If you are starting a brand for kitchenware, cookware, glassware, storage containers, brushes, or other household items, your products likely fall under Trademark Class 21.

Before you invest in packaging, marketing, or selling, it’s critical to make sure your brand name or logo is unique and not already registered by someone else.

That’s where a Trademark Search comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• ✅ What is Trademark Class 21?
• ✅ Why a trademark search is important
• ✅ Step-by-step process for searching Class 21 trademarks
• ✅ Understanding search results & avoiding conflicts
• ✅ Tips for choosing a unique name
• ✅ Common mistakes to avoid in trademark searches

Let’s get started.

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📌 What is Trademark Class 21?

Under the Nice Classification system, Trademark Class 21 covers:

• Household or kitchen utensils and containers (non-electric)
• Cookware and tableware (pots, pans, plates, cups)
• Glassware, porcelain, and earthenware
• Brushes and combs
• Cleaning equipment (brooms, dustpans, scrubbing brushes)
• Reusable bottles and storage boxes

Examples of Class 21 products:

• Glass mugs, tumblers, and bowls
• Ceramic dinner plates
• Plastic kitchen storage jars
• Hair brushes and combs
• Non-electric kettles and teapots
• Dish racks and soap dispensers

If your brand name is for any of these products, you must file in Class 21.

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🛡️ Why Do a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 21?

Skipping a trademark search is like starting a race without checking the track — you might crash into a legal wall.

Here’s why a search matters:

1. Avoids Legal Trouble

If your chosen name is already registered, the owner can file an opposition or infringement lawsuit.

2. Saves Time & Money

Trademark filing fees are non-refundable. If your application is rejected due to similarity with an existing mark, you lose that money.

3. Helps You Pick a Strong Name

A search lets you choose a name that’s unique, memorable, and protectable.

4. Prevents E-commerce Delays

Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart require a registered trademark for Brand Registry. An objection can delay your listing approval.

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⏳ When Should You Do the Search?

• Before finalizing your brand name
• Before printing packaging or labels
• Before filing the trademark application
• Even if you already use the name, check first to avoid infringement.

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📝 Documents & Details You Need Before the Search

Before searching, keep ready:

• Your proposed brand name
• Any logo or design (if you want to file a device mark)
• The product description
• The relevant class number (in this case, Class 21)

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📍 Step-by-Step Process to Do a Trademark Search for Class 21 in India

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Step 1: Visit the Official Trademark Search Portal

Go to the IP India public search page:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

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Step 2: Select the Search Type

You’ll see three search types:

• Wordmark – For brand names (e.g., “PureSip” for bottles)
• Vienna Code – For logo or image searches
• Phonetic – For names that sound similar

For checking a product name, select Wordmark.

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Step 3: Enter Your Brand Name

• In the Wordmark field, type your proposed name.
• Use “Starts With” if you want to see marks starting with your name.
• Use “Contains” to see marks that have your name anywhere.

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Step 4: Select the Class Number

• In the Class field, type 21.
• This ensures you only see results relevant to your product category.

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Step 5: Click “Search”

• The system will display a list of existing trademarks similar to your name.
• Results show:
  • Trademark (name/logo)
  • Application number
  • Class
  • Status (Registered, Objected, Opposed, Abandoned, etc.)
  • Proprietor’s name
  • Journal number and date

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📊 How to Read Trademark Search Results

Let’s say you search for “PureSip” in Class 21.

Possible outcomes:

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1. No Results Found

✅ Good news — your name appears unique in Class 21.
⚠️ Still check for phonetic matches (e.g., “PureSip” vs. “PureSipz”).

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2. Similar Marks Found

If you find a similar name (e.g., “PureSip Bottles” or “PureSipz”), it could lead to objection.

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3. Exact Match Found

❌ Avoid using the name — even if the status is “Abandoned,” someone may re-file.

