In today’s fast-moving automotive market, protecting your brand identity is more important than ever. Whether you’re a manufacturer of electric scooters, car parts, or bicycles, registering your brand under the right trademark class is a crucial step — and Trademark Class 12 is the one designed specifically for you.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Class 12 trademark registration — from fees and required documents to the timeline and process.

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🚘 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 is a category under the Nice Classification, which is the international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration.

Class 12 covers:

“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”

If your business deals with anything related to vehicles or transport equipment, Class 12 is the right classification for your trademark.

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🛞 Examples of Goods Covered Under Class 12

Here’s a breakdown of goods included in Trademark Class 12:

✅ Land Vehicles

• Motor cars
• Bicycles and tricycles
• Electric scooters and motorcycles
• Buses and trucks
• Rickshaws (manual and electric)

✅ Air Vehicles

• Aircrafts
• Helicopters
• Drones

✅ Water Vehicles

• Boats
• Ships
• Yachts
• Submarines

✅ Parts & Accessories

• Tires and tubes
• Brake pads and discs
• Gears and transmission belts
• Vehicle seats and covers
• Axles and wheels
• Steering wheels and suspension

If your brand deals in manufacturing, selling, or distributing any of the above, then Class 12 is mandatory to protect your brand name or logo legally.

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📄 Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Class 12

To ensure your application is accepted without delay, you must prepare the right set of documents depending on your entity type.

1. For Individuals / Proprietors / Startups

• ✅ Brand name/logo (in JPEG format)
• ✅ Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
• ✅ Address proof
• ✅ Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
• ✅ Udyam MSME certificate (for reduced fees)

2. For Company / LLP / Partnership

• ✅ Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership deed
• ✅ PAN card of the company/firm
• ✅ Address proof of the business
• ✅ TM-48 signed by authorized director or partner
• ✅ Brand name/logo
• ✅ Udyam registration (if applicable)

Optional but Recommended:

• Proof of brand use (invoices, website screenshots, brochures)
• Trademark search report (to avoid conflict)
• GST certificate

Note: TM-48 allows your trademark consultant to file the application on your behalf.

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💰 Trademark Registration Fees for Class 12

The total cost includes government fees and professional fees (if you hire an agent or legal expert).

🔹 Government Fees (Official Filing Charges)

Applicant Type	Government Fee (per class)
Individual / MSME / Startup	₹4,500
Company / LLP / Partnership	₹9,000

These are for e-filing of Form TM-A for one class (i.e., Class 12 in this case).

Pro Tip: If your business qualifies as a startup or MSME, you can save 50% in government fees.

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🔹 Professional Fees (Optional but Helpful)

Trademark experts usually charge professional fees for:

• Trademark class consultation
• Name/logo verification
• Filing the trademark application
• Responding to objections
• Hearing representation (if needed)

Average professional fee: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 depending on services offered.

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🧾 Total Trademark Registration Cost (Estimate)

Type of Applicant	Govt Fee	Approx. Prof. Fee	Total Cost
MSME / Startup	₹4,500	₹2,000	₹6,500
Private Company	₹9,000	₹2,000	₹11,000

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🗓 Timeline for Trademark Registration in Class 12

Trademark registration is a multi-step legal process and takes time to complete. The average duration is between 6 to 18 months, depending on whether there are objections or oppositions.

Let’s break down the steps and time required at each stage:

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🔍 1. Trademark Search – 1 Day

Before applying, a quick trademark search ensures that your brand name/logo isn’t already registered in Class 12.

• Tools: IP India website or professional search reports
• Time: 1 day

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📝 2. Application Filing (Form TM-A) – 1 to 2 Days

Once the name is clear, file the trademark application online.

• You’ll receive an acknowledgment and TM Application Number
• You can start using the ™ symbol

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🔎 3. Examination by Registry – 1 to 3 Months

The examiner checks if the mark is distinctive and doesn’t conflict with existing ones.

Results:

• ✅ Accepted for publication
• ❌ Objected (you’ll need to reply with reasoning)

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📢 4. Publication in Trademark Journal – 4 Months

If accepted, the trademark is published in the official journal for public notice. This is to invite opposition from others.

If no one opposes within 4 months, it moves to registration.

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⚖ 5. Opposition (If Any) – Up to 6 Months

A third party may challenge the mark. This leads to a formal hearing and review process.

