In a competitive automotive industry, where every brand competes for attention, registering your trademark is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re manufacturing cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, or their parts and accessories, Trademark Class 12 is where your brand identity legally begins. This blog will help you understand everything about Class 12 trademarks—from what it covers to how you can protect your brand under it.

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🚗 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 is part of the Nice Classification system, an international standard used to classify goods and services for trademark registration purposes. Each class represents a specific category, and Class 12 specifically pertains to vehicles and their parts.

✅ Class 12 Covers:

• Motor vehicles (cars, trucks, buses)
• Two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds)
• Electric vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cars)
• Bicycles and their parts
• Land, air, and water vehicles (boats, aircraft)
• Vehicle components like tires, engines, brakes, mirrors, and gearboxes

If your business is involved in manufacturing, designing, selling, distributing, or branding any kind of vehicle or transport equipment, then Class 12 is where your trademark should be registered.

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🛵 Why Register Under Class 12?

Here are the key reasons why businesses in the vehicle and transport equipment sector must register their trademarks under Class 12:

1. Legal Protection for Your Brand

Trademark registration gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan for specific goods. If you don’t register, competitors can use similar names and dilute your brand value.

2. Prevent Infringement

With a registered trademark, you can legally stop others from using similar marks in the same industry—especially critical in automotive sectors where counterfeit parts and products are common.

3. Boost Customer Trust

When customers see a registered brand, they associate it with credibility, safety, and professionalism—especially important in industries like automobiles where trust is everything.

4. Better Valuation and Licensing

Registered trademarks can be treated as intellectual property (IP) assets. You can license your brand, sell it, or include it in a franchise model. A well-known trademark adds tangible value to your business.

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🛠️ What Products Are Covered in Class 12?

To help you decide whether your product falls under Class 12, here’s a breakdown of typical goods and components included:

🚘 Land Vehicles

• Passenger cars and electric cars
• Pickup trucks and SUVs
• Commercial buses and vans
• Tractors and construction vehicles

🛵 Two-Wheelers

• Motorcycles, mopeds, scooters
• E-bikes and pedal-assist bicycles

🚛 Parts and Fittings

• Brake systems
• Engines and motors
• Tires and tubes
• Gearboxes and clutches
• Seats, seat covers, and safety belts
• Mirrors, windshields, and lighting equipment

✈️ Air and Water Transport

• Aircraft and helicopters
• Boats, ferries, and ships

❌ What’s NOT Covered in Class 12?

Certain vehicle-related services and products belong in other trademark classes:

Item/Service	Belongs to
Vehicle repair and maintenance	Class 37
Vehicle rental and leasing	Class 39
Fuel (petrol, diesel)	Class 4
GPS or navigation software	Class 9

Knowing these distinctions ensures that your trademark application is filed correctly and doesn’t face rejection.

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🧾 Examples of Brands Registered in Class 12

Let’s look at examples of well-known Indian and global brands that have registered under Class 12:

• Tata Motors – Registered for commercial and passenger vehicles
• Bajaj Auto – For motorcycles and scooters
• Maruti Suzuki – Covering a wide range of car models
• Mahindra – For tractors and SUVs
• Hero MotoCorp – For two-wheelers and their accessories

These brands protect their product names, logos, and even model names under Class 12 to prevent imitation and misuse.

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🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Register a Class 12 Trademark

If you’re planning to launch a vehicle-related brand, here’s the process to register under Class 12:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before applying, check if a similar trademark already exists.

• Visit the IP India Public Search portal.
• Choose “Class 12” and type your brand name.
• Look for phonetically or visually similar marks.

Step 2: Choose a Unique Mark

Avoid using generic terms like “Speed,” “Turbo,” or “Auto.” Instead, come up with a distinctive, creative, and memorable name that’s not too descriptive.

Step 3: File the Application

You can apply online on the IP India website or hire a trademark consultant.

You’ll need:

• Applicant’s details (individual/company)
• Trademark name and logo (if applicable)
• Goods/services description (mention Class 12)
• Power of Attorney (if applying through an agent)

Step 4: Examination by Trademark Office

Your application will be examined to see if it violates any rules. If accepted, it moves to publication.

