In India’s booming home improvement and lifestyle market, storage and organization products have become an essential category. From plastic storage bins and modular drawers to stylish wooden cabinets and under-bed organizers, customers are constantly seeking smart and space-saving solutions.

If you are a brand that designs, manufactures, or sells storage and organization products, it’s crucial to protect your brand identity with a registered trademark under Class 20.

In this detailed blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about:

• What Class 20 covers
• The relevance of Class 20 for storage brands
• The benefits of trademark registration
• Step-by-step process of filing
• Required documents and fees
• Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s get started.

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📦 What Is Trademark Class 20?

Trademark Class 20 is part of the Nice Classification system and includes furniture and household items made primarily of non-metallic materials. It’s the standard class for most storage and organization products unless those products are made entirely of metal.

🔍 Products Covered Under Class 20 (Relevant to Storage and Organization)

Here are examples of products that fall under Class 20:

• Plastic storage containers
• Modular storage drawers and cabinets
• Wardrobes and shoe racks (non-metal)
• Wooden or plastic shelving units
• Under-bed storage units
• Kitchen and pantry organizers
• Wall-mounted storage units
• Bookshelves and file storage systems
• Laundry baskets and bins
• Baby storage organizers
• Bathroom vanity organizers
• Office desk organizers

💡 Note: If your product is made mostly of metal, you may also need to register under Class 6.

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🔒 Why You Need a Trademark for Storage and Organization Products

If you’re selling physical goods under a brand name, trademark registration is not optional—it’s essential. It protects your brand from being copied, misused, or hijacked by competitors.

✔ Benefits of Trademark Registration in Class 20

1. Legal Ownership
   You gain exclusive rights to use your brand name/logo for the listed goods under Class 20.
2. Market Differentiation
   Helps distinguish your product from hundreds of generic storage brands.
3. Protection from Copycats
   Trademark gives you the legal power to stop other businesses from using similar names.
4. Builds Trust and Brand Value
   Customers are more likely to trust a registered brand with legal backing.
5. Required for E-Commerce and Amazon Brand Registry
   Leading platforms demand trademark proof for brand protection and enhanced listings.

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📑 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Filing for Class 20

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, use the IP India Public Search tool to check if:

• Your desired brand name is available.
• There are similar or phonetically confusing trademarks in Class 20.
• The status of similar trademarks is abandoned, objected, or registered.

❗ Important: Avoid names already registered or too similar, as they may be rejected or legally challenged.

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Step 2: Identify the Right Class (or Multiple Classes)

If your storage products are made of wood, plastic, or any non-metallic material, Class 20 is perfect. But if you also manufacture metal racks or shelves, consider multi-class filing with Class 6 as well.

Product Material	Trademark Class
Plastic or Wood	Class 20
Metal	Class 6
Mixed Materials	Class 20 + Class 6

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Step 3: Draft a Product Description

A clear product description helps the trademark registry understand what you’re protecting.

Example:

“Plastic storage bins, modular wardrobes, under-bed organizers, and non-metallic drawers included in Class 20.”

✅ Be specific and detailed for stronger protection.

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Step 4: Choose Wordmark, Logo, or Both

You can register:

• A wordmark (brand name only, like “Storify”)
• A device mark (logo with or without text)
• Or both (recommended)

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Step 5: Prepare Required Documents

To file a trademark application, you’ll need:

Document	Purpose
Applicant’s Name and Address	Legal identity
Trademark name or logo	What you want to protect
Description of goods	Must specify “storage and organization products under Class 20”
Date of first use in India	If the product is already in the market
MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate	To avail discounted government fee
Form TM-48	Power of Attorney (if filing via agent)

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Step 6: File Trademark Form TM-A

Go to the IP India online filing portal and fill out Form TM-A.

You can also file offline at a nearby Trademark Registry Office.

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Step 7: Pay the Government Fee

Applicant Type	Trademark Fee per Class
Individual / MSME / Startup	₹4,500
Company / LLP / Others	₹9,000

If filing under multiple classes (e.g., Class 20 + Class 6), you must pay for each class separately.

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Step 8: Acknowledge and Use ™ Symbol

Once your application is submitted and acknowledged, you’ll receive a TM number. You can now legally use the ™ symbol with your brand name.

