How a Small Tool Brand Protected Its Products Using a Class 8 Trademark
In the highly competitive world of manufacturing, even small tool companies face the threat of brand imitation. What often starts as a single innovative product can quickly become a target for copycats who exploit brand goodwill without contributing to its growth. One small tool company in India decided to take control — not through expensive legal battles, but by securing their brand with a Class 8 trademark. This decision not only protected their business but also helped it thrive amidst competition.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Class 8 trademark registration served as a game-changer for a small business, what steps were involved in the process, and why it’s crucial for every hand tool or cutlery brand to consider trademarking their products under Class 8.
Understanding Trademark Class 8
Before diving into the case, let’s understand what Trademark Class 8 covers. In India, trademark registration is categorized into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification system. Class 8 pertains to:
- Hand tools and implements (manually operated)
- Cutlery
- Side arms (except firearms)
- Razors
If your business deals in items such as screwdrivers, spanners, knives, scissors, kitchen tools, or similar hand-operated equipment, Class 8 is the right category for your trademark registration.
The Challenge Faced by the Tool Company
Let’s take a hypothetical example of a company named “SteelPro Tools”, a small family-run business based in Ludhiana, Punjab. SteelPro had built a strong local reputation for high-quality hand tools, especially wrenches and pliers used by local mechanics and small industries.
Over time, they noticed that local markets had started selling lookalike products with the same color scheme, packaging, and even similar brand names like “StealPro” or “SteePro.” Customers were confused, and their sales began to drop due to brand dilution and loss of trust.
They realized that their brand identity, which they had spent years nurturing, was being exploited by competitors. It was time to act.
Step-by-Step Journey to Trademark Registration
1. Trademark Search for Availability
The first step SteelPro took was to check if their brand name was already registered. They used the IP India Public Search Tool to ensure “SteelPro Tools” was unique under Class 8.
This helped them avoid rejection due to name similarity and guided them to tweak their branding slightly to ensure approval.
2. Selecting the Right Trademark Class
Since their products were all hand tools, registering under Trademark Class 8 was the right choice. Misclassification is a common mistake, and choosing the wrong class can invalidate trademark protection.
3. Document Preparation
The documents SteelPro gathered included:
- Brand name and logo (if applicable)
- Business proof (like GST certificate)
- Applicant details
- Power of attorney (if using a trademark agent)
- Authorization letter
4. Filing the Application
They filed the application online via the IP India e-filing portal, choosing the Form TM-A, which is meant for new trademark applications.
5. Payment of Fees
The filing fee was:
- ₹4,500 for individuals or startups
- ₹9,000 for companies (which applied in SteelPro’s case)
They opted for the company route and paid ₹9,000 for a single class.
6. Examination & Objection Handling
After submission, the trademark application went into examination. The examiner raised a minor objection due to similarity in color palette with an existing brand. SteelPro responded with a detailed explanation and evidence of distinctiveness.
7. Advertisement in the Trademark Journal
Once accepted, the trademark was published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition. Fortunately, no one opposed the mark, and it smoothly progressed to registration.
8. Trademark Certificate
Finally, SteelPro received their Trademark Registration Certificate, giving them exclusive rights to use the brand name under Class 8.
How the Trademark Helped Stop Copycats
Once registered, SteelPro used their trademark in the following ways:
- Cease and desist notices were sent to businesses using deceptively similar names or packaging.
- They added the ® symbol on their products, packaging, website, and promotional materials, building trust and deterrence.
- Market sellers and distributors were warned about selling imitation goods, backed with legal proof of trademark ownership.
This effectively eliminated knockoffs in their region and strengthened their brand credibility in the market.
Why Trademark Class 8 is a Must for Tool Businesses
Here are the reasons why a trademark under Class 8 can be your best defense in the market:
✅ Exclusive Rights
You gain legal ownership over your brand name and logo in the specified class.
✅ Brand Protection
It prevents others from copying, misusing, or registering similar names under the same class.
✅ Customer Trust
A registered trademark boosts your brand’s authenticity, especially if you’re trying to reach national or international customers.
✅ Business Expansion
You can license your brand, create partnerships, and even sell the trademark as a business asset.
✅ Legal Advantage
In case of disputes, you have strong legal backing to file complaints and claim damages.
Mistakes to Avoid During Trademark Registration
- Skipping the Trademark Search
- Always check existing records before filing to avoid name conflicts.
- Choosing the Wrong Class
- Class 8 is for hand tools and cutlery. Filing under the wrong class means no protection for your products.
- Not Responding to Objections
- If you ignore an objection, the application will be abandoned.
- Incorrect Documentation
- Always ensure your identity and ownership documents are in order.
- Assuming Automatic Protection
- A logo or name is not protected unless it’s formally registered.
Class 8 Trademark Examples
To better understand, here are some tools and products that fall under Class 8:
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Hammers
- Wrenches
- Saws (hand-operated)
- Kitchen knives
- Cutlery sets
- Scissors
- Razors
- Non-electric hair clippers
If your brand falls into any of these categories, registering under Class 8 is essential.
Conclusion
The case of SteelPro Tools proves that you don’t need to be a giant corporation to protect your brand. With the right legal tools — like a Class 8 trademark — even a small business can stop imitators, grow their brand, and win customer trust.
If you’re in the business of manufacturing hand tools, kitchen tools, or cutlery, it’s time to protect your identity before someone else exploits it.
Need Help with Trademark Registration?
VMK Professionals is your trusted partner for trademark registration across India. With expert legal advisors and a streamlined process, we help businesses secure their intellectual property quickly and affordably.
Whether you’re registering for the first time or need help with objections, oppositions, or renewals — we’ve got you covered.
