR)
Trademark Search & Consultation	₹500 – ₹1,000
Filing Trademark Application	₹1,000 – ₹2,500
Replying to Objections (if any)	₹1,500 – ₹3,000
End-to-end Filing + Monitoring	₹3,000 – ₹6,000

So, your total cost may range between ₹4,500 and ₹15,000 based on your case and service provider.

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📑 Documents Required for Class 11 Trademark Registration

The process is document-driven, so keeping these papers ready helps you avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.

1. Applicant’s Identity Proof

• Aadhaar card / PAN card / Passport for individuals
• Certificate of Incorporation for companies
• Partnership Deed or LLP Agreement for firms

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2. Address Proof

• Electricity bill / Phone bill / Rent agreement / Utility bill

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3. Brand Logo (Optional)

• JPEG format (200×150 pixels is ideal)
• Required if you’re registering a stylized logo or symbol

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4. Startup India or MSME Certificate (Optional)

• Submit to claim 50% discount on the fee

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5. Proof of Use (If already in use)

• Product packaging
• Sales invoices
• Website screenshots
• Catalogs or brochures

If you’re not using the brand yet, select the “Proposed to be Used” option in the form.

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6. Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

• Required if you’re filing through a trademark attorney or legal consultant

✅ All documents should be self-attested and submitted in clear, readable formats.

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🕒 Trademark Registration Timeline for Class 11

Registering a trademark in India follows a well-defined procedure that spans several months. Let’s walk through the entire timeline:

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🔹 Step 1: Trademark Search (1 Day)

Before filing your application, conduct a thorough search on the IP India website to check if your brand name is already registered or has a similar phonetic match.

• Saves you from future objections
• Ensures uniqueness

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🔹 Step 2: Filing the Application (1 Day)

File your Form TM-A online with all the necessary documents and pay the applicable fees. You’ll receive an application number and can now legally use the ™ symbol with your brand name.

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🔹 Step 3: Formal Examination (3 to 6 Months)

A government-appointed examiner will review your application for any legal issues under Section 9 or Section 11 (e.g., generic name, similarity with existing marks).

Outcomes:

• Accepted: Proceeds to journal publication
• Objected: Reply required within 1 month

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🔹 Step 4: Reply to Objection / Hearing (If Needed) – 1 to 3 Months

• You need to reply to the examination report with legal justifications.
• If required, a hearing is scheduled.
• On successful defense, the mark proceeds to journal publication.

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🔹 Step 5: Journal Publication – 4 Months

The mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition.

• If no one files an opposition within 4 months, the application moves forward.
• If opposed, both parties are required to present evidence and attend hearings.

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🔹 Step 6: Registration & Certificate Issuance – 1 Month

Once the journal publication period ends with no opposition or successful resolution, the trademark is officially registered, and a certificate of registration is issued.

• You can now use the ® symbol

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🔄 Summary of Trademark Timeline

Stage	Estimated Time
Search & Filing	1–2 Days
Examination	3–6 Months
Objection Reply (If any)	1–3 Months
Journal Publication	4 Months
Registration	1 Month
Total Timeline	8–10 Months

⏱ Note: If there is opposition, the process can take 12–18 months depending on complexity.

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🛡️ Benefits of Trademark Registration Under Class 11

• Exclusive Rights: No other business can use a similar brand for Class 11 products.
• Legal Protection: Helps in court if someone tries to copy or misuse your brand.
• Brand Recognition: Builds credibility and customer trust.
• Asset Creation: Your brand becomes an intellectual property asset.
• Franchise/Expansion: Easier to license or franchise your product line.
• Protection from Counterfeits: Prevents unauthorized sellers from using your brand.

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❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong Class Selection
   • If you sell fans and also smart plugs, you might need Class 11 and Class 9.
2. Using Descriptive Names
   • Names like “CoolFan” or “BrightBulb” are usually rejected for being too generic.
3. Skipping Trademark Search
   • Filing without a search increases chances of objection or rejection.
4. Ignoring Objections
   • Not replying to objections within 30 days can lead to application abandonment.

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🔁 Trademark Renewal and Validity

• Validity: 10 years from filing date
• Renewal Period: 6 months before expiry
• Renewal Fee: ₹9,000 (or ₹4,500 for MSMEs/Startups)

Trademark can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years, ensuring continued brand protection.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re selling or manufacturing any product under Class 11, such as fans, lighting devices, bathroom fittings, or air conditioners, then trademark registration isn’t just recommended — it’s essential. With proper documents, the right filing method, and awareness of timelines and costs, your trademark journey can be smooth and successful.

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✅ Need Expert Help?

VMK Professionals specializes in helping brands register their trademarks under Class 11 with ease and efficiency. From filing to objection handling, we ensure end-to-end support that saves you time and maximizes approval chances.

🎯 Services We Offer:

• Free Trademark Search
• Affordable End-to-End Filing
• Expert Objection Handling
• MSME/Startup Certification Assistance

📍 Get in touch today to protect your Class 11 brand the right way!