If opposed:

• Both parties submit evidence and attend hearings.
• The Registrar will pass a decision.

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✅ 6. Registration & Certificate – 1 to 2 Months

Once approved, you’ll receive your Trademark Registration Certificate and can start using the ® symbol.

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🕒 Overall Timeline Summary

Step	Duration
Search & Filing	1–3 days
Examination	1–3 months
Journal Publication	4 months
Opposition (if any)	0–6 months
Registration Certificate	1–2 months
Total	6–18 months

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📌 Key Points to Remember

• Trademark is valid for 10 years
• Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
• If you miss renewal, there’s a 6-month grace period with a late fee

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🤔 Why You Should Register Under Class 12

If you deal with vehicles, auto parts, transport solutions, or mobility-related equipment, registering in Class 12 offers:

• ✅ Legal Protection: Prevents others from copying your brand name/logo
• ✅ Brand Value: Boosts investor and customer trust
• ✅ Monopoly Rights: Exclusive ownership across India
• ✅ Asset Creation: Trademark can be sold, licensed, or franchised

Common Mistake to Avoid: Registering under the wrong class. It offers no protection if your goods don’t match the class.

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🧠 Real-Life Example

Brand: MotoFlex Electric Scooters

• Filed in Class 12 for electric scooters and auto parts
• Registered within 8 months
• Used Udyam MSME certificate to reduce fees
• Faced a minor objection, resolved by VMK Professionals

Now they’re planning to register under Class 35 for online retailing as well.

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👨‍💼 Need Expert Help with Class 12 Trademark Filing?

At VMK Professionals, we’ve helped hundreds of automotive startups and transport equipment manufacturers successfully register their trademarks in Class 12.

Our Services Include:

• ✅ Free class consultation
• ✅ Brand name/logo clearance
• ✅ End-to-end filing and documentation
• ✅ Objection and hearing management
• ✅ Trademark renewal reminders

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📞 Secure Your Class 12 Trademark Today!

Don’t wait until someone else registers your brand. Trademark protection is a one-time investment that secures your brand identity for life.

VMK Professionals – India’s Trusted Partner for Trademark & Legal Solutions

In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, where branding and innovation go hand in hand, securing your brand’s identity is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re launching a new electric scooter, manufacturing vehicle components, or selling high-performance car accessories, your brand deserves to be protected. That’s where Trademark Class 12 comes into play.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering a trademark under Class 12, from understanding what it covers to the full step-by-step registration process.

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🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12, as defined under the Nice Classification System, covers:

“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”

This class includes cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles (EVs), buses, parts and fittings like tyres, brakes, axles, seats, and even boats and aircraft.

If your brand is involved in the manufacture, distribution, or retail of any such items, you must register under Class 12 to gain exclusive rights and legal protection.

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🧾 What Products Are Covered Under Class 12?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of goods under Class 12:

✅ Land Transport:

• Motor cars, trucks, buses, vans
• Electric vehicles and hybrid cars
• Scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, e-bikes
• Bicycles, tricycles, rickshaws
• Tractors, trailers

✅ Air & Water Vehicles:

• Airplanes, helicopters, drones
• Boats, ships, yachts, ferries, submarines

✅ Vehicle Components & Accessories:

• Tyres, tubes, inner linings
• Seats, mirrors, dashboards, bumpers
• Gearboxes, axles, transmissions
• Brake pads, suspension systems, clutches

✅ Other Mobility Devices:

• Wheelchairs
• Baby strollers, prams
• Mobility scooters for the elderly or disabled

If your product matches anything from the above, Trademark Class 12 is your category.

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🧠 Why Should You Register a Trademark in Class 12?

Here are the main benefits of trademark registration for automotive and vehicle businesses:

1. 🔒 Legal Ownership

Once registered, you gain exclusive rights to use the brand name/logo under Class 12 goods.

2. 🚫 Protection from Imitation

Competitors can’t legally use similar names or designs. You can take legal action in case of infringement.

3. 🌍 National & International Expansion

Registered trademarks can be used to:

• Secure domain names and social handles
• Sell on e-commerce platforms
• Expand internationally under the Madrid Protocol

4. 💼 Boost Business Credibility

Trademark ownership improves customer trust, increases brand value, and attracts investors or franchisees.