Step 5: Trademark Publication

If no opposition is filed within 4 months, your trademark is accepted and moves toward registration.

Step 6: Trademark Registration Certificate

Once approved, you receive the registration certificate. Your mark is now legally protected under Class 12.

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🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 12 Trademark Registration

1. Filing in the wrong class: Vehicle servicing or rentals are different from manufacturing. Filing in the wrong class can lead to rejection.
2. Choosing a generic name: “FastCar” or “EcoDrive” might get rejected for being too descriptive.
3. Ignoring similar marks: Even if the spelling is different, similar sounding or looking marks can create conflict.
4. Not responding to objections: Failing to respond to objections within the stipulated time leads to abandonment.
5. Copying brand elements: Using existing logos or names can result in legal action.

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📈 SEO Tip: How to Optimize Your Brand for Online Discovery

In today’s digital world, your brand name is often searched before it’s experienced. Here’s how trademark and SEO go hand-in-hand:

• Register a domain that matches your trademark.
• Include Class 12 keywords like “cars,” “motorcycles,” or “vehicle accessories” on your website.
• Use schema markup for better visibility on Google.
• Ensure consistent use of the trademark across all platforms—website, social media, product packaging, etc.

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🔁 Renewal and Maintenance of Class 12 Trademarks

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed every decade thereafter.

• Renewal Window: Begin renewal within 6 months before expiry.
• Missed Deadline: You can still renew within 6 months post-expiry with an additional fee.
• Non-Renewal Consequence: Your trademark will be removed from the registry, and competitors might claim it.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Protect Your Automotive Brand Early

Whether you’re building India’s next great motorcycle, designing luxury electric cars, or selling spare parts for commercial vehicles, Trademark Class 12 is your legal safeguard.

Registering your mark early not only safeguards your identity but also builds consumer trust, brand loyalty, and market reputation.

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🚀 Need Help Registering a Class 12 Trademark?

At VMK Professionals, we simplify the trademark process for automotive and transport equipment brands. From checking availability to filing applications and responding to objections, our expert team ensures your Class 12 trademark journey is smooth and successful.

📞 Contact Us Today to get your Class 12 trademark registered with expert assistance!

Registering a trademark in Class 12, which covers vehicles and transport equipment, is a powerful step toward protecting your automotive brand. Whether you’re manufacturing cars, electric vehicles, parts, or machinery, securing your identity legally gives you exclusive rights and shields your business from copycats.

But here’s the reality: many applications get rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Understanding why trademarks get rejected in Class 12 can save you time, money, and legal headaches. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons for rejection—and more importantly, how to avoid them.

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🚗 What is Trademark Class 12?

Before we dive into rejection reasons, let’s quickly understand Class 12.

Trademark Class 12 includes:

• Automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses
• Electric vehicles (EVs), cycles, and scooters
• Vehicle parts like engines, brakes, and transmissions
• Railcars, boats, drones, and their components

If your business operates in the automotive or transport equipment industry, you’ll need to file your trademark under Class 12.

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🔍 Why Do Trademarks Get Rejected?

Not every trademark that’s filed is approved. In India, more than 35% of trademark applications face objections—many in Class 12.

Here are the most common reasons your Class 12 trademark may be rejected:

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❌ 1. Similar or Identical Existing Trademark

Explanation:
One of the top reasons for rejection is when the mark you apply for is identical or deceptively similar to an already registered trademark in Class 12.

Example:
You apply for “ZoomAuto,” but “ZoomAuto Motors” is already a registered trademark for two-wheelers. Your mark could get objected to or opposed.

How to Avoid:

• Use the official search tool at ipindia.gov.in
• Check both wordmarks and phonetic similarities
• Search using alternate spellings (e.g., “Autoz” vs. “Autos”)
• Conduct a professional trademark search for thorough analysis

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❌ 2. Descriptive or Generic Words

Explanation:
A trademark that merely describes the goods (like “Fast Car” or “Vehicle Parts”) will likely be rejected.

