How to File a Trademark for Storage and Organizer Products in Class 20
In India’s booming home improvement and lifestyle market, storage and organization products have become an essential category. From plastic storage bins and modular drawers to stylish wooden cabinets and under-bed organizers, customers are constantly seeking smart and space-saving solutions.
If you are a brand that designs, manufactures, or sells storage and organization products, it’s crucial to protect your brand identity with a registered trademark under Class 20.
In this detailed blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about:
- What Class 20 covers
- The relevance of Class 20 for storage brands
- The benefits of trademark registration
- Step-by-step process of filing
- Required documents and fees
- Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s get started.
📦 What Is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 is part of the Nice Classification system and includes furniture and household items made primarily of non-metallic materials. It’s the standard class for most storage and organization products unless those products are made entirely of metal.
🔍 Products Covered Under Class 20 (Relevant to Storage and Organization)
Here are examples of products that fall under Class 20:
- Plastic storage containers
- Modular storage drawers and cabinets
- Wardrobes and shoe racks (non-metal)
- Wooden or plastic shelving units
- Under-bed storage units
- Kitchen and pantry organizers
- Wall-mounted storage units
- Bookshelves and file storage systems
- Laundry baskets and bins
- Baby storage organizers
- Bathroom vanity organizers
- Office desk organizers
💡 Note: If your product is made mostly of metal, you may also need to register under Class 6.
🔒 Why You Need a Trademark for Storage and Organization Products
If you’re selling physical goods under a brand name, trademark registration is not optional—it’s essential. It protects your brand from being copied, misused, or hijacked by competitors.
✔ Benefits of Trademark Registration in Class 20
- Legal Ownership
You gain exclusive rights to use your brand name/logo for the listed goods under Class 20. - Market Differentiation
Helps distinguish your product from hundreds of generic storage brands. - Protection from Copycats
Trademark gives you the legal power to stop other businesses from using similar names. - Builds Trust and Brand Value
Customers are more likely to trust a registered brand with legal backing. - Required for E-Commerce and Amazon Brand Registry
Leading platforms demand trademark proof for brand protection and enhanced listings.
📑 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Filing for Class 20
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, use the IP India Public Search tool to check if:
- Your desired brand name is available.
- There are similar or phonetically confusing trademarks in Class 20.
- The status of similar trademarks is abandoned, objected, or registered.
❗ Important: Avoid names already registered or too similar, as they may be rejected or legally challenged.
Step 2: Identify the Right Class (or Multiple Classes)
If your storage products are made of wood, plastic, or any non-metallic material, Class 20 is perfect. But if you also manufacture metal racks or shelves, consider multi-class filing with Class 6 as well.
| Product Material | Trademark Class |
| Plastic or Wood | Class 20 |
| Metal | Class 6 |
| Mixed Materials | Class 20 + Class 6 |
Step 3: Draft a Product Description
A clear product description helps the trademark registry understand what you’re protecting.
Example:
“Plastic storage bins, modular wardrobes, under-bed organizers, and non-metallic drawers included in Class 20.”
✅ Be specific and detailed for stronger protection.
Step 4: Choose Wordmark, Logo, or Both
You can register:
- A wordmark (brand name only, like “Storify”)
- A device mark (logo with or without text)
- Or both (recommended)
Step 5: Prepare Required Documents
To file a trademark application, you’ll need:
| Document | Purpose |
| Applicant’s Name and Address | Legal identity |
| Trademark name or logo | What you want to protect |
| Description of goods | Must specify “storage and organization products under Class 20” |
| Date of first use in India | If the product is already in the market |
| MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate | To avail discounted government fee |
| Form TM-48 | Power of Attorney (if filing via agent) |
Step 6: File Trademark Form TM-A
Go to the IP India online filing portal and fill out Form TM-A.
You can also file offline at a nearby Trademark Registry Office.
Step 7: Pay the Government Fee
| Applicant Type | Trademark Fee per Class |
| Individual / MSME / Startup | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Others | ₹9,000 |
If filing under multiple classes (e.g., Class 20 + Class 6), you must pay for each class separately.
Step 8: Acknowledge and Use ™ Symbol
Once your application is submitted and acknowledged, you’ll receive a TM number. You can now legally use the ™ symbol with your brand name.
Step 9: Wait for Examination & Journal Publication
The application goes through:
- Examination by a Trademark Officer
- Possible objection if similar marks exist
- Publication in the Trademark Journal (for public review)
If no one opposes within 4 months, your mark will be registered and you can start using the ® symbol.
🧠 Examples of Storage Brands That Fall Under Class 20
Here are real-world or potential brands offering storage solutions under Class 20:
| Brand Name | Product Type |
| Nilkamal | Plastic cabinets, drawers |
| IKEA | Modular storage units, bookshelves |
| Godrej Interio | Wardrobes, plastic storage |
| Neelkamal Plastics | Organizers, bins |
| Clutter-Free | Lifestyle storage brand |
Even if you’re running a new or niche D2C storage brand, trademark registration is critical for long-term protection.
💥 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Class 20 Trademarks
| Mistake | Risk |
| Filing under wrong class | Leads to rejection or inadequate protection |
| Using generic brand names (e.g., “Storage King”) | May be rejected due to lack of distinctiveness |
| Skipping the trademark search | Increases risk of legal conflict |
| Only registering logo | If someone copies your name in text format, you’re unprotected |
| Delayed objection response | May result in trademark abandonment |
⏳ How Long Does the Process Take?
| Stage | Duration |
| Filing to Examination | 1–3 months |
| Objection reply (if any) | 30 days |
| Journal publication | 4 months |
| Final registration | 6–12 months (if no opposition) |
Once approved, the trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
🔁 Trademark Renewal
- Renewal due every 10 years
- Government fee: ₹9,000 per class
- File the renewal within 6 months before expiry to avoid penalty
🤝 Get Expert Help from VMK Professionals
Trademark filing can seem simple but involves legal nuances. At VMK Professionals, we help you:
- Conduct a detailed trademark search
- Identify the right class or multi-class need
- Draft strong product descriptions
- Handle objections or opposition professionally
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re building a brand around home organization, office storage, or modular furniture, protecting your brand with a Class 20 trademark is a smart investment.
Don’t let copycats dilute your brand. Get your name, logo, and product line legally protected today.