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🎯 Tips for Choosing a Unique Class 21 Brand Name

1. Be Inventive
   Avoid generic words like “Bottle,” “Mug,” “Plate.”
2. Mix & Match
   Combine unrelated words (e.g., “SipNest,” “PanAura”).
3. Avoid Descriptive Terms
   Names like “Best Kitchenware” may not be accepted.
4. Check Across All Classes
   Even if your main class is 21, conflicts in related classes (e.g., Class 11 for kitchen appliances) can cause objections.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 21 Trademark Search

1. Only Checking One Class
   Some goods overlap in multiple classes — always check related classes.
2. Ignoring Phonetic Matches
   “CoolSip” and “KoolSip” sound alike — could cause rejection.
3. Assuming Abandoned Marks Are Free to Use
   Sometimes abandoned marks still have common law rights.
4. Not Checking Logo Conflicts
   Even if the name is free, a similar logo can lead to issues.

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📌 Related Classes to Check Along with Class 21

Class	Covers
Class 11	Kitchen appliances (electric kettles, ovens)
Class 35	Retail & online store services
Class 3	Cleaning products (dishwashing liquids, soaps)

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💡 Example Scenario

Business: Selling reusable glass bottles online
Proposed Name: “EcoHydra”

Steps Taken:

1. Searched “EcoHydra” in Class 21 → No results
2. Checked phonetic matches → No conflicts
3. Checked Class 35 (retail services) → One similar mark but unrelated to bottles
4. Decided to proceed with filing in Class 21

Result: Trademark filed successfully with no objection.

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📈 Benefits of Doing a Trademark Search in Class 21

Benefit	Why It’s Important
Prevents rejection	Saves money on re-filing
Avoids legal disputes	Reduces risk of infringement
Helps in branding	Ensures exclusivity
Faster registration	No delays due to objections

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🚀 Pro Tips for a Smooth Class 21 Trademark Registration

• Always do both exact & phonetic searches
• Hire a trademark attorney for professional clearance
• Consider multi-class filing if your brand covers related goods
• Keep screenshots of your search results for records

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🏁 Final Thoughts

A proper Trademark Search for Class 21 is the first step in building a legally protected brand for your kitchenware, cookware, or household product line.

By checking availability before filing, you:

• Avoid costly objections
• Choose a unique, memorable name
• Protect your business from competitors

Remember: A strong brand starts with a clear trademark search.

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📞 Need Help with Class 21 Trademark Search?

At VMK Professionals, we:

• Conduct detailed trademark searches in all relevant classes
• Provide risk analysis & name suggestions
• Handle trademark filing & objections

If you own a brand for kitchenware, cookware, glassware, containers, brushes, or household utensils, chances are your trademark falls under Trademark Class 21.

Securing your trademark was the first big step — but protection doesn’t last forever. In India, trademarks are valid for 10 years from the date of application. After that, you must renew it to keep your exclusive rights.

Failing to renew your Class 21 trademark on time can lead to loss of brand protection, allowing competitors to legally use your brand name or logo.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• ✅ What is Trademark Class 21?
• ✅ Why renewing your trademark is important
• ✅ Renewal timelines & deadlines
• ✅ Step-by-step renewal process
• ✅ Fees for trademark renewal in Class 21
• ✅ Late renewal & restoration process
• ✅ Tips to avoid missing the renewal deadline

Let’s dive in.

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📌 What is Trademark Class 21?

Under the Nice Classification system, Class 21 includes:

• Household & kitchen utensils (pots, pans, spoons, spatulas)
• Glassware, porcelain & earthenware
• Storage containers (plastic jars, bottles, boxes)
• Cleaning & grooming tools (hair brushes, combs, brooms)

Examples:

• Glass mugs
• Plastic storage bins
• Ceramic dinner plates
• Stainless steel cooking pots
• Reusable kitchen bottles

If your trademark is registered for any of these products, it is likely in Class 21.

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🛡️ Why Renew Your Trademark in Class 21?

Trademark renewal is not optional if you want to keep your brand protected. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Continued Legal Protection
   Renewal ensures your trademark rights remain valid for another 10 years.
2. Exclusive Brand Ownership
   Prevents competitors from using your name, logo, or slogan for similar products.
3. Market Trust & Recognition
   A registered trademark signals authenticity and quality to customers.
4. Amazon & E-commerce Protection
   Platforms like Amazon require an active trademark for Brand Registry.
5. Avoid Restoration Costs
   Renewing before expiry is cheaper and easier than restoring an expired trademark.

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⏳ When Should You Renew Your Trademark?

In India:

• A trademark is valid for 10 years from the application date.
• You can apply for renewal within 12 months before expiry.
• If you miss this window, you get a 6-month grace period after expiry (with late fees).
• If you miss the grace period, you must apply for restoration.