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Step 9: Wait for Examination & Journal Publication

The application goes through:

• Examination by a Trademark Officer
• Possible objection if similar marks exist
• Publication in the Trademark Journal (for public review)

If no one opposes within 4 months, your mark will be registered and you can start using the ® symbol.

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🧠 Examples of Storage Brands That Fall Under Class 20

Here are real-world or potential brands offering storage solutions under Class 20:

Brand Name	Product Type
Nilkamal	Plastic cabinets, drawers
IKEA	Modular storage units, bookshelves
Godrej Interio	Wardrobes, plastic storage
Neelkamal Plastics	Organizers, bins
Clutter-Free	Lifestyle storage brand

Even if you’re running a new or niche D2C storage brand, trademark registration is critical for long-term protection.

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💥 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Class 20 Trademarks

Mistake	Risk
Filing under wrong class	Leads to rejection or inadequate protection
Using generic brand names (e.g., “Storage King”)	May be rejected due to lack of distinctiveness
Skipping the trademark search	Increases risk of legal conflict
Only registering logo	If someone copies your name in text format, you’re unprotected
Delayed objection response	May result in trademark abandonment

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⏳ How Long Does the Process Take?

Stage	Duration
Filing to Examination	1–3 months
Objection reply (if any)	30 days
Journal publication	4 months
Final registration	6–12 months (if no opposition)

Once approved, the trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

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🔁 Trademark Renewal

• Renewal due every 10 years
• Government fee: ₹9,000 per class
• File the renewal within 6 months before expiry to avoid penalty

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🤝 Get Expert Help from VMK Professionals

Trademark filing can seem simple but involves legal nuances. At VMK Professionals, we help you:

• Conduct a detailed trademark search
• Identify the right class or multi-class need
• Draft strong product descriptions
• Handle objections or opposition professionally

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✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re building a brand around home organization, office storage, or modular furniture, protecting your brand with a Class 20 trademark is a smart investment.

Don’t let copycats dilute your brand. Get your name, logo, and product line legally protected today.

In India’s growing home decor and interior design industry, protecting your brand name is just as crucial as creating elegant furniture and stylish spaces. Whether you’re a furniture manufacturer, a modular decor brand, or an interior design studio selling your own line of products — trademark registration under Class 20 helps you safeguard your creative identity.

But before you register, the first and most important step is a trademark search.

This guide walks you through a step-by-step process to conduct a proper trademark search for Class 20, with a focus on interior brands. We’ll also cover:

• ✅ What Trademark Class 20 includes
• ✅ Why a trademark search is essential
• ✅ How to use the IP India portal
• ✅ What to do if your name is already taken
• ✅ Legal tips and next steps

Let’s begin.

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🪑 What Is Trademark Class 20?

Trademark Class 20 is part of the international Nice Classification system. It covers a wide variety of furniture and household goods made from non-metallic materials such as wood, plastic, bamboo, rattan, and similar materials.

✔ Products Covered in Class 20:

• Wooden, plastic, and modular furniture
• Beds, chairs, tables, cabinets
• Mirrors and picture frames
• Mattresses, cushions, and pillows
• Non-metal fittings like knobs and curtain rods
• Modular kitchen units
• Garden and patio furniture
• Storage systems, wardrobes, drawers
• Office furniture, bean bags, ergonomic chairs

If your business deals in home or office furniture, interior goods, or modular designs, your trademark falls under Class 20.

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🔍 Why Trademark Search Is Crucial Before Filing

Before applying for registration, it’s critical to conduct a Class 20 trademark search to check whether:

1. Your brand name or logo is already registered.
2. There are similar names or phonetic similarities.
3. You’re filing under the correct class.
4. You can avoid legal disputes or rejection from the Trademark Registry.

⚠ Filing a trademark without a prior search is like building a house without checking if the land is already owned by someone else.

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🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Conduct Trademark Search for Class 20

You can search trademarks online for free using the IP India Public Search Portal.

Here’s how:

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✅ Step 1: Visit the Trademark Public Search Website

Go to the official trademark public search page:
🔗 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

This is the government-approved portal to search existing trademarks filed in India.

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✅ Step 2: Choose the Search Type

You’ll see three options:

• Wordmark
• Vienna Code
• Phonetic

For brand names, select “Wordmark” to begin.

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✅ Step 3: Enter Your Brand Name in the Search Box

In the “Search Text” field, enter the brand name you plan to use. If you’re still deciding on a name, you can search several versions or variations.

