12May, 2025
Class 12 Trademark Registration in India: Fees, Required Documents & Timeline (2025)

In today’s fast-moving automotive market, protecting your brand identity is more important than ever. Whether you’re a manufacturer of electric scooters, car parts, or bicycles, registering your brand under the right trademark class is a crucial step — and Trademark Class 12 is the one designed specifically for you.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Class 12 trademark registration — from fees and required documents to the timeline and process.

🚘 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 is a category under the Nice Classification, which is the international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration.

Class 12 covers:

“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”

If your business deals with anything related to vehicles or transport equipment, Class 12 is the right classification for your trademark.

🛞 Examples of Goods Covered Under Class 12

Here’s a breakdown of goods included in Trademark Class 12:

✅ Land Vehicles

  • Motor cars
  • Bicycles and tricycles
  • Electric scooters and motorcycles
  • Buses and trucks
  • Rickshaws (manual and electric)

✅ Air Vehicles

  • Aircrafts
  • Helicopters
  • Drones

✅ Water Vehicles

  • Boats
  • Ships
  • Yachts
  • Submarines

✅ Parts & Accessories

  • Tires and tubes
  • Brake pads and discs
  • Gears and transmission belts
  • Vehicle seats and covers
  • Axles and wheels
  • Steering wheels and suspension

If your brand deals in manufacturing, selling, or distributing any of the above, then Class 12 is mandatory to protect your brand name or logo legally.

📄 Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Class 12

To ensure your application is accepted without delay, you must prepare the right set of documents depending on your entity type.

1. For Individuals / Proprietors / Startups

  • ✅ Brand name/logo (in JPEG format)
  • ✅ Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
  • ✅ Address proof
  • ✅ Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
  • ✅ Udyam MSME certificate (for reduced fees)

2. For Company / LLP / Partnership

  • ✅ Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership deed
  • ✅ PAN card of the company/firm
  • ✅ Address proof of the business
  • ✅ TM-48 signed by authorized director or partner
  • ✅ Brand name/logo
  • ✅ Udyam registration (if applicable)

Optional but Recommended:

  • Proof of brand use (invoices, website screenshots, brochures)
  • Trademark search report (to avoid conflict)
  • GST certificate

Note: TM-48 allows your trademark consultant to file the application on your behalf.

💰 Trademark Registration Fees for Class 12

The total cost includes government fees and professional fees (if you hire an agent or legal expert).

🔹 Government Fees (Official Filing Charges)

Applicant TypeGovernment Fee (per class)
Individual / MSME / Startup₹4,500
Company / LLP / Partnership₹9,000

These are for e-filing of Form TM-A for one class (i.e., Class 12 in this case).

Pro Tip: If your business qualifies as a startup or MSME, you can save 50% in government fees.

🔹 Professional Fees (Optional but Helpful)

Trademark experts usually charge professional fees for:

  • Trademark class consultation
  • Name/logo verification
  • Filing the trademark application
  • Responding to objections
  • Hearing representation (if needed)

Average professional fee: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 depending on services offered.

🧾 Total Trademark Registration Cost (Estimate)

Type of ApplicantGovt FeeApprox. Prof. FeeTotal Cost
MSME / Startup₹4,500₹2,000₹6,500
Private Company₹9,000₹2,000₹11,000

🗓 Timeline for Trademark Registration in Class 12

Trademark registration is a multi-step legal process and takes time to complete. The average duration is between 6 to 18 months, depending on whether there are objections or oppositions.

Let’s break down the steps and time required at each stage:

🔍 1. Trademark Search – 1 Day

Before applying, a quick trademark search ensures that your brand name/logo isn’t already registered in Class 12.

  • Tools: IP India website or professional search reports
  • Time: 1 day

📝 2. Application Filing (Form TM-A) – 1 to 2 Days

Once the name is clear, file the trademark application online.

  • You’ll receive an acknowledgment and TM Application Number
  • You can start using the ™ symbol

🔎 3. Examination by Registry – 1 to 3 Months

The examiner checks if the mark is distinctive and doesn’t conflict with existing ones.

Results:

  • ✅ Accepted for publication
  • ❌ Objected (you’ll need to reply with reasoning)

📢 4. Publication in Trademark Journal – 4 Months

If accepted, the trademark is published in the official journal for public notice. This is to invite opposition from others.

If no one opposes within 4 months, it moves to registration.

⚖ 5. Opposition (If Any) – Up to 6 Months

A third party may challenge the mark. This leads to a formal hearing and review process.

If opposed:

  • Both parties submit evidence and attend hearings.
  • The Registrar will pass a decision.

✅ 6. Registration & Certificate – 1 to 2 Months

Once approved, you’ll receive your Trademark Registration Certificate and can start using the ® symbol.

🕒 Overall Timeline Summary

StepDuration
Search & Filing1–3 days
Examination1–3 months
Journal Publication4 months
Opposition (if any)0–6 months
Registration Certificate1–2 months
Total6–18 months

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • Trademark is valid for 10 years
  • Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
  • If you miss renewal, there’s a 6-month grace period with a late fee

🤔 Why You Should Register Under Class 12

If you deal with vehicles, auto parts, transport solutions, or mobility-related equipment, registering in Class 12 offers:

  • ✅ Legal Protection: Prevents others from copying your brand name/logo
  • ✅ Brand Value: Boosts investor and customer trust
  • ✅ Monopoly Rights: Exclusive ownership across India
  • ✅ Asset Creation: Trademark can be sold, licensed, or franchised

Common Mistake to Avoid: Registering under the wrong class. It offers no protection if your goods don’t match the class.

🧠 Real-Life Example

Brand: MotoFlex Electric Scooters

  • Filed in Class 12 for electric scooters and auto parts
  • Registered within 8 months
  • Used Udyam MSME certificate to reduce fees
  • Faced a minor objection, resolved by VMK Professionals

Now they’re planning to register under Class 35 for online retailing as well.

👨‍💼 Need Expert Help with Class 12 Trademark Filing?

At VMK Professionals, we’ve helped hundreds of automotive startups and transport equipment manufacturers successfully register their trademarks in Class 12.

Our Services Include:

  • ✅ Free class consultation
  • ✅ Brand name/logo clearance
  • ✅ End-to-end filing and documentation
  • ✅ Objection and hearing management
  • ✅ Trademark renewal reminders

📞 Secure Your Class 12 Trademark Today!

Don’t wait until someone else registers your brand. Trademark protection is a one-time investment that secures your brand identity for life.

VMK Professionals – India’s Trusted Partner for Trademark & Legal Solutions