Trademark Class 12 Explained: Vehicle & Transport-Related Goods Covered
In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, the transportation and mobility sector is booming with innovation. Whether it’s electric scooters, smart bikes, or advanced automotive parts — every new product comes with a brand name that deserves protection. This is where Trademark Class 12 becomes crucial.
For entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and startups in the automotive and mobility space, knowing which goods fall under Class 12 is essential to protect your brand and avoid future legal disputes.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the goods included in Trademark Class 12, real-world examples, and how you can use this classification to your advantage.
🧠 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 is part of the internationally recognized Nice Classification system, which divides trademarks into 45 different classes.
Class 12 specifically covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
This means that if you’re dealing in any type of vehicle or related mechanical goods that enable movement or transportation, you need to register your trademark under Class 12.
🗂️ Why Classification Matters in Trademarks
Each trademark must be applied for under one or more specific classes based on the type of goods or services your business offers. If you file under the wrong class:
- Your application could be rejected
- You may not receive legal protection
- Others could use similar names or logos for similar products in your field
For vehicle-related businesses, Class 12 is the correct class. Let’s now break down exactly what it includes.
✅ List of Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 12
Trademark Class 12 includes both full vehicles and parts/accessories that contribute to their movement. Let’s categorize it for better understanding.
🚙 A. Land Vehicles
These are vehicles that run on roads or land surfaces.
- Motor vehicles (cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, vans)
- Motorcycles and scooters
- Electric vehicles (EVs) including e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-cars
- Bicycles and tricycles
- Rickshaws and e-rickshaws
- Three-wheelers and auto-rickshaws
- Go-karts and dune buggies
- ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
These goods form the core of what most automotive businesses in India deal with and must be trademarked under Class 12.
🛠️ B. Vehicle Parts and Accessories
Many businesses specialize in parts and fittings, and these too fall under Class 12.
- Tyres and tubes
- Wheels and rims
- Axles, gears, gearboxes
- Engines for land vehicles
- Brakes, brake pads, and systems
- Suspensions and shock absorbers
- Mirrors, lights, horns
- Bumpers and grills
- Seats, safety belts, airbags
- Roof racks, luggage carriers, and seat covers
- Windshields and wipers
Important: The trademark must be filed under Class 12 only if the product is designed specifically for vehicles. For general-purpose items (like electronics), different classes apply.
🛥️ C. Water Vehicles
These include personal, commercial, and transport watercraft.
- Boats and yachts
- Ferries
- Jet skis and water scooters
- Sailing vessels and fishing boats
- Amphibious vehicles
If your business is involved in marine vehicle manufacturing or accessories, your brand is protected under Class 12.
✈️ D. Air Vehicles
Air-based transportation tools are also covered.
- Airplanes
- Helicopters
- Gliders
- Drones used for transport or delivery
- Hot air balloons
With aerial technology becoming a trend, registering these under Class 12 ensures complete protection for your aviation-related brand.
♿ E. Mobility and Assistive Vehicles
This sub-category includes goods for people with mobility challenges or for convenience.
- Wheelchairs (manual and motorized)
- Mobility scooters
- Baby strollers/prams
- Walkers with wheels
- Luggage trolleys
- Airport carts
These are specialized vehicles for individual mobility — and are rightly classified under Class 12.
❌ What Goods Are NOT Covered Under Class 12?
Despite the wide range of items covered, some vehicle-related goods fall under different classes. Here’s what not to include:
| Item | Classification |
| GPS devices, vehicle electronics | Class 9 |
| Software or vehicle automation systems | Class 9 |
| Lubricants, fuel, engine oil | Class 4 |
| Vehicle paints and surface coatings | Class 2 |
| Garages, vehicle repair services | Class 37 |
| Vehicle cleaning services | Class 37 |
| Vehicle retail or showroom services | Class 35 |
If your business overlaps with these categories, you’ll need multi-class trademark registration for full protection.
🧑💼 Real-World Examples of Class 12 Trademarks
Here are some famous Indian and global businesses with Class 12 trademark registrations:
| Brand Name | Products Covered | Class |
| Tata Motors | Cars, buses, trucks | 12 |
| Ola Electric | E-scooters, bikes | 12 |
| TVS | Two-wheelers and parts | 12 |
| Ashok Leyland | Commercial vehicles | 12 |
| Hero Cycles | Bicycles, electric cycles | 12 |
| Ather | EVs and battery-powered vehicles | 12 |
These brands not only manufacture vehicles but also register each product line or logo under Class 12 for ironclad protection.
📝 Benefits of Registering Under the Right Class
Let’s explore why it’s important to register under the correct class — in this case, Class 12:
🛡️ 1. Legal Protection
It gives you exclusive rights to your brand name or logo in the vehicle goods category.
🏪 2. Business Credibility
Your customers, investors, and suppliers see your brand as legally protected and trustworthy.
🚀 3. Market Expansion
Want to list your car parts on Amazon or Flipkart? You’ll need a trademark certificate.
🧠 4. Intellectual Property Strength
Your brand becomes a tangible business asset, which can be licensed or franchised.
👮 5. Stops Infringement
No one else can copy your mark in the same class — especially important in the competitive auto industry.
📋 How to Register a Trademark Under Class 12
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Do a Trademark Search
Visit IPIndia Public Search and check if your mark is already taken in Class 12.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
- Brand name/logo
- Applicant ID and address
- MSME or Startup India certificate (if applicable)
- Power of Attorney (if using an agent)
Step 3: File Form TM-A
Submit the form online or through a legal expert. Select Class 12 in the application.
Step 4: Examination & Reply (if needed)
An examiner may raise objections; you’ll have a chance to reply and clarify.
Step 5: Journal Publication
Your mark is published for 4 months. If there’s no opposition, it proceeds to registration.
Step 6: Get Your Certificate
You receive a 10-year trademark registration, renewable indefinitely.
🛠️ How VMK Professionals Can Help
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark filings under all 45 classes — with a special focus on automotive and mobility businesses.
Why Clients Trust Us:
- ✅ Dedicated trademark advisors
- ✅ Expert classification analysis
- ✅ Objection reply and hearing support
- ✅ Affordable pricing for startups and MSMEs
- ✅ PAN India and global filing assistance
Whether you’re launching an e-bike brand, exporting tyres, or designing luxury yachts, we ensure your brand is securely registered under Class 12 and beyond.
📌 Final Thoughts: Secure Your Mobility Brand Today!
Trademark Class 12 isn’t just a category — it’s a legal shield that guards your brand’s journey on the road, in the air, or across the water.
By understanding which goods are covered and taking timely action, you can:
- Avoid legal conflicts
- Build a respected brand identity
- Scale your business confidently across India and the world
Don’t wait for someone else to grab your name or design. Trademark your innovation now — and let your brand drive forward without fear.
📞 Need Help? Talk to VMK Professionals Today!
Ready to trademark your vehicle product or auto parts brand? We make the entire process easy and affordable.
📍 PAN India Services Available
👉 Trademark it. Own it. Drive it. With VMK Professionals.
