Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Class 20 Trademark for Plastic Furniture
In the modern world of home decor and commercial interiors, plastic and modular furniture has carved out a significant space due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a startup crafting sleek plastic chairs or a brand offering modular office solutions, securing your brand legally is essential for long-term success. That’s where Trademark Class 20 comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of registering a trademark for plastic and modular furniture in India under Class 20, explain its importance, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
🪑 What is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 under the Nice Classification system includes:
“Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; and goods not included in other classes made of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.”
This means plastic and modular furniture, being non-metallic and often made from plastic or wood-like materials, fall directly under Class 20.
🛠️ What Products Fall Under Plastic & Modular Furniture in Class 20?
If your brand sells any of the following, you must register under Class 20:
✅ Plastic Furniture
- Molded plastic chairs
- Stackable or foldable plastic stools
- Plastic tables (indoor/outdoor)
- Garden and patio plastic furniture
- Plastic benches
- Plastic drawers or cabinets
✅ Modular Furniture
- Modular kitchen units
- Modular wardrobes and storage systems
- Modular office desks and seating
- Customizable wall-mounted furniture
- Work-from-home modular furniture
- Portable modular displays (for exhibitions or showrooms)
💡 Important: If your furniture is primarily metallic, you may need to register under Class 6 instead of Class 20.
🔐 Why You Should Trademark Your Plastic/Modular Furniture Brand
Registering a trademark is not just a legal formality — it offers strong benefits:
✅ Legal Ownership
You gain exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo for Class 20 products.
✅ Brand Differentiation
Trademark helps distinguish your plastic/modular furniture from competitors in a saturated market.
✅ Customer Trust
A registered trademark builds trust and shows professionalism.
✅ Protection from Imitation
With growing competition, unregistered brands often face infringement. A trademark protects against this.
✅ Eligibility for Brand Registry (Amazon/Flipkart)
A trademark is mandatory to register as a verified brand on most online marketplaces.
📋 Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Class 20
You’ll need the following:
| Document | Purpose |
| Applicant details (name, address) | To identify the owner of the trademark |
| Brand name/logo | The wordmark or visual you want to register |
| Goods description | E.g., “Plastic Chairs, Modular Furniture under Class 20” |
| MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate (if available) | To claim lower filing fees |
| Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) | If filing through a trademark agent |
| Date of first use (if already selling) | For claiming prior usage rights |
📝 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark for Class 20
Let’s walk through the process:
🔎 Step 1: Trademark Search (Public Search)
Before applying, conduct a public trademark search on IP India’s website to ensure:
- The brand name/logo is unique
- No similar marks already exist under Class 20
Search parameters:
- Keyword: Your brand name
- Class: 20
- Search Type: Phonetic and exact match
⚠️ Tip: Avoid names that sound like existing brands even if spelling is different.
🧾 Step 2: Prepare Application Details
Once the name is available, prepare:
- Brand name/logo
- Category of goods: “Plastic and modular furniture”
- Applicant type: Individual, startup, company, etc.
- Use date: If already using, specify the date of first use in India
🧑💼 Step 3: Choose How to File – Online or Offline
You can file:
- Online at https://ipindiaonline.gov.in
- Offline by submitting physical forms at Trademark Registry Offices
🧠 Filing through a registered trademark agent is highly recommended to avoid errors.
💸 Step 4: Pay the Trademark Fees
| Applicant Type | Fee per Class |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP | ₹9,000 |
You can pay online via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card.
📤 Step 5: Submit Trademark Application (Form TM-A)
Once details and payment are ready, submit Form TM-A with all supporting documents.
You will receive an acknowledgement with a TM number. This allows you to use the ™ symbol immediately.
📜 Step 6: Trademark Examination
Within a few months, a Trademark Examiner reviews your application.
Outcomes can include:
- Accepted → Moves to publication
- Objection raised → You must reply within 30 days with a written response and legal arguments
✅ A strong initial filing by professionals can often avoid objections.
📣 Step 7: Trademark Journal Publication
If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
During this time, the public can oppose your application if they believe your brand infringes their rights.
🏁 Step 8: Registration Certificate Issued
If no opposition is filed (or resolved in your favor), your mark is registered, and you’ll receive the Trademark Registration Certificate with a ® symbol authorization.
⏳ Trademark Validity and Renewal
- Valid for 10 years from the date of application
- Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
- Renewal Fee: ₹9,000 per class
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid While Registering in Class 20
| Mistake | Why It’s Risky |
| Filing under wrong class (e.g., Class 6) | May lead to rejection or limited protection |
| Using generic brand names like “Plastic Furniture Mart” | Could be denied due to lack of uniqueness |
| Not doing a trademark search | Increases risk of objections and litigation |
| Ignoring logo registration | Logos need to be protected separately |
| Delay in responding to objections | May cause rejection or lapse of application |
📌 Bonus: How to Strengthen Your Trademark Application
- Use a unique and invented brand name (e.g., “Furniloft” or “ModuCraft”)
- File both wordmark and device mark (logo) separately
- Submit proof of use if already in market (invoices, website screenshots, etc.)
- Attach Udyam/MSME Certificate for discounted government fees
🧠 Real-World Examples of Brands Using Class 20
| Brand Name | Product |
| Nilkamal | Plastic chairs and furniture |
| Featherlite | Modular office furniture |
| Godrej Interio | Modular wardrobes and office solutions |
| Wipro Furniture | Ergonomic modular desks and chairs |
| Supreme Furniture | Stackable plastic chairs and tables |
These brands have protected their names under Class 20 to secure their market dominance.
📞 Need Expert Help?
Registering a trademark may seem simple, but even a minor error can lead to rejection, objections, or costly delays.
VMK Professionals offers complete support for:
- Trademark search and name analysis
- Class identification and application filing
- Responding to objections and oppositions
- Trademark renewal and monitoring
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you manufacture ergonomic modular furniture or mass-produce stylish plastic chairs, your brand name is your most valuable asset. A registered trademark under Class 20 gives you the legal shield you need in today’s competitive market.
🔒 Don’t let imitators steal your identity.
💼 Protect your brand with a registered trademark — the smart way to grow your furniture business.
