Choosing the Right Class: When Your Business Should Use Trademark Class 17 in India
When building a brand in India, one of the most crucial steps is registering a trademark. However, choosing the right trademark class can be confusing, especially with over 45 classes under the Nice Classification system. If your business deals with rubber, plastic goods, insulation, or flexible pipes, then Trademark Class 17 might be the right choice for you.
But how do you confirm that Class 17 is the correct category for your product or service? This detailed guide will help you understand what Class 17 covers, who should use it, how to verify if it fits your business, and what to do next if it does.
🔍 What Is Trademark Class 17?
Trademark Class 17 is one of the 45 classes established by the Nice Classification system, which is followed by the Indian Trademark Registry. Each class defines specific categories of goods and services.
✅ Class 17 Covers:
“Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.”
In simpler terms, Class 17 includes products made from rubber and plastic, particularly those used for industrial, construction, insulation, and manufacturing purposes.
🧾 Common Products Listed Under Class 17
If your business makes or sells any of the following, you’re likely operating in Class 17:
| Product Type | Examples |
| Rubber Goods | Rubber sheets, rubber tubes, rubber seals |
| Plastic Products (in raw or extruded form) | Plastic sheets, plastic rods for industrial use |
| Insulation Materials | Thermal insulation, soundproofing foam, electric cable insulation |
| Non-metal Pipes and Hoses | Flexible hoses, plastic tubing |
| Packing and Sealing | Rubber gaskets, O-rings, sealing tape |
| Protective Barriers | Shock-absorbing rubber, anti-vibration pads |
🏭 Which Businesses Should Consider Trademark Class 17?
Class 17 is relevant for businesses operating in:
- Rubber manufacturing
- Plastic component suppliers
- Industrial insulation firms
- Pipe and tubing manufacturers
- Automotive part producers (rubber/plastic-based)
- Construction and engineering supplies
- Electrical insulation and safety product makers
- Packaging industries using industrial rubber or foam
If your products are made using rubber, plastic, mica, or other similar non-metal materials, Class 17 is most likely appropriate for your trademark registration.
✅ How to Know If Class 17 Is Right for You: A Step-by-Step Evaluation
Let’s break it down into simple steps.
🔹 Step 1: Analyze Your Core Product Materials
Ask yourself:
- Are your products made from rubber, plastic, asbestos, or mica?
- Do you supply non-metallic hoses, pipes, or seals?
- Are your items used for insulation, sealing, or industrial applications?
👉 If yes, you’re likely aligned with Class 17.
🔹 Step 2: Determine Product Usage
Check the purpose of your product:
- Is it used in manufacturing, construction, automotive, or electrical industries?
- Is your product’s main function to insulate, seal, or protect?
- Is it a raw material or semi-finished product?
These uses fall directly under Class 17 as per Indian trademark guidelines.
🔹 Step 3: Refer to the WIPO and IP India Product List
Visit:
- https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice
- https://ipindia.gov.in
Both provide searchable databases of products listed under each trademark class.
Look up your product by keyword and see if it is associated with Class 17.
🔹 Step 4: Check Similar Trademark Applications
To validate further, search for existing trademarks in Class 17 using:
🔗 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch
- Search a competitor’s product name or brand
- Set Class as 17
- Review how similar items are categorized
If brands in your niche are listed in Class 17, you should likely do the same.
🚫 What Class 17 Does Not Cover
Sometimes, people assume all plastic or rubber-related products fall into Class 17. That’s not always true.
Here’s what Class 17 excludes:
| Product | Actual Class |
| Plastic bags for household use | Class 16 or Class 21 |
| Rubber toys | Class 28 |
| Plastic packaging for food | Class 16 or Class 20 |
| Rubber soles for footwear | Class 25 |
| Rubber or plastic furniture | Class 20 |
Always check the purpose and end-use of your product. If it’s for industrial, manufacturing, or insulation, it’s probably Class 17. If it’s for consumer use, it may belong elsewhere.
📋 Example Scenarios: Is Class 17 Right?
Let’s look at some practical business examples.
1. Rubber Sheet Manufacturer
✅ Class 17
Used for insulation, sealing, or shock absorption.
2. Plastic Packaging for Electronics
✅ Class 17
Packaging for industrial use is covered.
3. Rubber Balls for Kids’ Toys
❌ Not Class 17
Class 28 is more appropriate.
4. Flexible Plastic Hoses for Gardening
✅ Class 17
Hoses not made of metal fit here.
5. Plastic Pipes for Plumbing
✅ Class 17
If non-metallic, they fall in this class.
⚖️ Why Choosing the Correct Class Matters
Registering your trademark under the wrong class can lead to:
- Rejection of your application
- Legal issues if another business registers under the correct class
- No brand protection in your actual industry
- Extra costs for reapplication
That’s why it’s vital to ensure Class 17 truly fits your business before moving ahead.
🧑💼 Should You Register in Multiple Classes?
If your business makes multiple types of goods, you may need multi-class trademark registration.
Example:
You manufacture:
- Rubber sheets for insulation (Class 17)
- Packaging films for food (Class 16)
- Floor mats for vehicles (Class 27)
➡️ You must file one application with multiple classes or separate applications for each class.
This gives you complete brand protection across product types.
🛠️ Steps to Register Your Trademark in Class 17
If you’re confident that Class 17 is the right choice, here’s what to do next:
1. Trademark Search
Use the IP India portal to ensure your desired brand name/logo isn’t already taken in Class 17.
2. Trademark Application Filing
File Form TM-A online via the IP India website. Select Class 17 in the goods description.
3. Examination and Publication
Wait for the examiner’s report. If accepted, your mark will be published in the Trademark Journal.
4. Opposition Period
If no one opposes the trademark within 4 months, it proceeds to registration.
5. Trademark Registration Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
🧠 Expert Tip: Let Professionals Help
If you’re unsure about choosing the right trademark class or filing strategy, it’s smart to consult a trademark expert.
💼 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Trademark Class 17 Registration?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping industrial and manufacturing businesses register their trademarks in Class 17 and beyond.
✅ Accurate Class Selection
✅ Comprehensive Trademark Search
✅ Drafting & Filing Support
✅ Objection/Reply Handling
✅ End-to-End Legal Assistance
Whether you’re a startup or a large-scale manufacturer, we’ll help protect your brand the right way.
📞 Contact VMK Professionals
Ready to secure your brand name in Class 17?
📍 VMK Professionals – Trusted Trademark Experts in India
✅ Final Thoughts
Trademark Class 17 is crucial for businesses involved in rubber, plastic, insulation, and non-metallic pipe products. If your core materials or product applications match the criteria, Class 17 is likely the right category for you.
Don’t risk applying under the wrong class. Use the tools and guidance in this blog to:
- Understand your product’s classification
- Verify similar trademarks
- File your application with confidence
Still unsure? Let the team at VMK Professionals handle everything—from research to registration—so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.