When it comes to trademark registration, choosing the correct class is one of the most important steps. A wrong classification can weaken your protection or even result in rejection by the Trademark Office. For brands dealing in floor coverings, carpets, rugs, and similar items, Trademark Class 27 is the right category to safeguard their identity.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Trademark Class 27, along with a complete list of products covered under it, exclusions, and real-life examples to help you understand its scope better.
🧩 Understanding Trademark Classes
Before we dive into Class 27 specifically, let’s quickly understand what trademark classes mean.
The Nice Classification System, adopted internationally, divides goods and services into 45 different classes:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods.
- Classes 35–45 cover services.
When registering a trademark in India, you must specify which class your product or service belongs to. Each class represents a particular category, and registering under the correct one ensures your brand is legally protected in that area.
🪄 What Is Trademark Class 27?
Trademark Class 27 covers floor coverings, carpets, mats, and non-textile wall hangings.
In simple terms, if your product is designed to cover or decorate floors or walls, it probably falls under Class 27. This includes materials made of fabric, plastic, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic fibers — basically anything that goes over a floor or wall but is not textile-based.
So, if you deal in home décor products, such as rugs, mats, vinyl flooring, or artificial turf, this is the class you should register your trademark under.
🧾 Complete List of Products Covered Under Trademark Class 27
Below is a detailed list of the products and goods that fall under Trademark Class 27, according to the Nice Classification (NCL) and the Indian Trademark Registry.
✅ 1. Carpets
All types of carpets are covered, including:
- Area carpets
- Wall-to-wall carpets
- Handmade carpets
- Synthetic fiber carpets
- Carpet tiles for home and office use
These items are a core part of Class 27 and are among the most common products under this category.
✅ 2. Rugs
Rugs made from different materials — wool, jute, cotton, synthetic, or blends — also come under Class 27. Examples include:
- Oriental rugs
- Persian rugs
- Shaggy rugs
- Door rugs
- Decorative rugs for living spaces
✅ 3. Mats and Matting
All types of mats designed for flooring, protection, or decoration purposes are covered. These include:
- Bath mats
- Door mats
- Anti-slip mats
- Welcome mats
- Gym mats and yoga mats
- Straw or bamboo mats (not for agricultural use)
- Rubber or coir mats
✅ 4. Floor Coverings
This category includes all kinds of surface coverings made of non-textile materials that protect or decorate floors, such as:
- Vinyl floor coverings
- Rubber floor tiles
- Laminate floorings (non-wood)
- PVC and plastic flooring sheets
- Cork floor coverings
- Synthetic surface coverings
These materials are used in both residential and commercial spaces and are fully protected under Class 27.
✅ 5. Linoleum
Linoleum, a common and durable flooring material made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour, is also covered under this class. Products include:
- Linoleum floor tiles
- Printed linoleum rolls
- Decorative linoleum flooring
✅ 6. Artificial Turf
Brands manufacturing artificial turf and synthetic grass for sports fields, playgrounds, or landscaping purposes should also file under Class 27.
Examples:
- Artificial grass carpets
- Synthetic sports turf
- Garden turf mats
✅ 7. Carpet Underlay and Padding
These are supportive materials placed beneath carpets or rugs to enhance comfort and extend their life. Covered items include:
- Foam underlays
- Rubber padding
- Non-slip rug pads
✅ 8. Wall Hangings (Non-Textile)
Decorative wall items that are not made from textile or fabric materials are also protected under Class 27. These can include:
- Vinyl wall hangings
- Plastic wall panels
- Rubber wall décor items
- Wallpaper made of non-textile materials
✅ 9. Tatami Mats
Traditional Japanese tatami mats, which are used for flooring in homes and meditation spaces, fall under Class 27 as well. These mats are typically made from rice straw and soft rush grass.
✅ 10. Carpets for Vehicles
Floor mats and carpets designed specifically for vehicles are covered, such as:
- Car mats (rubber or carpeted)
- Truck floor coverings
- Motorcycle mats
- Bus and train floor liners
✅ 11. Gym and Sports Mats
These include floor mats used in sports, yoga, and exercise settings:
- Yoga mats
- Fitness mats
- Exercise pads
- Martial arts floor coverings
✅ 12. Decorative Floor and Wall Coverings
This includes aesthetic or design-oriented coverings such as:
- 3D vinyl wall stickers (non-textile)
- Patterned floor sheets
- Designer vinyl flooring rolls
🧺 What Is NOT Covered Under Trademark Class 27
It’s equally important to understand what doesn’t belong in this class. Many brands mistakenly file under Class 27 when their products fall elsewhere.
