In today’s competitive industrial landscape, branding has become just as important for manufacturers as for consumer-facing companies. If your business deals with rubber, plastic, insulation materials, or flexible non-metallic pipes, then Trademark Class 17 is the right category for your brand protection.

But before you jump into filing, it’s crucial to understand what documents are required for Class 17 trademark registration in India. Submitting the correct documents is vital to ensure your application is processed smoothly and without delays or objections.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What falls under Trademark Class 17
• Why documentation is important
• A complete list of required documents
• Sample formats and pro tips to get it right the first time

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✅ What Is Trademark Class 17?

Trademark Class 17 (as per the Nice Classification followed by India) covers:

“Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.”

🌟 Common Products Covered:

• Rubber sheets, seals, and gaskets
• Industrial plastic tubing
• Electrical insulation materials
• Foam sheets and soundproofing panels
• Flexible non-metallic pipes and hoses
• Industrial films and packing tapes

If you manufacture or trade in any of these, Trademark Class 17 is your primary class for brand protection.

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📃 Why Are Documents So Important?

When you apply for a trademark in India, the Indian Trademark Registry needs to verify:

• Your identity or business legitimacy
• The ownership of the brand name or logo
• That your goods or services fall under the correct class
• Your right to claim any benefits, such as startup/MSME fee discounts

Even a small mistake or missing document can lead to:

• Objections under Section 9 or 11
• Clarification notices
• Delays in examination
• Rejection of the application

Let’s explore the complete list of documents required for Trademark Class 17 registration in India.

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📂 Documents Required for Trademark Class 17 Registration in India

Below are the documents and details required based on your applicant type—Individual, Startup, MSME, or Company:

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🧍 For Individual or Sole Proprietor

1. Applicant’s Identity Proof
   • PAN Card or Aadhaar Card
   • Passport or Voter ID (optional)
     ✅ Must match the name used in the application
2. Address Proof
   • Electricity Bill / Bank Statement / Aadhaar Card
     ✅ Used to determine applicant’s place of business
3. Brand Name or Logo (If Any)
   • Word mark: Just the name (e.g., “PolySure”)
   • Logo mark: A JPG image of your brand logo (optional but recommended)
     ✅ Logo must be clear and ideally in black & white
4. Signed TM-A Form / Authorization Letter (Form TM-48)
   • If you’re hiring a trademark agent or professional
     ✅ This is mandatory for all professionally filed applications

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🏢 For MSME or Startup Business Entities

1. Company/Business Registration Certificate
   • GST Certificate / Udyam Registration / Certificate of Incorporation
     ✅ Proves the legal existence of the entity
2. Proof of MSME or Startup India Registration
   • Udyam Aadhaar or Startup Recognition Certificate
     ✅ Used to claim 50% government fee concession
3. Board Resolution or Authorization Letter
   • If filed by a director/partner/authorized signatory
     ✅ Must authorize use of the brand name and filing of application
4. Identity and Address Proof of Authorized Signatory
   • PAN + Aadhaar or Passport
     ✅ The person who is signing TM-A or TM-48
5. Trademark (Wordmark or Logo)
   • Logo in JPG format (if applicable)
   • Brand name text in clear format
6. Form TM-48 (Authorization Form)
   • Mandatory if filed through an agent

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🏛️ For Private Limited / LLP / Partnership Firms

1. Certificate of Incorporation / Registration Proof
   • MCA Certificate, GST, or LLP agreement
2. Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement (for LLPs and Firms)
   ✅ Shows the ownership structure
3. PAN and Address Proof of Company
4. Board Resolution (For Pvt Ltd or LLPs)
   ✅ Authorizing the person to file the trademark
5. Details of Partners or Directors
6. Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
   ✅ On company letterhead with authorized signature

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📌 Optional but Recommended Documents

Document	Purpose
Usage Proof	If claiming prior use (e.g., website, invoices, packaging)
Logo Trademark JPG	For logo mark, size ≤ 200x200px and 2MB
Email & Mobile Number	For OTP verification and correspondence
Product Catalog or Brochure	Helpful to justify class selection, especially for borderline goods

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🛠️ Step-by-Step Process to File Trademark in Class 17 with Documents

1. Choose the Right Class (Class 17 in this case)
   • Review your goods and match them with Class 17 description.
2. Select Wordmark or Logo
   • Decide whether to protect a name, logo, or both.
3. Prepare the Documents
   • Based on your business type (individual, startup, LLP, etc.)
4. Conduct a Trademark Search
   • Use the IP India Portal to check for existing or similar marks.
5. Draft and Submit Form TM-A
   • Attach relevant documents and pay the government fee:
     • ₹4,500 for Individuals/MSMEs/Startups
     • ₹9,000 for others
6. Get the Acknowledgment Receipt
   • Your trademark application number is issued instantly.
7. Track Status Online
   • Keep checking for objections, journal publication, and final registration.

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🎯 Pro Tips to Ensure Your Documents Are Accepted

• ✔️ Use Clear, Scanned Copies: Blurry or handwritten documents may be rejected. Use high-resolution scans in PDF or JPG.
• ✔️ Match Names Exactly: The applicant’s name in the document must match the name on the TM-A form.
• ✔️ Don’t Submit Expired Certificates: Ensure your Udyam, PAN, or other IDs are up to date.
• ✔️ Use Professional Help for Drafting: Especially important for TM-48 and Board Resolutions.
• ✔️ Save a Copy of Everything: Keep your documents organized for future reference or renewals.

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📜 Sample Trademark Logo Format

If you’re submitting a logo:

• Format: JPG
• Size: Max 200×200 pixels
• File Size: Max 2MB
• Colors: Use black-and-white for best legal flexibility
• Style: Clear, centered logo with no background clutter

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🔐 Importance of Keeping Your Documents Safe

Even after filing, your documents may be required:

• During examination or opposition stage
• While renewing the trademark after 10 years
• If you want to license or sell your brand later
• To prove ownership in legal disputes

Keep digital and printed copies safely stored.

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🤝 Why Work with VMK Professionals?

At VMK Professionals, we help Indian manufacturers, exporters, and industrial brands file error-free trademark applications under Class 17 and other related classes.

We offer:

• ✅ Free document checklist & filing assistance
• ✅ Accurate TM-48 preparation
• ✅ Fast submission with government fee benefits
• ✅ Regular updates on application status
• ✅ Objection handling, renewal, and brand advisory

Whether you’re a startup or a large manufacturing unit, we ensure your trademark process is smooth, affordable, and 100% compliant.

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📞 Contact VMK Professionals Today

Need help with your Class 17 trademark registration?

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📝 Final Thoughts

Filing a trademark in India under Class 17—which includes rubber, plastics, insulation materials, and flexible pipes—requires not only the right selection of class but also accurate documentation. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents can lead to delays, objections, or even rejection.

To make sure your brand stays protected and your application gets processed smoothly, it’s essential to prepare a complete and correct document set from the beginning.

Don’t leave your brand at risk. Get expert help and file it right, the first time!