Why? Because it gives no uniqueness to the product and cannot be exclusively owned.

How to Avoid:

• Avoid using common industry terms in isolation
• Add a distinctive word or coined term (e.g., “VeloNova Auto”)
• Make up a fanciful or suggestive name that stands out

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❌ 3. Deceptive Trademarks

Explanation:
If your trademark misleads consumers about the product’s nature, origin, or quality, it will be objected to.

Example:
A brand named “EcoHybrid Motors” for diesel-based trucks may mislead buyers into thinking it’s environmentally friendly.

How to Avoid:

• Ensure your brand name or tagline is truthful
• Don’t include terms like “organic,” “electric,” or “eco” unless it applies
• Avoid implying certifications or government approvals

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❌ 4. Offensive or Immoral Terms

Explanation:
Trademarks containing words or images that are scandalous, obscene, or hurt religious sentiments are not allowed.

Example:
A motorcycle brand using offensive symbols or inappropriate names will get rejected instantly.

How to Avoid:

• Keep names clean, professional, and respectful
• Avoid political, religious, or cultural references that could offend

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❌ 5. Lack of Distinctiveness

Explanation:
If your trademark is too simple, plain, or commonly used, it may not be eligible for registration.

Example:
Names like “Speed,” “Auto,” or “Drive” alone lack distinctiveness.

How to Avoid:

• Combine words uniquely (e.g., “DrivoTech Motors”)
• Create a coined word or unique logo
• Avoid generic names that describe vehicle function

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❌ 6. Use of Prohibited Marks or National Symbols

Explanation:
Using national emblems, flags, currency signs, or government symbols is strictly forbidden under Indian Trademark Law.

Example:
You can’t name your vehicle brand “AshokaAuto” with the national emblem in the logo.

How to Avoid:

• Steer clear of official emblems, badges, or national flags
• Don’t imitate any government insignia or seals

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❌ 7. Wrong Class Filing

Explanation:
If you file your application in the wrong class, it may be rejected or held up in examination.

Example:
You sell two-wheeler parts but file under Class 7 (machines) instead of Class 12 (vehicle parts).

How to Avoid:

• Understand trademark classifications thoroughly
• Consult a professional to determine if you need multiple class filings

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❌ 8. Incomplete Application or Incorrect Information

Explanation:
Applications with missing information, incorrect descriptions, or incomplete documents often get rejected.

Common Errors:

• Applicant name mismatch
• Improper description of goods
• Missing Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
• Incorrect use claims

How to Avoid:

• Double-check all details before submission
• Attach all supporting documents
• Hire a consultant if you’re unsure about forms and terminology

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🛡️ How to Prevent Class 12 Trademark Rejections – Pro Tips

Now that you know what not to do, here’s how you can get your Class 12 trademark approved faster and without issues:

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✅ 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Trademark Search

Use the IP India trademark portal to:

• Search wordmarks
• Perform phonetic searches
• Check international trademarks (WIPO database)

Bonus Tip:
Also Google your desired name and check domain and social handle availability.

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✅ 2. Create a Unique & Distinctive Name

Coined or invented terms have the highest chance of approval.

• Think of made-up names or foreign terms
• Blend two words (e.g., “Auto” + “Nova” = “Autonova”)
• Use acronyms or initials creatively

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✅ 3. File Under the Correct Class (and Multiple Classes if Needed)

Don’t limit yourself. If you offer:

• Spare parts: Class 12
• Vehicle repair services: Class 37
• Transport services: Class 39

You can file a multi-class application to cover all relevant business areas.

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✅ 4. Use a Professional Trademark Filing Service

Experts help you:

• Conduct in-depth searches
• Draft clear product/service descriptions
• Handle objections or oppositions
• File your application correctly the first time

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✅ 5. Respond to Objections Quickly

If you still receive a Section 9 or 11 objection:

• Don’t panic. It doesn’t mean rejection.
• File a well-drafted reply within 30 days
• Include arguments, case laws, and supporting documents

Timely response can save your trademark application.