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🛠 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Class 12

Let’s break down the complete process for registering your trademark under Class 12 in India:

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📝 Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, it’s crucial to check whether a similar brand already exists under Class 12.

• Use the IP India Trademark Search Portal
• Select Class 12 and type your brand name
• Look for exact or similar names that may create a conflict

Pro Tip: If a similar trademark exists, consider slight modifications to make your brand distinctive.

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🧾 Step 2: Choose the Right Class (or Multiple Classes)

While Class 12 covers physical vehicle-related goods, you may need additional classes if:

• You offer vehicle repair services (Class 37)
• You run an online vehicle marketplace (Class 35)
• You offer logistics or transport services (Class 39)

Choosing the correct class is essential because incorrect classification may lead to rejection or no protection for your actual goods.

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🧷 Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need the following documents for filing:

For Individual / Sole Proprietor:

• Logo (optional, for word mark, not needed)
• Name, address, and ID proof
• Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)

For Company / Partnership / LLP:

• Certificate of incorporation / Partnership deed
• Address proof
• Logo (if applicable)
• TM-48 (signed by authorized signatory)
• PAN & GST (if available)

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💻 Step 4: File Form TM-A (Application for Trademark Registration)

You can apply through:

• The official IP India portal
• Or hire a registered trademark attorney or professional service provider like VMK Professionals

Application Fees:

Applicant Type	Fee (per class)
Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise	₹4,500
Others (Companies/LLPs)	₹9,000

Note: You can file for a wordmark, logo, or both.

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🔍 Step 5: Examination by Trademark Registry

After submission, the registry examines the application for:

• Similar marks already existing
• Correct class usage
• Whether it’s distinctive or descriptive

Possible Outcomes:

• Accepted → Directly moves to publication
• Objected → Registry raises objections (respond required within 30 days)

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🗞 Step 6: Trademark Publication

If accepted, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for public viewing. This opens up a 4-month opposition window.

• If no opposition, it proceeds to registration.
• If opposed, you must respond with legal arguments to defend your claim.

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📜 Step 7: Trademark Registration Certificate

If everything goes well, your trademark gets registered and a certificate is issued.

✅ Valid for 10 years
🔁 Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
🛡️ Legal proof of ownership and protection

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid During Class 12 Trademark Filing

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem
Filing in wrong class	Leaves your goods unprotected
Not checking for conflicts	May lead to rejection or legal disputes
Using generic/descriptive terms	Reduces chances of approval
Missing deadlines	Application may be abandoned
Ignoring objections	Delays or denial of trademark

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🧑‍🔧 Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 is ideal for:

• Car/bike manufacturing companies
• Electric vehicle startups
• Auto parts brands and distributors
• Drone and aerial mobility firms
• Wheelchair and mobility solution providers
• Bicycles and baby stroller companies
• Import-export dealers of transport goods
• Vehicle component resellers on Amazon/Flipkart

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🌐 Real-Life Examples of Class 12 Trademark Registrations

Brand	Trademarked Products	Classification
Hero MotoCorp	Splendor, Passion	Motorcycles (Class 12)
Ola Electric	Ola S1, Ola MoveOS	EVs & Parts (Class 12)
TVS Motors	Apache, Jupiter	Scooters/Bikes (Class 12)
Tata Motors	Nexon, Altroz, Punch	Cars (Class 12)
Ather Energy	Ather 450X	EV Scooters (Class 12)

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💼 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 12 Trademark Filing?

Registering a trademark may seem simple, but a small mistake can cost your brand legal protection or ownership rights. VMK Professionals ensures:

✅ Free Trademark Class Search
✅ Professional Objection Handling
✅ Multi-class Trademark Strategy
✅ Affordable Pricing for Startups
✅ End-to-End Support from Filing to Registration

We’ve helped hundreds of auto and EV brands secure their IP rights efficiently.

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🔚 Final Thoughts

In the dynamic and highly competitive automotive industry, your brand name, logo, and design are not just identifiers—they are assets. With growing consumer attention and market expansion, securing your identity under Trademark Class 12 is the smartest move you can make.

Don’t wait until someone else registers your name. Take charge and protect your brand today.

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📞 Get Expert Help with VMK Professionals

Need help registering your trademark under Class 12?

VMK Professionals – India’s Trusted Trademark Experts for Automotive & Transport Brands.