Tips:

• Try singular and plural forms.
• Try different spellings.
• Remove spaces and search again (e.g., “HomeStyle” and “Home Style”).

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✅ Step 4: Enter the Class Number

In the “Class” field, type 20, as your product belongs to Trademark Class 20.

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✅ Step 5: Perform the Search

Click on “Search” to generate results. The system will display a list of:

• Existing trademarks that match or closely resemble your keyword
• Trademark status (registered, objected, abandoned, etc.)
• Applicant names
• Application numbers and dates

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🔎 How to Analyze the Search Results

Here’s how to read the results properly:

Field	What It Means
TM Number	Unique ID of each application
Proprietor	Name of the trademark owner
Application Date	When it was filed
Status	Shows if the trademark is “Registered”, “Objected”, “Opposed”, or “Abandoned”
Wordmark	The brand name filed for registration
Class	Should be 20 for furniture and interior goods

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🧠 What If You Find a Similar Name?

If the name you want is already taken or too similar to an existing brand, here are your options:

1. Modify Your Brand Name

Slightly alter your name to make it unique while keeping brand identity intact.
E.g., if “ModuHome” exists, try “Moduhive” or “Modulyne”.

2. File for a Logo-Based Trademark (Device Mark)

If your brand name is similar but your logo or visual identity is unique, you can file a logo trademark, especially for product packaging and marketing.

3. Check Trademark Status

Sometimes a name may appear but its trademark status is:

• “Abandoned” – no longer valid
• “Refused” – was rejected by the registry
• “Withdrawn” – application was cancelled

In such cases, you might still be able to file for that name with strong legal support.

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🧾 Understanding Trademark Status Types

Status	Meaning
Registered	Officially granted. You cannot use this name.
Objected	Examiner raised an issue; pending resolution.
Opposed	Someone filed opposition against the application.
Abandoned	Applicant failed to respond or continue.
Withdrawn	Applicant voluntarily cancelled the application.
Refused	Trademark was rejected.
Accepted & Advertised	Under public notice before final approval.

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🧑‍🎓 Tips for Interior Brands Choosing a Trademark

To avoid conflict during your trademark search:

✔ Choose a Unique, Invented Word

Names like “Furnitica”, “Moduvox”, or “Houseline” are more likely to succeed than generic names like “Furniture India”.

✔ Avoid Descriptive Names

Avoid terms like “Modular Chairs”, “Home Decor”, or “Plastic Storage” as they are too generic and may not be granted trademark protection.

✔ Search in Other Relevant Classes

If your interior brand also deals in:

• Metal parts → search Class 6
• Lighting → search Class 11
• Textiles (curtains, bed covers) → search Class 24
• Retail services → search Class 35

You may need multi-class protection.

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📋 Next Steps After Search

1. If the Name is Available

Great! You can proceed to:

• Finalize your brand name/logo
• Prepare documents
• File Form TM-A online under Class 20

2. If There’s a Conflict

• Modify your name
• Consult a trademark expert
• Try registering a visual logo
• Consider using a legal notice if your rights are affected

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🧾 Documents Needed for Trademark Registration (Class 20)

• Brand name/logo
• Applicant’s name and address
• Nature of applicant (individual, MSME, company)
• MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate (for lower fees)
• Power of attorney (Form TM-48)
• Date of first use (if already in market)

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💸 Government Trademark Fees

Applicant Type	Government Fee (Per Class)
Individual / Startup / MSME	₹4,500
Company / LLP	₹9,000

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📞 Need Help With Class 20 Trademark?

Trademark search can look simple, but legal interpretation is key to success. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek help from professionals.

✅ VMK Professionals Offers:

• Expert trademark search reports
• Class 20 product description drafting
• Trademark filing & objection handling
• Logo protection and multi-class strategy

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👇 Final Thoughts

A trademark search under Class 20 is the first and most vital step for any furniture, modular, or interior brand in India. It helps you:

• Avoid brand duplication
• Protect your design and identity
• Position your business for long-term success

Whether you’re just starting your interior brand or launching a new furniture line — don’t skip this critical step. A smart search today saves you years of legal trouble and brand confusion later.

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🔐 Secure Your Interior Brand With VMK Professionals

Want a clean, professional, and legally sound trademark registration under Class 20? Let VMK Professionals take care of the process from start to finish.