In the world of interior design and home décor, floor coverings are more than just functional items — they define the aesthetic and comfort of a space. Whether it’s a luxurious carpet, elegant rug, or stylish vinyl flooring, brands in this industry rely on distinct patterns, textures, and quality to stand out. But what happens when another company tries to copy your designs or use a similar name?
That’s where Trademark Class 27 comes in.
If you manufacture, sell, or design carpets, rugs, mats, or wall hangings, this class is the one you should register under. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Trademark Class 27 — from what it covers and why it matters to how you can register your brand and protect your business from infringement.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Before diving into Class 27, it’s important to understand what a trademark class is.
Trademarks are categorized into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification System — an international standard used to organize products and services. Each class represents a specific type of product or service.
Classes 1–34 cover goods, while classes 35–45 cover services.
When you apply for a trademark, you must select the correct class that aligns with your products or services. Choosing the wrong one can lead to rejection or make your trademark unenforceable in the future.
What Is Trademark Class 27?
Trademark Class 27 specifically covers floor coverings and non-textile wall hangings. In simpler terms, this class includes items that are used to cover, decorate, or protect floors and walls, often made from materials like fabric, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic fibers.
If your business creates or sells products that are laid on floors or hung on walls for decoration or protection, Class 27 is your ideal trademark category.
Products Covered Under Trademark Class 27
Here’s a detailed list of products that fall under Class 27 according to the Nice Classification:
- Carpets and rugs
- Mats and matting
- Floor coverings (vinyl, rubber, or fabric-based)
- Artificial turf and grass carpets
- Wall hangings (non-textile)
- Linoleum and floor tiles (not made of stone or ceramic)
- Bath mats and door mats
- Carpeting for vehicles
- Gym mats and yoga mats
- Carpet underlays and padding
- Tatami mats (Japanese straw mats)
- Decorative wall coverings (non-textile materials)
Essentially, if your product covers a surface — whether it’s a floor or wall — and it’s not made of textile fabrics, it likely belongs in Trademark Class 27.
What’s Not Covered Under Class 27
Knowing what’s excluded is just as important. The following items are not covered under Class 27:
🚫 Textile wall hangings or curtains – These belong to Class 24.
🚫 Floor tiles made from stone, ceramic, or metal – These belong to Class 19.
🚫 Floor coverings made from paper – These belong to Class 16.
If your business sells multiple product types (for example, both rugs and fabric curtains), you’ll need to register in multiple classes — Class 27 for rugs and Class 24 for curtains.
Why Register Your Trademark Under Class 27?
In the floor covering industry, brand identity is everything. Customers often associate your designs, color palette, and logo with your brand’s reputation for quality and comfort. Registering your trademark ensures that your identity remains protected.
Here’s why Trademark Class 27 registration is crucial:
1. Legal Protection Against Copycats
Once registered, your trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name and logo in connection with Class 27 goods. You can take legal action against anyone attempting to sell similar carpets or rugs under a confusingly similar mark.
2. Builds Trust and Brand Recognition
A registered trademark enhances your brand’s credibility and helps customers trust that they’re buying genuine, high-quality products from your company.
3. Essential for E-Commerce Platforms
If you plan to sell carpets or rugs online through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or IndiaMART, trademark registration is often a mandatory requirement for brand listing.
4. Easier Expansion Into New Markets
With a registered trademark, you can expand your brand nationally or internationally. You can also register your mark abroad through the Madrid Protocol using your Indian registration as the base.
5. Long-Term Brand Asset
Your trademark becomes a valuable intangible asset that grows in value as your brand reputation increases. It can even be licensed or franchised to other dealers or retailers.
Examples of Leading Brands Using Class 27 Trademarks
To better understand how powerful a Class 27 trademark can be, let’s look at some global brands that have successfully used it.
1. Shaw Floors
Shaw Floors, a leading American flooring company, has registered multiple trademarks under Class 27 for its carpets, rugs, and vinyl floor products. This protection ensures no competitor can use similar branding or names in the flooring segment.
2. Jaipur Rugs
An Indian luxury rug brand, Jaipur Rugs uses trademark protection under Class 27 to secure its handcrafted rug collections globally. Their distinctive brand logo and name are protected to prevent imitation.
3. Interface Inc.
Interface Inc., known for modular carpet tiles, holds trademarks under Class 27 worldwide. Their innovative and sustainable flooring solutions are protected from counterfeiting and misuse.
4. 3M’s Floor Matting Solutions
3M has registered its floor matting and anti-slip mat products under Class 27. This ensures their industrial and commercial flooring solutions remain distinct from competitors.
How to Register a Trademark Under Class 27 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Registering a trademark in India is a simple but structured process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Visit the official IP India portal and perform a Class 27 search to check if your desired name or logo is already taken. Avoid using similar marks to reduce the risk of objection.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Class and Goods
Ensure your product descriptions clearly fall under Class 27. You can add related terms such as “rugs, mats, carpets, vinyl floor coverings, and non-textile wall hangings” for broader protection.
Step 3: File Your Application
Submit Form TM-A online at ipindia.gov.in. You’ll need details such as your business name, address, logo, and goods list. You can file as:
- An individual
- A company
- A partnership or LLP
Step 4: Examination and Objection
The Trademark Office will review your application. If there are no conflicts, it will be accepted. If objections arise, you’ll need to submit clarifications or attend a hearing.
Step 5: Publication in the Journal
Once accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition. If no one objects within 4 months, it moves to final registration.
Step 6: Receive Your Trademark Certificate
After approval, you’ll receive a Registration Certificate — giving you legal ownership of the mark for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Tips for Floor Covering Brands
If you’re a growing or startup brand in the flooring industry, here are some smart tips:
- Register your logo, brand name, and tagline separately for stronger protection.
- If you manufacture under a parent company, register in both company and brand names.
- Consider filing in multiple classes if you also make home décor products (like cushions or curtains).
- Monitor the Trademark Journal regularly to identify infringing brands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many brands lose trademark rights due to simple errors. Avoid these pitfalls:
🚫 Filing under the wrong class (like Class 24 or 19).
🚫 Using a descriptive name like “Luxury Rugs” that lacks distinctiveness.
🚫 Not renewing your trademark after 10 years.
🚫 Ignoring opposition notices or infringement cases.
How Long Does a Trademark Last?
In India, a registered trademark remains valid for 10 years from the date of application. You can renew it every 10 years indefinitely, ensuring lifetime protection for your brand name and logo.
The Future of Floor Covering Brands and Trademarks
The global flooring market is growing fast, especially with innovations like eco-friendly carpets, vinyl planks, and modular flooring systems. As designs evolve, brand differentiation will be key to success — and that means trademarks will become even more important.
Class 27 trademarks not only safeguard your creative patterns but also protect your reputation as a trusted flooring brand.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 27 plays a crucial role in protecting brands that deal in floor coverings, rugs, mats, and non-textile wall hangings. Whether you’re a luxury carpet manufacturer or a startup offering eco-friendly flooring, registering your brand under Class 27 ensures that your identity remains safe from imitation and misuse.
A trademark doesn’t just give you legal rights — it gives you confidence, credibility, and a foundation for future growth.
Protect Your Flooring Brand With VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we help businesses across India register and protect their trademarks under the correct class. Whether it’s Class 27 for floor coverings or any other product category, our expert team ensures your application is accurate, compliant, and strategically designed for long-term protection.
📞 Contact VMK Professionals today to protect your flooring brand and build a strong identity that lasts a lifetime.