The Importance of Trademark Class 17 for Packaging Material Manufacturers in India
In today’s fast-paced consumer market, packaging is more than just a wrapper—it is part of the product experience, branding strategy, and customer loyalty driver. Whether it’s vacuum-sealed pouches, bubble wrap, plastic films, or industrial packing foam, businesses across India are investing heavily in innovative packaging materials.
But while companies focus on improving packaging functionality and aesthetics, many overlook one crucial business need—trademark protection.
If you’re in the packaging material business and haven’t secured your brand under the correct trademark class, your innovation could be vulnerable to imitation, misuse, or even legal disputes.
This blog explains why Trademark Class 17 is essential for packaging material brands in India, what it covers, real-world risks of not registering, and how you can protect your business properly.
🚀 What Is Trademark Class 17?
Under the Nice Classification system, used internationally and by the Indian Trademark Registry, trademarks are categorized into 45 classes. Out of these, Class 17 is dedicated to:
“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.“
In simpler terms, Trademark Class 17 includes raw materials used in packaging and industrial manufacturing, particularly plastic and rubber-based materials.
📦 Common Packaging Materials Covered in Class 17
If your company produces or supplies any of the following, you fall under Trademark Class 17:
- Plastic films used for packaging
- Stretch and shrink wrap
- Bubble wrap
- Foam sheets and rolls
- Plastic sleeves and bags for industrial use
- Rubber-based cushioning material
- Insulating packaging for temperature control
- Thermal and acoustic foam used in transport packaging
- Vacuum-seal pouches for industrial use
- Protective plastic layers for glass and furniture shipping
⚠️ Important: If your brand makes finished packaging for food or consumer goods, you may also need to check Class 16 or Class 20 in combination with Class 17.
📉 The Risk of Skipping Trademark Class 17 Registration
1. Copycat Brands
Packaging material businesses often sell to wholesalers and large manufacturers. Without trademark protection, competitors can legally use names or logos similar to yours, causing confusion or even stealing your clients.
2. Loss of Brand Ownership
If another business files a trademark with your brand name before you, you risk losing exclusive rights—even if you’ve been using the name longer.
3. No Legal Grounds Against Infringement
Only registered trademarks give you the power to send cease-and-desist notices, file infringement cases, or request takedowns from online platforms.
4. Limited Business Expansion
If you plan to export packaging products, collaborate with retailers, or showcase in B2B expos, a registered trademark is often mandatory.
🏭 The Growth of India’s Packaging Industry
India’s packaging industry is expected to cross USD 200 billion by 2025, with a strong focus on:
- Eco-friendly materials
- Industrial plastic packaging
- Lightweight foam and polymer packaging
- Multi-layer film innovations
This boom makes it crucial for packaging brands to protect their intellectual property early. Your name, logo, or slogan is part of your brand identity—and should be registered under Class 17 if it’s associated with packaging raw materials.
🔐 Why Trademark Class 17 Is Crucial for Packaging Companies
✅ 1. Product Differentiation
With hundreds of similar packaging materials in the market, a distinctive trademark helps buyers remember your brand.
Example: “ThermoWrap” vs. generic “plastic insulation film”.
✅ 2. Prevention of Infringement
If a competitor uses a similar name or packaging design, your Class 17 registration gives you legal protection.
✅ 3. Eligibility for Bulk Contracts
Large buyers often verify trademark status before engaging in long-term packaging supply contracts.
✅ 4. Stronger Online Presence
Platforms like Amazon, Indiamart, and Flipkart prioritize registered trademark owners for brand pages, enhanced listings, and counterfeit reporting.
✅ 5. Boosted Brand Value
A registered trademark adds credibility to your business and increases brand valuation, especially if you’re raising capital or planning acquisition.
⚠️ Real-World Case Study
🧪 A Delhi-Based Foam Packaging Brand
A foam packaging manufacturer operating under the brand “FoamWrap” began supplying B2B industrial clients. They hadn’t filed any trademark.
Soon, a competitor registered “FoamWrapx” under Class 17 and began selling similar foam rolls. Since the original brand had no trademark rights, they couldn’t take legal action. Over time, the original brand lost market share and had to rebrand.
📜 What Can Be Trademarked in Class 17?
As a packaging brand, you can register the following elements under Class 17:
- Brand Name / Wordmark (e.g., “EcoFlex”)
- Logo or Symbol
- Slogan or Tagline (e.g., “Wrap It Right”)
- Packaging Design / Color Scheme (if distinctive)
A combination of wordmark + logo provides the best protection.
📋 Documents Required for Trademark Class 17 Registration
- Applicant’s Name and Address
- Brand Name and Logo (in JPEG format)
- Business Registration Certificate
- Udyam/MSME Certificate (if claiming reduced fees)
- Authorization Letter (if applying through an agent)
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Class 17 Trademark
Step 1: Trademark Search
Visit the IP India Trademark Search Portal and search Class 17 to ensure your brand name isn’t already taken.
Step 2: Choose Your Mark
Decide whether you want to file:
- Wordmark
- Logo
- Combination of both
Step 3: Prepare and Submit TM-A Form
You can file the application online at ipindia.gov.in or through a registered trademark agent.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
- ₹4,500 (for individuals, startups, MSMEs)
- ₹9,000 (for other applicants)
Step 5: Respond to Examination Report (if any)
Address any objections raised by the Trademark Registry within the deadline.
Step 6: Publication and Opposition
If no one opposes the mark within 4 months of publication, it proceeds to registration.
Step 7: Get Your Certificate
Receive your Trademark Registration Certificate, valid for 10 years.
💸 Trademark Class 17 Fee Structure
| Type of Applicant | Government Fee (Per Class) |
| Individual / MSME / Startup | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 |
🧠 Pro Tips for Strong Trademark Filing
- Choose inventive, non-generic names (e.g., “PackTuff” instead of “Plastic Wrap Co.”)
- Avoid using terms directly describing the product material
- Register both wordmark and logo for better protection
- Keep an eye on phonetic similarities
- Monitor the IP India Journal for similar trademarks weekly
🔄 Trademark Validity and Renewal
Your Class 17 trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date. You must renew it before expiry by filing a TM-R form, with a small fee. Renewals can be done indefinitely every 10 years.
🛠️ How VMK Professionals Can Help You
VMK Professionals is a trusted legal and IP services provider specializing in:
- ✅ Class 17 trademark search and advisory
- ✅ Filing and objection handling
- ✅ MSME & Startup registration for fee benefits
- ✅ Renewal and monitoring of trademarks
- ✅ PAN India service with online support
Whether you’re a packaging startup or a large-scale industrial supplier, we help you secure your brand and focus on growing your business.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Packaging material may seem like a behind-the-scenes industry, but in reality, it’s a key player in the product ecosystem. Your packaging materials help define how products are protected, presented, and perceived.
That’s why Trademark Class 17 protection is non-negotiable for packaging companies in India. Don’t wait until someone copies your name or logo—take action now and register your brand under the correct class.
📞 Let’s Protect Your Brand—Today
Partner with VMK Professionals and safeguard your packaging brand’s future.