Example:
If your Class 21 trademark was registered on 1st June 2015, it expires on 1st June 2025.

• You can renew anytime between June 2024 to June 2025 without penalty.
• You can still renew until December 2025 with late fees.

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📝 Documents Required for Trademark Renewal in Class 21

To renew your trademark, you’ll generally need:

• Trademark application/registration number
• Power of Attorney (if filed by an agent/attorney)
• ID & address proof of the applicant
• Trademark certificate (optional but recommended)

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📍 Step-by-Step Process to Renew a Trademark in Class 21

Here’s how to renew your Class 21 trademark before expiry:

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Step 1: Check Trademark Details

Go to the official IP India Trademark Search portal:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

• Search using your application number or brand name.
• Confirm:
  • Trademark status: Registered
  • Class: 21
  • Expiry date

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Step 2: Prepare Renewal Application

The form for renewal is Form TM-R.

• If owner files → File as applicant.
• If agent/attorney files → Include Power of Attorney.

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Step 3: Pay Renewal Fees

Government Fees for Class 21 Trademark Renewal:

Filing Method	Without Late Fee	With Late Fee
E-filing	₹9,000 per mark per class	₹9,000 + ₹4,500 late fee
Physical filing	₹10,000 per mark per class	₹10,000 + ₹5,000 late fee

💡 Tip: E-filing is faster, cheaper, and instantly generates acknowledgment.

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Step 4: Submit Renewal Application

• File the application online via the IP India Trademark E-filing portal:
  👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/trademarkefiling/user/frmLoginNew.aspx
• Upload required documents
• Pay fees online
• Download acknowledgment receipt

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Step 5: Confirmation from Trademark Registry

Once approved:

• Trademark status will change to “Registered – Renewed”
• You will receive a renewal certificate
• The trademark is valid for another 10 years

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⚠️ What If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

If you don’t renew before expiry, you still have a 6-month grace period.

Late Renewal:

• File Form TM-R with late fee
• Submit within 6 months from expiry

Restoration (After Grace Period):

If the 6-month grace period is over:

• File Form TM-R + restoration request
• Pay restoration fee + renewal fee
• Provide reasons for delay
• Approval is at Registrar’s discretion

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📊 Example Timeline for Class 21 Trademark Renewal

Trademark Registered On	Expiry Date	Renewal Window	Late Renewal	Restoration Deadline
15 July 2016	15 July 2026	July 2025 – July 2026	Jan 2027	Jan 2028

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💡 Tips to Avoid Missing Class 21 Trademark Renewal

1. Keep Digital Reminders
   Set renewal reminders 12 months before expiry.
2. Hire a Trademark Agent
   Agents track and file renewals on time.
3. Renew Early
   Don’t wait until the last month to avoid last-minute errors.
4. Renew All Classes Together
   If you have multiple class registrations (e.g., Class 21 + Class 35), renew them at the same time.
5. Check Status Annually
   Use the IP India portal to verify your trademark’s status every year.

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🛠️ Benefits of Renewing a Class 21 Trademark on Time

Benefit	Why It Matters
Legal protection	Prevents infringement and misuse
Brand trust	Shows customers your brand is legally recognized
Business growth	Easier to expand products & markets
E-commerce registration	Essential for Amazon Brand Registry
Transfer & licensing	Makes it easier to sell or license the brand

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🚀 Pro Tip: Combine Renewal with Brand Expansion

If you’re already renewing your trademark, it’s a good time to:

• Add new products to your registration
  (e.g., if you sell “glass jars” now, you can also add “ceramic plates”)
• Register in other classes if you plan to expand (e.g., Class 35 for retail services)

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Renewing your Trademark Class 21 registration before expiry is faster, cheaper, and safer than dealing with late fees or restoration.

• Start the process 12 months before expiry
• Use Form TM-R for renewal
• Opt for e-filing to save time and money
• Keep track of future renewal dates

A valid trademark means your kitchenware, glassware, and household brand stays protected for years to come.

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📞 Need Help with Class 21 Trademark Renewal?

At VMK Professionals, we handle:

• Trademark renewal before expiry
• Late renewal and restoration
• Adding new products during renewal
• Multi-class renewals for growing brands