If you’re in the business of making or selling musical instruments in India, protecting your brand name is not just smart—it’s essential. Trademark registration is the best way to secure your brand identity, and if your products fall under musical instruments, you’re looking at Trademark Class 15.
But before you start the registration process, it’s important to prepare the right documents. Missing or incorrect paperwork is one of the biggest reasons why applications get delayed or even rejected.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the documents required for Class 15 trademark registration in India. By the end of this blog, you’ll be ready to file your application smoothly, confidently, and correctly.
🔍 What Is Trademark Class 15?
In India, trademarks are categorized under 45 different classes based on the type of goods or services. This classification follows the Nice Classification (NCL) system used globally.
Class 15 includes:
- Musical instruments
- Electronic musical instruments
- Musical boxes
- Tuning forks
- Cases for musical instruments
- Accessories like strings, reeds, drumsticks, bows for stringed instruments, etc.
If you manufacture, sell, or deal in any of these items, Trademark Class 15 is the one you should register your brand under.
📝 Why Are Documents So Important in Trademark Registration?
Filing a trademark without the right documents is like going to court without evidence. The documents:
- Prove your identity and eligibility
- Describe your trademark and its use
- Help examiners verify and process your application
- Protect you in case of objections or disputes
So, let’s break down what documents you’ll need, why they’re important, and how to prepare them.
📂 Mandatory Documents for Class 15 Trademark Registration
1. Applicant’s Identity Proof
This is required to confirm the person or company applying owns the mark.
- For Individuals/Proprietors:
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License (any one)
- For Partnership Firms / LLPs:
- Partnership Deed
- PAN Card of the firm
- Address proof of partners
- For Companies (Pvt. Ltd. or Public Ltd.):
- Certificate of Incorporation
- PAN Card of the company
- Board Resolution (authorizing someone to apply on the company’s behalf)
- Identity proof of the authorized signatory
- For Foreign Entities:
- Certified copy of foreign registration
- Passport or ID proof of the authorized representative
✅ Tip: Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and self-attested.
2. Trademark Representation
This is the actual mark or logo you want to register.
- If it’s a wordmark (like a brand name): no image needed.
- If it’s a logo or design:
- High-resolution image (preferably black & white for wider protection)
- Size: Max 8cm x 8cm
- Format: PNG or JPEG
⚠️ Avoid blurry or colorful versions that could weaken your brand protection.
3. Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
If you’re applying through a trademark agent or attorney, this document is required.
- Authorizes the agent to file and handle the application on your behalf
- Must be signed by the applicant
- For foreign applicants, it must be notarized
📌 Format Tip: TM-48 format is standardized and can be downloaded from the IP India website.
4. User Affidavit (If the Trademark Is Already in Use)
This applies if you’ve already started using the brand before applying.
- Mention the date of first use in India
- Provide supporting evidence:
- Invoices
- Product labels
- Advertising materials
- Website screenshots
- Catalogs
🔐 Why it matters: It strengthens your claim to the mark and helps in case of opposition.
5. Proof of MSME/Startup India Registration (If Applicable)
If you’re registered under:
- Udyam Registration (MSME)
- Startup India Scheme
…you can claim a 50% discount on trademark filing fees!
Just attach your registration certificate to the application.
6. Business Address Proof (If Needed)
If the address on your PAN or identity proof doesn’t match your business address, provide:
- Electricity bill / Telephone bill (not older than 2 months)
- Rent agreement (if applicable)
- Property tax receipt (for owned property)
💻 Documents Required for Online Filing (Additional)
Since most applications are now filed online through the IP India portal, make sure you have:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – Class 3
- Scanned copies of all the above documents
- Trademark agent details (if filing through one)
🧾 DSC is mandatory for signing and submitting online applications securely.
📦 Complete Checklist at a Glance
| Document Name | Mandatory | Who Needs It? |
| PAN Card | ✅ | All applicants |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar/Passport) | ✅ | Individuals, directors |
| Certificate of Incorporation | ✅ | Companies |
| Partnership Deed | ✅ | Partnerships, LLPs |
| Board Resolution | ✅ | Companies |
| Trademark Image | ✅ | If applying with a logo |
| TM-48 (Power of Attorney) | ✅ | If using an agent |
| User Affidavit | ✅/Optional | If using mark before application |
| MSME/Udyam/Startup India Cert. | Optional | For claiming government fee rebate |
| Business Address Proof | Optional | If needed for address verification |
| Digital Signature Certificate | ✅ | For online filing |
🧾 Fees for Trademark Application in Class 15
| Entity Type | Government Fee per Class |
| Individual / MSME / Startup | ₹4,500 |
| Others (Company/LLP) | ₹9,000 |
💡 Note: Professional fees may vary if you’re hiring a consultant.
🔄 Filing Process (in Brief)
- Choose the correct class (Class 15 for musical instruments)
- Collect all required documents
- Fill Form TM-A on IP India’s portal
- Upload scanned documents and digitally sign
- Pay the applicable government fee
- Get acknowledgment with trademark application number
- Track status and respond to any objections (if raised)
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
| Missing TM-48 | Application may get rejected | Always include Power of Attorney |
| Wrong class selected | Mark won’t be protected | Verify class carefully |
| Blurry logo uploaded | May weaken brand rights | Use a clean, high-resolution image |
| Incomplete proof of use | Objection possible | Add multiple supporting documents |
| No MSME/Startup cert. | Pay full fees | Always attach for 50% rebate |
🤔 FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for more than one class?
Yes. If your brand sells in other categories too (e.g., musical instruments + sound systems), you’ll need multi-class applications.
Q2. What if my documents are rejected?
You’ll get an opportunity to respond to the objection. Submit corrected documents within the deadline.
Q3. Is user affidavit compulsory?
It’s optional unless your mark is already in use. If yes, then it becomes necessary to avoid objections.
Q4. What’s the validity of a trademark?
Once registered, a trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Q5. Do I need a lawyer or agent?
Not compulsory, but highly recommended for ensuring everything is filed correctly and objections are handled properly.
📌 Conclusion
Registering a trademark under Class 15 is a smart move for anyone involved in the musical instrument business in India. But filing the application is only half the battle—the documents you submit are what decide whether your application gets accepted or rejected.
Take your time to prepare the required documents properly, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
📞 Need Help with Class 15 Trademark Registration?
VMK Professionals is here to guide you through every step—from document preparation and application filing to responding to objections. With years of experience and hundreds of successful filings, we ensure your brand gets the legal protection it deserves.
Get in touch today and register your trademark the right way!