Which Trademark Class to Use: Class 19 or Class 6 for Materials?
When registering a trademark in India, one of the most common mistakes businesses make is selecting the wrong class. If your business deals with construction materials, fixtures, or industrial supplies, it’s crucial to know the difference between Trademark Class 19 and Class 6.
Although both classes involve building and structural materials, they protect very different types of products based on what they’re made of—non-metallic vs. metallic. Misclassification can lead to rejected applications, limited protection, or future legal disputes.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain the differences between Class 19 and Class 6, which products fall under each, why it matters, and how to choose the right class for your brand.
🔍 What Is a Trademark Class?
Trademark classes are part of the Nice Classification system, which groups goods and services into 45 categories (Classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services).
When filing a trademark, you must choose the right class based on the nature of your product or service. Filing under the wrong class could leave your brand legally exposed or cause your application to be rejected by the Trademark Registry.
⚙️ Key Difference Between Class 19 and Class 6
| Feature | Class 19 | Class 6 |
| Material Type | Non-metallic building materials | Common metals and metallic construction materials |
| Examples | Bricks, tiles, cement, concrete, glass | Steel, iron, copper, metal pipes, metal doors |
| Industry Usage | Real estate, interior décor, civil engineering | Manufacturing, industrial fixtures, metalworks |
| Nature of Products | Finished or semi-finished non-metal components | Raw metal, processed metal, metal building parts |
🧱 What Falls Under Trademark Class 19?
Class 19 includes non-metallic construction and building materials used in homes, offices, factories, roads, and other real estate projects. These include:
✅ Common Products in Class 19:
- Bricks (clay, fly ash, concrete)
- Cement
- Concrete blocks and panels
- Roof tiles (ceramic or clay)
- Wall panels (PVC, wood, or fiberboard)
- Glass for buildings (frosted, tempered, or laminated)
- Asphalt and bitumen
- Plaster and gypsum
- Marble and granite
- Plywood, MDF, and particle boards
- PVC pipes for drainage or construction
- Fencing panels (non-metal)
- Non-metallic doors, windows, and staircases
🛠️ These materials are typically used in non-metallic constructions such as flooring, wall finishes, roofing, cladding, and partitions.
🔩 What Falls Under Trademark Class 6?
Class 6 covers a wide range of metal-based materials, components, and finished goods used in industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
✅ Common Products in Class 6:
- Steel beams and rods
- Iron and metal sheets
- Copper pipes
- Aluminium panels
- Metal doors and windows
- Metal staircases and railings
- Metal bolts, nails, and rivets
- Locks, hinges, and door fittings (metal)
- Wire mesh and grills (metal)
- Chains, cables, and ropes (metal)
- Fences and gates (metallic)
🧰 These are core structural or support components in both commercial and residential construction and are almost always made of iron, steel, aluminium, or other metals.
🛠️ Class 19 vs. Class 6: Use Case Comparisons
To clarify the distinction, here are some real-world examples:
| Product | Class | Reason |
| PVC Plumbing Pipes | Class 19 | Made of plastic, used in construction |
| Stainless Steel Pipes | Class 6 | Made of metal |
| Wooden Window Frames | Class 19 | Non-metal building component |
| Aluminium Window Frames | Class 6 | Metal-based fixture |
| Ceramic Floor Tiles | Class 19 | Non-metal surface material |
| Metal Roofing Sheets | Class 6 | Made of metal |
| Fiber Cement Boards | Class 19 | Non-metal, construction usage |
| Steel Gates for Factories | Class 6 | Metal-based construction accessory |
| Bitumen Road Surfacing Material | Class 19 | Non-metal, used for road work |
| Iron Staircase Railings | Class 6 | Made of metal |
⚠️ Why Is Choosing the Right Class So Important?
Choosing the correct class helps ensure:
1. Legal Protection
If you sell under the wrong class, your trademark won’t be enforceable against infringers in your actual product category.
2. Filing Accuracy
IP India may raise objections if your product doesn’t match the class descriptions.
3. Competitor Shield
Proper class filing helps prevent competitors from using similar marks for similar goods.
4. Brand Licensing
Having accurate classification simplifies brand licensing and franchising.
💡 Can You File Under Both Classes?
Yes, if your product line covers both non-metallic and metallic materials, or if you’re unsure of future expansion, you should consider filing under multiple classes.
For example:
- A construction company that manufactures metal railings and also sells ceramic tiles should file under both Class 6 and Class 19.
- A hardware retailer dealing in a mix of metal pipes and PVC panels should register in both classes to protect their full product range.
📄 How to Choose the Correct Class for Your Trademark
Here’s a step-by-step process to get it right:
✅ Step 1: Identify the Material of the Product
Ask yourself: Is the item primarily made of metal or a non-metal substance like clay, plastic, fiber, or wood?
✅ Step 2: Know the Usage
Are these materials used for construction, machinery, decoration, or utility?
✅ Step 3: Refer to IP India Public Search
Use the IP India Trademark Search Tool and input your product description. The search result will tell you the correct class.
✅ Step 4: Consult a Trademark Expert
Still unsure? Consult a professional like VMK Professionals to help classify your product correctly.
🧾 Trademark Filing Fees for Class 6 and 19
| Applicant Type | Fee per Class (Form TM-A) |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 (physical), ₹4,500 (online) |
| Company / Firm | ₹9,000 (physical), ₹9,000 (online) |
📌 If you’re filing under both Class 6 and Class 19, the fee will be charged per class.
🧰 Tips to Avoid Common Class Mistakes
- ❌ Don’t assume class based on product name alone (e.g., “pipes” can fall in either class)
- ❌ Avoid generic terms like “construction materials” in your application
- ✅ Be specific in product description (e.g., “PVC wall panels for construction”)
- ✅ Use exact keywords listed in the official registry
- ✅ Choose multi-class filing if your range overlaps
🛡️ Why Work with VMK Professionals?
Choosing between Class 19 and Class 6 can seem easy, but filing a wrong class can cause months of delay or denial.
At VMK Professionals, we offer:
- Accurate Trademark Classification
- Multi-Class Filing Assistance
- Drafting Product Descriptions That Pass Examination
- Objection Response Support
- End-to-End Trademark Registration Across India
📞 Need Help With Class 19 or Class 6 Trademark Filing?
Don’t leave your construction or metalwork brand exposed to legal risks. Protect it under the correct class today.
✅ Get Started with VMK Professionals – Your Trusted Legal Partner