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📁 Documents Needed to File Your Trademark

To avoid mistakes, keep these ready:

• Brand name/logo
• Nature of business
• Applicant identity proof
• MSME/startup certificate (if applicable for lower fees)
• Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

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🕒 Class 12 Trademark Registration Timeline

Stage	Timeline
Application Filing	1–2 days
Examination by Registry	1–3 months
Objection/Reply Handling	1–2 months
Advertisement in Journal	3–6 months
Registration Certificate Issued	6–12 months (if no opposition)

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💼 Example: Common Mistakes by Class 12 Brands

Let’s say a startup brand named “Auto King” wants to file a trademark for vehicle parts.

Mistake 1:

They file only under Class 7 for “machinery,” not realizing vehicle parts belong to Class 12.

Mistake 2:

They didn’t check for similar names, and “Auto Kingz” is already registered.

Result:

They face an objection, their application is delayed for months, and they eventually must rebrand and refile.

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🚀 Wrap-Up: Be Smart, File Right

Trademark rejection in Class 12 can feel like a roadblock, but with the right steps, you can sail through the process smoothly.

Focus on:

• Choosing a distinctive and legal name
• Conducting a thorough availability search
• Filing the correct documents under the right class
• Getting professional help if needed

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📢 Trademark Class 12 Experts at Your Service

At VMK Professionals, we help Class 12 businesses protect their brand with:

• ✅ Comprehensive Trademark Search
• ✅ Rejection Prevention & Objection Handling
• ✅ Affordable Filing Services
• ✅ PAN India Support for Automotive Startups

📝 Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on growing your vehicle or transport brand.

📞 Contact us today and register your Class 12 trademark the right way!

In today’s competitive automobile and transport industry, protecting your brand identity is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you manufacture vehicles, vehicle parts, or transport equipment, registering a trademark under Class 12 is crucial to safeguarding your brand’s name, logo, and market value. But before you begin the trademark registration process, there’s one important step you can’t afford to skip: checking trademark availability.

This detailed blog will walk you through everything you need to know about how to check trademark availability in Class 12 before applying — including a step-by-step guide, tools to use, expert tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in.

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🚘 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12, under the NICE classification system, covers:

• Vehicles
• Apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water
• Parts and accessories related to vehicles

Some examples include:

• Cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles
• Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles
• Tires, engines, brakes, vehicle mirrors
• Boats, ships, aircraft
• Rail vehicles and parts

So, if your business is related to the design, production, sales, or repair of any vehicle or its components, you must file your trademark under Class 12.

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🔍 Why Checking Trademark Availability is Crucial

Many entrepreneurs and businesses make the mistake of jumping straight into the registration process. But if someone has already registered a similar mark under Class 12, your application may be rejected, opposed, or even lead to legal conflict.

Here’s what a trademark availability check helps you avoid:

• Rejection by IP authorities due to conflict
• Legal disputes or lawsuits from existing brand owners
• Loss of branding investment, including packaging and promotions
• Delays in launching your product or service

Checking availability ensures your brand name or logo is unique, distinguishable, and registrable.

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🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Check Trademark Availability in Class 12

Let’s go through a comprehensive process to check if your trademark is available for use under Class 12:

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Step 1: Understand What You’re Searching For

Before starting your search, define what you want to trademark:

• Wordmark (brand name)
• Logo or device mark
• Combination of both
• Tagline or slogan

Ensure your proposed mark is clear, distinctive, and not descriptive (e.g., avoid names like “AutoTyre” for tires).

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Step 2: Visit the Official Trademark Search Portal

Use the Government of India’s IP India Trademark Public Search Tool:
👉 https://tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

This portal is free and provides access to all registered and applied-for trademarks.

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Step 3: Use the Wordmark Search

In the portal:

• Select ‘Wordmark’ from the search options
• Type in your proposed brand name
• Enter Class 12 in the ‘Class’ field
• Choose the search type:
  • ‘Starts With’ – Good for exact matches
  • ‘Contains’ – Best for catching mid-word similarities
  • ‘Match With’ – Useful for broader results

Click Search.

