Step-by-Step Guide: Search for Interior Brand Trademarks in Class 20
In India’s growing home decor and interior design industry, protecting your brand name is just as crucial as creating elegant furniture and stylish spaces. Whether you’re a furniture manufacturer, a modular decor brand, or an interior design studio selling your own line of products — trademark registration under Class 20 helps you safeguard your creative identity.
But before you register, the first and most important step is a trademark search.
This guide walks you through a step-by-step process to conduct a proper trademark search for Class 20, with a focus on interior brands. We’ll also cover:
- ✅ What Trademark Class 20 includes
- ✅ Why a trademark search is essential
- ✅ How to use the IP India portal
- ✅ What to do if your name is already taken
- ✅ Legal tips and next steps
Let’s begin.
🪑 What Is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 is part of the international Nice Classification system. It covers a wide variety of furniture and household goods made from non-metallic materials such as wood, plastic, bamboo, rattan, and similar materials.
✔ Products Covered in Class 20:
- Wooden, plastic, and modular furniture
- Beds, chairs, tables, cabinets
- Mirrors and picture frames
- Mattresses, cushions, and pillows
- Non-metal fittings like knobs and curtain rods
- Modular kitchen units
- Garden and patio furniture
- Storage systems, wardrobes, drawers
- Office furniture, bean bags, ergonomic chairs
If your business deals in home or office furniture, interior goods, or modular designs, your trademark falls under Class 20.
🔍 Why Trademark Search Is Crucial Before Filing
Before applying for registration, it’s critical to conduct a Class 20 trademark search to check whether:
- Your brand name or logo is already registered.
- There are similar names or phonetic similarities.
- You’re filing under the correct class.
- You can avoid legal disputes or rejection from the Trademark Registry.
⚠ Filing a trademark without a prior search is like building a house without checking if the land is already owned by someone else.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Conduct Trademark Search for Class 20
You can search trademarks online for free using the IP India Public Search Portal.
Here’s how:
✅ Step 1: Visit the Trademark Public Search Website
Go to the official trademark public search page:
🔗 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
This is the government-approved portal to search existing trademarks filed in India.
✅ Step 2: Choose the Search Type
You’ll see three options:
- Wordmark
- Vienna Code
- Phonetic
For brand names, select “Wordmark” to begin.
✅ Step 3: Enter Your Brand Name in the Search Box
In the “Search Text” field, enter the brand name you plan to use. If you’re still deciding on a name, you can search several versions or variations.
Tips:
- Try singular and plural forms.
- Try different spellings.
- Remove spaces and search again (e.g., “HomeStyle” and “Home Style”).
✅ Step 4: Enter the Class Number
In the “Class” field, type 20, as your product belongs to Trademark Class 20.
✅ Step 5: Perform the Search
Click on “Search” to generate results. The system will display a list of:
- Existing trademarks that match or closely resemble your keyword
- Trademark status (registered, objected, abandoned, etc.)
- Applicant names
- Application numbers and dates
🔎 How to Analyze the Search Results
Here’s how to read the results properly:
| Field | What It Means |
| TM Number | Unique ID of each application |
| Proprietor | Name of the trademark owner |
| Application Date | When it was filed |
| Status | Shows if the trademark is “Registered”, “Objected”, “Opposed”, or “Abandoned” |
| Wordmark | The brand name filed for registration |
| Class | Should be 20 for furniture and interior goods |
🧠 What If You Find a Similar Name?
If the name you want is already taken or too similar to an existing brand, here are your options:
1. Modify Your Brand Name
Slightly alter your name to make it unique while keeping brand identity intact.
E.g., if “ModuHome” exists, try “Moduhive” or “Modulyne”.
2. File for a Logo-Based Trademark (Device Mark)
If your brand name is similar but your logo or visual identity is unique, you can file a logo trademark, especially for product packaging and marketing.
3. Check Trademark Status
Sometimes a name may appear but its trademark status is:
- “Abandoned” – no longer valid
- “Refused” – was rejected by the registry
- “Withdrawn” – application was cancelled
In such cases, you might still be able to file for that name with strong legal support.
🧾 Understanding Trademark Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
| Registered | Officially granted. You cannot use this name. |
| Objected | Examiner raised an issue; pending resolution. |
| Opposed | Someone filed opposition against the application. |
| Abandoned | Applicant failed to respond or continue. |
| Withdrawn | Applicant voluntarily cancelled the application. |
| Refused | Trademark was rejected. |
| Accepted & Advertised | Under public notice before final approval. |
🧑🎓 Tips for Interior Brands Choosing a Trademark
To avoid conflict during your trademark search:
✔ Choose a Unique, Invented Word
Names like “Furnitica”, “Moduvox”, or “Houseline” are more likely to succeed than generic names like “Furniture India”.
✔ Avoid Descriptive Names
Avoid terms like “Modular Chairs”, “Home Decor”, or “Plastic Storage” as they are too generic and may not be granted trademark protection.
✔ Search in Other Relevant Classes
If your interior brand also deals in:
- Metal parts → search Class 6
- Lighting → search Class 11
- Textiles (curtains, bed covers) → search Class 24
- Retail services → search Class 35
You may need multi-class protection.
📋 Next Steps After Search
1. If the Name is Available
Great! You can proceed to:
- Finalize your brand name/logo
- Prepare documents
- File Form TM-A online under Class 20
2. If There’s a Conflict
- Modify your name
- Consult a trademark expert
- Try registering a visual logo
- Consider using a legal notice if your rights are affected
🧾 Documents Needed for Trademark Registration (Class 20)
- Brand name/logo
- Applicant’s name and address
- Nature of applicant (individual, MSME, company)
- MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate (for lower fees)
- Power of attorney (Form TM-48)
- Date of first use (if already in market)
💸 Government Trademark Fees
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (Per Class) |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP | ₹9,000 |
📞 Need Help With Class 20 Trademark?
Trademark search can look simple, but legal interpretation is key to success. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek help from professionals.
✅ VMK Professionals Offers:
- Expert trademark search reports
- Class 20 product description drafting
- Trademark filing & objection handling
- Logo protection and multi-class strategy
👇 Final Thoughts
A trademark search under Class 20 is the first and most vital step for any furniture, modular, or interior brand in India. It helps you:
- Avoid brand duplication
- Protect your design and identity
- Position your business for long-term success
Whether you’re just starting your interior brand or launching a new furniture line — don’t skip this critical step. A smart search today saves you years of legal trouble and brand confusion later.
🔐 Secure Your Interior Brand With VMK Professionals
Want a clean, professional, and legally sound trademark registration under Class 20? Let VMK Professionals take care of the process from start to finish.