Trademark Class 20 and 6 Explained: Choose the Right One for Home Goods
When starting a home product business in India, one of the first and most important steps is to protect your brand identity through trademark registration. However, navigating the right trademark class for your product line can be confusing—especially when it comes to furniture, fittings, and home decor items that might fall into either Trademark Class 20 or Trademark Class 6.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key differences between Trademark Class 20 and Class 6, help you understand which products fall under each category, and guide you on choosing the correct class to avoid legal and commercial complications later.
Understanding the Trademark Classification System in India
India follows the Nice Classification (NCL) system, an international trademark classification used by more than 150 countries. It divides goods and services into 45 different classes:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods
- Classes 35–45 cover services
Trademark classification is essential because your trademark rights apply only to the specific class(es) under which you register. Choosing the wrong class could leave your brand unprotected in your actual market niche.
What Is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 primarily covers furniture and household articles not made of metal. This includes a wide variety of products used for interior design, home decor, and organization.
✅ Key Products Covered Under Class 20:
- Wooden, plastic, and rattan furniture (beds, sofas, chairs, tables)
- Modular furniture and parts
- Cushions, pillows, mattresses
- Mirrors, picture frames
- Storage cabinets, drawers, and shelves made of non-metal
- Curtain rods and fittings (non-metallic)
- Non-metal locks and fittings for furniture
- Office furniture, ergonomic chairs, plastic desks
- Modular kitchen units and plastic wardrobes
- Pet furniture, baby cribs, and bassinets
If your home product line focuses on interior furnishings, storage, or furniture made from non-metallic materials, Class 20 is the correct class for trademark registration.
What Is Trademark Class 6?
Trademark Class 6 deals with common metals and their products. This includes metal furniture, fittings, and construction materials used in homes and commercial spaces.
✅ Key Products Covered Under Class 6:
- Metal furniture (e.g., steel chairs, iron tables)
- Doors, window frames, and shutters made of metal
- Metal hinges, fittings, and locks
- Modular frames, railings, and metal kitchen accessories
- Iron safes, strongboxes
- Metallic storage units, filing cabinets
- Ladders and shelves made of metal
- Hardware parts for modular installations
- Metal hardware for beds, racks, and installations
If your brand deals with home improvement products, fittings, or furniture with metal as the primary material, Class 6 is likely the appropriate classification.
Key Differences Between Trademark Class 20 and Class 6
| Feature | Class 20 | Class 6 |
| Material Focus | Non-metallic (wood, plastic, bamboo, rattan, etc.) | Metallic (steel, aluminum, iron, etc.) |
| Common Products | Furniture, cushions, storage, mirrors | Metal doors, windows, fittings, safes |
| Usage in Homes | Interior decor, modular storage, living room items | Structural and security items, metal furniture |
| Industry Focus | Furniture, lifestyle, modular decor | Hardware, construction, fixtures |
This distinction is important when filing for a trademark, as you want to ensure your product is fully protected within its correct classification. Filing under the wrong class can result in rejection or limited protection.
Real-Life Examples
✅ Example 1: Plastic Chairs vs. Metal Chairs
- Plastic Chair Brand → Class 20
- Steel Chair Brand → Class 6
✅ Example 2: Wooden Modular Kitchen vs. Stainless Steel Kitchen
- Modular kitchen with wood/PVC → Class 20
- Stainless steel kitchen shelves and fixtures → Class 6
✅ Example 3: Wardrobe Manufacturer
- Plastic or wooden wardrobes → Class 20
- Metallic wardrobes or lockers → Class 6
These examples clearly highlight how material composition plays a vital role in trademark classification.
Why Choosing the Right Class Matters for Your Brand
Here’s why it’s crucial to classify your product correctly:
✅ Legal Protection
If someone copies your product name or logo and you’ve filed under the wrong class, you might not have legal grounds to stop them.
✅ Rejection Risk
The Trademark Registry may reject your application if the class doesn’t match your product category.
✅ Brand Positioning
Correct classification ensures your brand is visible and categorized accurately in trademark databases and industry searches.
✅ Avoid Future Expenses
Misclassification might lead you to re-file your application, causing delays, legal fees, and additional costs.
Can a Brand Register Under Both Class 20 and Class 6?
Yes! Many home product brands use mixed materials (e.g., wood and metal combinations). In such cases, filing under multiple classes is not only allowed but recommended.
For example:
- A brand selling modular storage units made of plastic and metal can file under both Class 20 and Class 6 to cover the full scope.
This is called a multi-class application, and it helps safeguard your brand identity across all product categories your business operates in.
How to Determine the Correct Class for Your Product
Here’s a step-by-step method to help you decide:
Step 1: Identify the Primary Material
If your product is majorly made from plastic, wood, rattan, or other non-metals, you’re leaning towards Class 20.
If it’s metal, you likely fall under Class 6.
Step 2: Understand Its Use
Is it interior furniture or home fittings like door handles or frames? The latter often belong to Class 6.
Step 3: Search Similar Trademarks
Use the IP India Public Search tool to check under both classes and see where similar businesses have registered their marks.
Step 4: Consult a Professional
Trademark consultants and agencies (like VMK Professionals) can analyze your product and help with class selection.
Can One Product Be Covered in Multiple Classes?
Yes, especially if:
- Your product uses mixed materials
- You manufacture both metallic and non-metallic versions
- Your product serves multiple functions (e.g., a smart table with electronic fittings)
In such cases, it’s best to file for trademark protection in both Class 20 and Class 6, and even others like Class 9 (for electronics) if applicable.
Documents Required for Trademark Filing in India
Once you’ve chosen your class, here are the basic documents required:
- Applicant’s Name, Address & Identity Proof
- Logo or Wordmark
- Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
- Description of Goods
- Certificate of Business Incorporation (if any)
- Signed TM-A form
Trademark Filing Process Overview
- Search for Existing Trademarks under Class 20 and Class 6.
- Prepare your documents and details.
- File online via the IP India portal using Form TM-A.
- Pay government fees (₹4,500 for individuals, ₹9,000 for companies).
- Wait for examination, publication, and registration.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Class to Build a Strong Brand
To summarize:
- Class 20 = Furniture and home goods made from non-metallic materials
- Class 6 = Metal furniture, fittings, and structural home parts
- Filing under the wrong class weakens your brand protection
- When in doubt, consider multi-class registration
- Always consult a trademark expert to avoid costly mistakes
Choosing the right trademark class is a critical step in protecting your home product brand. Whether you’re manufacturing wooden furniture, plastic storage units, or metallic doors and cabinets, knowing where your product fits ensures that your brand stays legally secure.
Need Help With Trademark Registration?
VMK Professionals is your trusted partner for Trademark Registration, Legal Compliance, and IP Protection in India. We specialize in helping startups, manufacturers, and product-based businesses choose the right class and file their trademark without hassle.
👉 Contact us today to safeguard your brand with the correct Trademark Class and avoid legal issues later.