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Step 4: Analyze the Results

Now review the results carefully:

✅ Key Things to Look For:

• Similar spelling or pronunciation
• Visual similarities (especially for logos)
• Status of the mark:
  • Registered – Active and protected
  • Objected – Facing issues
  • Abandoned – Dropped due to non-compliance
  • Opposed – Legally challenged

Even if a mark is objected or abandoned, it’s wise to avoid using something similar to minimize future risks.

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Step 5: Conduct a Phonetic Search

Names may sound the same even if spelled differently. For example: “Karrz” vs “Cars.”

Use the ‘Phonetic’ search tab to:

• Enter your mark
• Select Class 12
• Review all phonetically similar marks

This prevents conflicts due to sound-alike names.

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Step 6: Search for Logo or Device Mark Using Vienna Code

If you’re trademarking a logo or image, use the ‘Vienna Code’ classification search:

• Use WIPO Vienna Classification Help
• Find your relevant logo category
• Use that code in the IP India portal under ‘Vienna Code’ tab

This helps ensure your logo or icon is unique and doesn’t infringe on existing rights.

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Step 7: Check Domain Availability

If you plan to take your brand online, also check:

• Domain name availability (use GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains)
• Social media handle availability

Consistency in branding across platforms enhances brand recall and prevents brand dilution.

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🔧 Tools to Help You With Trademark Search

Here are some tools that can make your search easier:

Tool Name	Purpose	Link
IP India Public Search	Government portal for trademark availability	Search Tool
WIPO Global Brand Database	International trademark search	WIPO Search
TMView	European trademark search tool	TMView
QuickCompany.in	Private tool with easy search UI (India)	QuickCompany

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📉 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Trademark Search

Even with the best tools, some mistakes can sabotage your application:

1. Ignoring phonetic similarities – Even different spellings may cause rejection
2. Checking only Wordmark – Don’t skip phonetic or Vienna Code checks
3. Failing to check Class 12 specifically – Each class is separate
4. Overlooking legal status of similar marks – Objected or opposed marks can still lead to conflict
5. Not hiring an expert when unsure – DIY is good, but legal backup helps

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👩‍💼 When Should You Hire a Trademark Professional?

Although the process is online and accessible, a trademark attorney or professional can:

• Interpret complex similarities
• Draft legally strong applications
• Conduct deeper searches
• Handle objections or oppositions
• Save time and effort

If you’re serious about protecting your brand long-term, professional help is a wise investment.

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📅 When Should You Conduct the Search?

As early as possible.

Ideally, check availability:

• Before finalizing your brand name
• Before designing a logo
• Before investing in packaging or marketing

This avoids rebranding costs and protects you from legal complications.

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📝 What to Do If Your Trademark Isn’t Available?

If your preferred mark is already taken or too similar to existing marks, consider:

• Using alternate spellings (with caution)
• Adding unique prefixes/suffixes
• Creating a completely new coined word
• Consulting a professional for branding advice

Whatever you do, don’t proceed with a conflicting name.

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✅ Final Checklist for Trademark Availability in Class 12

Here’s a quick summary before you apply:

✅ Checked wordmark and phonetic availability under Class 12
✅ Searched for logo similarity using Vienna Codes
✅ Ensured domain and social media availability
✅ Reviewed status of existing similar marks
✅ Avoided descriptive, generic, or common names
✅ Took expert advice if needed

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🏁 Conclusion

Checking trademark availability in Class 12 is the first and most critical step toward building a secure, long-lasting automotive or transport brand. By conducting a comprehensive search using the official tools and following the steps outlined above, you increase your chances of successful registration while safeguarding your brand from legal troubles.

Your brand is your identity — don’t risk it. Invest a little time now in checking trademark availability and save yourself from potential headaches in the future.

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📞 Need Expert Help with Class 12 Trademark Registration?

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for vehicle and transport-related businesses. Our experts offer complete support — from availability search to documentation, filing, objection handling, and final registration.

👉 Contact us today to get started and secure your brand in Class 12 with confidence.