When applying for a trademark in India, selecting the correct class is one of the most important steps. The Indian trademark classification system is based on the internationally accepted Nice Classification (NCL), which divides goods and services into 45 distinct classes. Among them, Trademark Class 17 covers a unique set of industrial materials—particularly those related to rubber, plastics, insulating products, and flexible non-metallic pipes.
If you’re a manufacturer, trader, or service provider dealing in semi-processed plastic or rubber materials, insulation items, or flexible tubing, understanding what falls under Trademark Class 17 is essential for ensuring legal protection of your brand.
In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive product list under Class 17, discuss its scope, and explain how it applies to businesses in India.
🧾 What Is Trademark Class 17?
Trademark Class 17 is part of the goods classification section of trademarks and primarily includes:
“Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.”
In simple terms, Class 17 includes all semi-processed rubber and plastic goods, industrial insulation materials, and flexible pipes or tubing that are not made of metal.
These items are commonly used in industries such as:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Electrical and electronics
- Packaging
- Plumbing
- Manufacturing
✅ Trademark Class 17 Product List: Key Categories
Here is a detailed breakdown of the most common materials and items included in Trademark Class 17 in India.
1. Rubber and Plastic Materials (Semi-Processed)
These materials are used in the manufacturing of various industrial components.
Examples:
- Rubber sheets
- Plastic sheets
- Latex (not for medical purposes)
- Synthetic rubber
- Foam rubber
- Silicone rubber
- Rubber compounds
Use Cases:
Used for gaskets, seals, pads, flooring, cushioning, and shock absorption in industrial settings.
2. Extruded Plastics for Manufacturing
These are plastic materials in their extruded (shaped/formatted) form meant for use in other manufactured goods.
Examples:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film
- Acrylic extruded rods and sheets
- Polyethylene sheets
- Teflon coatings
- Plastic films for industrial use
- Thermoplastic sheets
Use Cases:
Often used in making electrical enclosures, industrial parts, signage, and packaging.
3. Packing, Stopping, and Insulating Materials
This is one of the most diverse subcategories under Class 17. These materials are crucial in construction, electronics, automotive, and HVAC industries.
Packing Materials:
- Foam packaging
- Bubble wrap
- Industrial plastic wrap
- Air cushions for packaging
- Rubber stoppers
Stopping Materials:
- Caulking compounds
- Joint sealants
- Rubber plugs
- Gap fillers
Insulating Materials:
- Electrical insulation tape
- Thermal insulation sheets
- Soundproofing materials
- Fiberglass insulation
- Sealing gaskets
- Waterproof sealing materials
- Mica insulation
Use Cases:
Prevent heat loss, electrical interference, moisture, or sound transmission in buildings, machinery, and vehicles.
4. Flexible Pipes, Tubes, and Hoses (Non-Metallic)
These are flexible conduits used for transporting liquids or gases, often in industrial or domestic setups.
Examples:
- Flexible plastic hoses
- Rubber tubing
- Silicone pipes
- PVC flexible pipes
- Thermoplastic tubing
- Non-metallic hydraulic hoses
Use Cases:
Used in plumbing, automotive fluid systems, irrigation, HVAC ducts, and cable protection.
5. Sealing and Weatherproofing Products
Used to prevent leaks, moisture, and environmental damage.
Examples:
- Weather stripping
- Rubber gaskets
- Window and door seals
- Insulating foam strips
- Pipe wrap insulation
- Expansion joint fillers
Use Cases:
Essential in construction and automotive applications where weather resistance is required.
6. Rubber and Plastic Components for Industrial Use
Some additional functional rubber/plastic components used in machinery or production setups include:
Examples:
- Anti-vibration pads
- Conveyor belts (rubber-based)
- Rubber bushings
- Industrial rubber rollers
- Cable insulation coatings
- Rubber mats
Use Cases:
Used for reducing vibration, supporting movement in equipment, and providing electrical or thermal resistance.
🧯 Materials Also Included in Class 17
Here’s a list of other materials and products that are commonly included in Class 17 but are sometimes overlooked:
| Material | Description |
| Gutta-percha | A natural latex-like material used in dental and electrical applications |
| Ebonite | Hard rubber used for battery cases and industrial parts |
| Mica | Used as electrical insulation in motors and electrical appliances |
| Gum (Raw) | Industrial gum not for food, used in adhesives and binders |
| Latex (Non-medical) | Used in balloon manufacturing, adhesives, gloves (non-medical) |
🚫 What Is Not Covered in Trademark Class 17?
Understanding what is excluded is just as important to avoid errors in trademark applications. While rubber and plastic are core materials in Class 17, they may fall under other classes based on their end-use.
| Product | Correct Class |
| Rubber boots, sandals, or footwear | Class 25 |
| Rubber toys | Class 28 |
| Plastic kitchenware | Class 21 |
| Medical rubber tubes | Class 10 |
| Adhesives for stationery | Class 16 |
💡 If your product has multiple uses or falls into gray areas, consider filing under multiple classes for full protection.
📌 Why Is Knowing the Product List Important?
Correctly identifying whether your product falls into Trademark Class 17 ensures:
- Your trademark is filed under the right classification
- You get legal protection for your exact goods
- You avoid rejection due to incorrect filing
- Your rights are enforceable against infringers operating in the same industry
🧠 Pro Tip: Use Detailed Descriptions While Filing
When submitting your trademark application under Class 17, you must clearly describe your products or materials.
Avoid this:
“Rubber products”
Use this instead:
“Flexible non-metallic rubber tubing for industrial applications”
Detailed descriptions help:
- Avoid trademark objections
- Ensure precise classification
- Simplify the registration process
💼 Who Should File Under Class 17?
You should file your trademark under Class 17 if you manufacture, trade, or deal in any of the following:
- Rubber seals and gaskets
- Flexible pipes (non-metal)
- Plastic sheeting or insulation
- Foam packaging materials
- Rubber components for vehicles or machinery
- Electrical or thermal insulation products
📝 How to Conduct a Trademark Search for Class 17
Before applying, perform a Class 17 trademark search using the official IP India website:
Steps:
- Go to: https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch
- Choose Class 17
- Enter your brand name
- View existing trademarks and potential conflicts
This will help you avoid filing a trademark that’s already taken or similar to an existing mark.
🔁 Can You File in Multiple Classes?
Yes. If your product line spans multiple categories (e.g., you manufacture rubber hoses and rubber footwear), you should consider multi-class trademark registration.
Filing in multiple classes ensures broader protection across your business offerings.
🛡️ Importance of Trademark Registration Under Class 17
Here’s why registering your trademark under the correct class is vital:
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Legal protection | Exclusive rights over your brand in the relevant industry |
| Brand trust | Builds customer confidence and recognition |
| Prevents misuse | Others can’t use a similar brand name for similar products |
| Helps in exports | Registered trademarks help when expanding globally |
| Defends against infringement | Registered brands can initiate legal action quickly |
✅ Final Checklist: Do You Need Class 17?
Ask yourself:
- Do I manufacture rubber or plastic-based industrial products?
- Do I sell insulation, tubing, or sealing materials?
- Are my products flexible, non-metallic, and used in industrial or construction sectors?
If yes, then Trademark Class 17 is the right classification for your brand.
📞 Get Expert Help with Class 17 Trademark Registration
Filing a trademark requires accuracy and legal insight. At VMK Professionals, we simplify the trademark process for businesses across India.
Whether you’re a startup or a well-established manufacturer, our team ensures:
- Accurate class selection
- Proper product description
- Complete documentation
- Objection/reply handling
👉 Contact VMK Professionals Today