Here’s what’s excluded from Class 27:
🚫 Textile materials (e.g., curtains, fabric wall hangings) — covered under Class 24
🚫 Wooden or laminate flooring — covered under Class 19
🚫 Stone, tile, or ceramic flooring — covered under Class 19
🚫 Paper wall coverings — covered under Class 16
🚫 Furniture and home décor items — covered under Class 20
If your business deals in multiple product types (like rugs and curtains), you should file in multiple classes to ensure full protection.
🧠 Why Is Choosing the Right Trademark Class Important?
Selecting the correct trademark class — in this case, Class 27 — ensures:
- Your trademark accurately represents your products.
- You’re legally protected from infringement within your product segment.
- You avoid unnecessary objections or rejection by the Trademark Registry.
- You build stronger brand credibility in your niche.
Incorrect class selection could make your registration invalid or unenforceable in case of disputes.
⚖️ Why Floor Covering Brands Should Register Under Class 27
For manufacturers, retailers, or exporters of flooring materials, registering a trademark under Class 27 provides several benefits:
1. Exclusive Legal Rights
You gain exclusive ownership over your brand name, logo, and design within the floor covering industry. No other business can use a similar mark for similar goods.
2. Enhanced Market Trust
A registered trademark signals professionalism and builds consumer confidence. Customers can easily identify your brand as authentic and reliable.
3. Protection from Counterfeits
Floor coverings are often copied or replicated. Trademark protection helps you take legal action against unauthorized sellers or duplicates.
4. Support for Online Sales
E-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart require trademark registration for brand protection and listing under their “Brand Registry” programs.
5. International Recognition
With a registered Indian trademark, you can extend your protection globally under the Madrid Protocol for international trademark registration.
🪶 How to Register a Trademark Under Class 27 (Step-by-Step)
If you’re ready to protect your brand, here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Trademark Search
Conduct a trademark availability search on the IP India website to ensure your name or logo isn’t already in use under Class 27.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Gather details like:
- Brand name/logo
- Product category (e.g., carpets, mats, flooring)
- Applicant’s name, address, and business type
Step 3: File TM-A Application
File online using Form TM-A through ipindia.gov.in. You can apply as:
- An individual
- A company
- A partnership or LLP
Step 4: Examination and Reply
After filing, your application is examined by the Trademark Office. If objections arise, you’ll have to reply with clarifications or attend a hearing.
Step 5: Publication in Journal
Once accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for four months. If no opposition is filed, it proceeds to registration.
Step 6: Certificate Issuance
Finally, you receive the Trademark Registration Certificate, valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
💡 Examples of Brands Using Class 27
To better understand its practical application, here are a few examples:
- Jaipur Rugs – Trademarked their rug designs and brand name.
- Shaw Floors – Protected their vinyl and carpet flooring solutions.
- Nilkamal Flooring Solutions – Registered their brand for PVC flooring.
- 3M – Trademarked their industrial matting and safety floor coverings.
Each of these brands uses Class 27 trademarks to secure their unique market position.
🕒 Renewal and Validity
A registered trademark under Class 27 is valid for 10 years from the filing date. You can renew it every 10 years to maintain protection indefinitely. Renewal ensures your brand remains legally active and safeguarded.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors while filing for Class 27 trademarks:
- Choosing the wrong class (like 24 or 19)
- Using generic names (e.g., “Luxury Rugs”)
- Not performing a proper availability search
- Missing renewal deadlines
- Failing to respond to examination reports
Working with a professional helps prevent these costly mistakes.
🧩 Conclusion
Trademark Class 27 plays a vital role in protecting brands that create, sell, or distribute floor coverings, carpets, mats, and non-textile wall hangings. If your business operates in this industry, registering your brand under this class ensures your identity, creativity, and reputation remain protected.
With increasing competition in the home décor and interior sector, safeguarding your brand name isn’t optional — it’s essential.
🏢 Protect Your Brand with VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping businesses register trademarks under the correct class with full legal support. Whether you’re launching a carpet brand, flooring product line, or mat manufacturing company, our experts handle the end-to-end process — from search to registration.
💬 Get in touch today to protect your brand identity under Trademark Class 27 and stay ahead of your competitors.