When securing a trademark, picking the correct class is vital. In India, Class 15 covers musical instruments and their accessories. But what if your business also involves related products like electronic sound systems or sheet music? That’s when knowing the differences between Class 15 and adjacent trademark classes becomes essential. In this guide, we clarify how Class 15 compares with Classes 9, 16, 25, and 35—so you can register your brand accurately and maximize protection.
📖 Quick Overview of Trademark Classes
Here’s a snapshot of the classes we’ll compare:
- Class 15 – Musical instruments and accessories
- Class 9 – Electronic devices, incl. sound equipment
- Class 16 – Paper products, sheet music
- Class 25 – Clothing and apparel
- Class 35 – Retail and online sales services
Each class covers distinct goods or services, and choosing correctly ensures your trademark works as intended—without invalidation or unnecessary scope.
🎵 Class 15: Musical Instruments & Parts
Covers:
- Acoustic & electric instruments: guitars, sitars, keyboards
- Percussion: tablas, drums
- Accessories: bows, drumsticks, strings, cases
- Mechanical musical devices
Choose Class 15 if you manufacture, distribute, or sell physical instruments and parts. Examples: “Prana Flutes,” “Tabla Hut,” or “StratoSound Guitars.”
⚡ Class 9: Electronics & Sound Equipment
Covers:
- Audio devices: amplifiers, mixers, speakers
- Digital instruments: keyboards, MIDI controllers
- Recording equipment: microphones, interfaces
If your business ventures into audio electronics—like a guitar pedal or synthesizer—you may need Class 9, in addition to Class 15. For example:
- Class 15 for guitar bodies, strings
- Class 9 for electric components and amps
📚 Class 16: Paper, Printed Matter & Educational Materials
Covers:
- Sheet music, songbooks, instruction manuals
- Music notation workbooks and printed packaging
Selling printed music or instructional content? Register in Class 16. If you produce instruments and publish music books, a combination of Class 15 and 16 is recommended.
👕 Class 25: Clothing & Apparel
Covers:
- T-shirts, hats, aprons, and uniforms branded with musical logos or names
If you sell merchandise like artist‑branded t-shirts or hats, Class 25 is the class to use. This is common in music schools or artist brands.
🛍️ Class 35: Retail, E‑commerce & Music‑Related Services
Covers:
- Retail services: selling instruments, accessories, printed materials
- E-commerce, online stores, music school promotion
If you operate a shop or online marketplace dealing in instruments or music gear, Class 35 protects your retail activities. Many businesses file in Classes 15 & 35 together.
✅ Why It Matters Choosing the Right Class
1. Proper legal coverage
- Class 15 = physical instruments and parts
- Class 9 = electronics
- Class 16 = printed media
- Class 25 = wearable goods
- Class 35 = sales services
2. Avoid rejection or cancellation
Trademark examiners are strict—wrong class, and you’ll face objections or loss of rights.
3. Fine‑tuned enforcement
Target the right infringers—instruments vs. merch vs. services.
4. Cost efficiency
Apply only in relevant classes; avoid overpaying or incomplete protection.
🛠️ Using Multiple Classes: A Smart Strategy
If you run multiple business lines, combining classes is wise. Example combos:
- Class 15 + Class 9: For instrument makers venturing into electronics
- Class 15 + Class 16: For artisans offering sheet music or tutorials
- Class 15 + Class 25: For companies that also sell branded apparel
- Class 15 + Class 35: For shops, online stores, or music venues
Each class adds a separate fee and application but expands protection effectively.
📊 Comparison Table: Class 15 vs Other Classes
| Class | Goods & Services | Ideal For |
| 15 | Acoustic instruments, electronics parts, accessories | Instrument makers, shops |
| 9 | Audio electronics, digital instruments, playback devices | Synth builders, pedal makers |
| 16 | Sheet music, printed guides, packaging | Publishers, tutorial creators |
| 25 | Clothing, hats, merch using brand marks | Music schools, artist merchandising |
| 35 | Retail, e-commerce, sales promotion | Online stores, music retailers |
🧭 Real-World Scenarios
Scenario A: Acoustic Luthier
Builds handcrafted guitars and also sells branded picks and shirts
→ Register in Classes 15 (guitars & picks) + 25 (merch)
Scenario B: Electronic Synth Boutique
Designs modular synths, manuals, and tutorial books
→ Classes 9 (hardware), 15 (physical instrument), 16 (manuals)
Scenario C: Online Music Academy
Provides instrument rentals, sheet music, and branded hoodies
→ Classes 35 (rental & sales), 15 (instruments), 16 (sheets), 25 (hoodies)
📋 Application Tips for Class Accuracy
- List every product line – instruments, electronics, merch, media, services
- Use precise descriptions – specify each item under its class
- File combos where needed – don’t assume Class 15 covers all
- Revisit periodically – revise your trademark registrations when your range expands
- Seek expert advice – professionals ensure you’re structured correctly
💰 Cost & Effort: A Quick Glance
| Classes Included | Government Fees | Professional Fees (est.) |
| 15 only | ₹4,500–₹9,000 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
| 15+9 | ₹9,000–₹18,000 | ₹5,000–₹9,000 |
| 15+16+35 | ₹18,000–₹27,000 | ₹8,000–₹15,000 |
Fees are for one mark per class; Tier depends on applicant type (MSME vs company).
🎯 Best Practices & Action Plan
- Map your offerings — note which category each product/service fits
- Choose mark type — name only, logo only, or combo
- Do a multi-class search — ensure your brand isn’t taken across categories
- Prepare documentation — identity, logo, business proofs, and product samples
- File online via IP India — e‑filing preferred
- Monitor for infringements by class — ensure you can enforce all areas
📘 FAQs
Q1. Can Class 15 cover digital sheet music?
No—use Class 16 instead.
Q2. Do I need to apply separately for instruments and electronics?
Yes—Class 15 and 9 cover different product types.
Q3. Can I add classes later?
Yes, by filing new trademark applications as you expand.
Q4. Are fees charged per class?
Yes, each class requires its own government and professional fee.
Q5. What if I sell branded t‑shirts?
Use Class 25 for apparel, in addition to Class 15 for instruments.
🏁 Final Takeaway
Choosing the correct trademark class is not optional—it’s essential. For instrument makers, Class 15 is your core protection, but thoughtful add‑ons in Classes 9, 16, 25, and 35 ensure your entire creative ecosystem is covered. This smart, layered protection prevents brand dilution and sets a clear road for business growth.
Protect your music, merch, manuals, and marketplace presence by registering in the right classes—your brand deserves nothing less.