Beginner’s Guide to Trademark Class 20 for Home & Office Furniture Brands
If you run a business in the furniture, home décor, or household product sector, protecting your brand is not just wise — it’s essential. With thousands of similar brands emerging in the Indian market each year, standing out and safeguarding your identity can be the key to long-term success.
That’s where Trademark Class 20 comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ What Trademark Class 20 includes
- ✅ Types of products that fall under this class
- ✅ Why Class 20 protection is crucial for your business
- ✅ Examples of popular trademarks in this class
- ✅ Step-by-step registration process
- ✅ Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s get started.
🪑 What Is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 is part of the Nice Classification system — an international system used to group products and services into 45 different classes for trademark registration.
Class 20 covers furniture and non-metal household goods, including items made of wood, plastic, foam, and other materials.
🧾 Official Description:
“Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum, substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.”
In simpler terms, Class 20 includes furniture and decorative or functional household items that are not made of metal.
🛋️ Products Covered Under Trademark Class 20
Here is a categorized list of products that fall under Class 20:
1. Furniture
- Beds, sofas, tables, chairs
- Cupboards, wardrobes
- Bookcases, office desks
- Baby cribs, high chairs
2. Storage & Organizers
- Plastic drawers
- Wooden shelves
- Shoe racks
- Storage boxes (non-metal)
3. Home Decor (Non-metal)
- Mirrors and mirror frames
- Picture/photo frames
- Decorative wooden items
4. Kitchen and Dining Accessories
- Chopping boards (plastic/wood)
- Spice racks
- Non-metal towel holders
5. Plastic and Foam Products
- Bean bags
- Mattresses, pillows, cushions
- Molded plastic furniture
6. Signboards and Nameplates
- Non-metal shop boards
- Wooden or plastic nameplates
🔔 Note: If a product is made of metal, it might fall under Class 6 instead. Material matters.
🧠 Why Trademark Class 20 Matters for Furniture and Home Brands
In India’s booming furniture and lifestyle market — with rising competition from local, D2C, and international brands — your brand name is your most valuable asset.
✅ 1. Legal Protection
Once registered under Class 20, your brand is legally protected. Others cannot use a similar name, logo, or packaging in the same category.
✅ 2. Prevents Counterfeiting
Many counterfeit products use similar-sounding names or packaging. Trademark protection allows you to legally stop them.
✅ 3. Builds Customer Trust
A registered trademark builds credibility with your customers and distributors, especially on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Pepperfry, or Urban Ladder.
✅ 4. Helps with Licensing and Franchising
Want to franchise your furniture brand or license your designs? A registered trademark is often a prerequisite.
✅ 5. Easier to Defend in Court
If someone tries to copy your brand, you’ll have legal documents to win a court battle quickly and decisively.
🏢 Real-World Examples of Class 20 Trademarks
| Brand Name | Product Type | Trademark Status |
| Urban Ladder | Furniture & Decor | Registered |
| Sleepyhead | Mattresses & Cushions | Registered |
| Nilkamal | Plastic Furniture | Registered |
| Pepperfry | Home Goods Marketplace | Registered |
| Wakefit | Beds, Mattresses | Registered |
These companies protected their brand in Class 20 and built nationwide identities.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Trademark in Class 20
Registering your trademark is easier than it seems. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, visit the IP India Public Search Tool and:
- Enter your brand name
- Select Class 20
- Look for similar or identical names
If someone already owns a similar name in Class 20, you may face objection.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
You’ll need:
- Applicant’s identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
- Logo or wordmark (if applicable)
- Business address and contact details
- MSME/Udyam certificate (for fee rebate, if applicable)
- Date of first use (if already in use)
Step 3: File the Application
You can apply:
- Online through the IP India website
- Offline at a local trademark registry office
Use Form TM-A, which is applicable for new registrations.
Fees:
- ₹4,500 (individual/startup/MSME – physical filing)
- ₹9,000 (company – online filing)
Step 4: Examination and Objections
The Trademark Registry examines your application. If any conflict or objection arises:
- You’ll get a show cause notice
- You must reply with supporting documents
Step 5: Publication
If accepted, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal. If no opposition is raised within 4 months, your mark proceeds to registration.
Step 6: Registration Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive a Registration Certificate with a 10-year validity.
Renew it every 10 years to maintain protection.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Class 20
| Mistake | Why to Avoid |
| Not doing a proper search | Can lead to objections or rejection |
| Using a generic name like “Best Chair” | Hard to register and protect |
| Not mentioning correct class | Application may be invalid |
| Not submitting MSME/Udyam proof | Missed rebate on government fees |
| Ignoring objections | Can delay or cancel the registration |
👨⚖️ Class 20 vs. Similar Trademark Classes
| Class | Covers |
| Class 6 | Metal furniture, locks, fittings |
| Class 11 | Lighting and bathroom fixtures |
| Class 21 | Kitchenware and small utensils |
| Class 24 | Textile goods (bedsheets, curtains) |
| Class 35 | Online/offline furniture retail services |
Be sure to choose the right class — or multiple classes — if your product range overlaps.
🔐 How VMK Professionals Can Help You
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping furniture and home brands:
✅ Identify the right trademark class
✅ Conduct a comprehensive availability search
✅ Draft and file trademark applications
✅ Respond to objections and oppositions
✅ Monitor and renew trademarks
Whether you’re launching a new brand of sofas or a home décor line made from bamboo, we ensure your brand stays protected legally and financially.
📞 Contact Us Today
Secure your furniture brand in Class 20 today.
Your designs are valuable — don’t let someone else trademark your vision.
🧾 Conclusion
Trademark Class 20 is crucial for anyone selling furniture, plastic storage items, mirrors, or non-metal home accessories. In a competitive market like India, legal brand protection is the foundation of brand growth.
With the right trademark, you’re not just registering a name — you’re building a legacy.
If you’re ready to file your trademark in Class 20, let VMK Professionals take care of the process for you — efficiently and legally.