Starting a beauty and cleaning brand is an exciting journey, but growing it globally comes with challenges. One major hurdle is protecting your brand name and logo in different markets. If you don’t secure your trademark, someone else might copy your brand, leading to legal battles, financial loss, and damage to reputation.

Trademarking your brand under Class 3 is the key to securing your business worldwide. It ensures that no other company can use a similar name or logo for beauty and cleaning products. In this blog, we will explain what Class 3 covers, why trademarking is essential for global expansion, and how to register your brand.

Understanding Trademark Class 3 for Beauty and Cleaning Products

Trademarks are categorized into different classes based on the type of goods and services. Class 3 covers a wide range of beauty, personal care, and cleaning products, including:

• Cosmetics and skincare products (lotions, creams, makeup)
• Hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, hair oils)
• Perfumes and deodorants
• Soaps and body washes
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Household cleaning products (floor cleaners, dishwashing liquids)

If your brand sells any of these products, you need to trademark it under Class 3 to protect your identity.

Why Trademarking is Important for Global Expansion?

1. Ensures Brand Protection Worldwide

When expanding to new countries, your brand becomes vulnerable to copycats. Without a registered trademark, anyone can legally use a similar name and sell their products under it. This can lead to confusion and loss of customers. A trademark ensures that only you have the right to use your brand name and logo.

2. Builds a Strong Market Identity

A trademark makes your brand unique and easily recognizable. It helps customers trust your products because they know the brand is authentic and protected by law. This recognition is crucial when entering international markets.

3. Prevents Legal Issues and Brand Conflicts

If you expand globally without a registered trademark, another company in that country might already own a similar name. You could face legal disputes, rebranding costs, and product bans. A trademark gives you legal ownership, preventing such issues.

4. Increases Business Value

A registered trademark adds value to your business assets. If you plan to sell, license, or franchise your brand, a trademark makes it more attractive to investors and partners. It shows that your brand has a secure identity in multiple markets.

5. Helps in E-commerce and Online Sales

Many brands sell internationally through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and eBay. These platforms often require brands to have trademark registration to sell under their name. Without a trademark, someone else might claim your brand name, affecting your global online sales.

Step-by-Step Process to Trademark Your Beauty and Cleaning Brand

Step 1: Choose a Unique Brand Name and Logo

Your brand name should be:

• Distinctive and not generic (avoid common names like “Beauty Soap” or “Clean Wash”)
• Not similar to existing trademarks in Class 3
• Easy to remember and spell for global recognition

A strong logo also helps in brand recall and must be included in your trademark application.

Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before applying, check if your brand name is available for registration. A trademark search helps to:

• Avoid conflicts with existing trademarks
• Increase chances of approval
• Prevent legal issues in the future

You can conduct a trademark search on the IP India website or get help from a trademark expert.

Step 3: File the Trademark Application

Once you confirm that your brand name is unique, file the trademark application with:

• Brand name and logo details
• Trademark class (Class 3 for beauty and cleaning products)
• Product category and business details
• Government filing fee

The application can be filed through the Trademark Registry website or with the help of a professional service.

Step 4: Examination by the Trademark Office

The Trademark Office will review your application to check if:

• Your brand name is truly unique
• It doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks
• It meets all legal requirements

If there are any objections, you will receive a notice and must submit a response.

Step 5: Trademark Publication in the Journal

If approved, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for public review.

• If no one objects within 4 months, your trademark moves to the final stage.
• If someone files an objection, you must legally defend your trademark.

Step 6: Trademark Registration Certificate Issuance

Once no objections are raised, your trademark gets officially registered, and you receive a Trademark Registration Certificate. You can now use the ® symbol with your brand name.

How to Maintain and Protect Your Trademark Internationally?

1. Use the Trademark on All Branding Materials

Once registered, display your trademark (®) symbol on:

• Product packaging and labels
• Website and social media pages
• Marketing and promotional materials

This prevents others from misusing your brand name.

2. Apply for an International Trademark (Madrid Protocol)

If you want global trademark protection, apply under the Madrid Protocol, which allows you to register your trademark in multiple countries with a single application.

3. Monitor for Infringement

Regularly check if any competitor is using a similar brand name in international markets. If you find infringement, take immediate legal action.

4. Renew Your Trademark Every 10 Years

A trademark is valid for 10 years. You must renew it before expiry to keep your brand protected forever.

Trademark Registration Cost in India and Internationally

In India

• For individuals, startups, and small businesses – ₹4,500
• For companies and LLPs – ₹9,000

Internationally

The cost depends on the number of countries you choose under the Madrid Protocol. Fees typically start from $500 per country.

How Long Does the Trademark Process Take?

The complete registration process in India takes about 12-18 months. However, you can start using the ™ symbol immediately after filing your application.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to expand your beauty and cleaning brand globally, securing a Class 3 trademark is a must. Without it, you risk brand theft, legal issues, and financial losses. A registered trademark gives you exclusive rights, builds customer trust, and ensures smooth international growth.

At VMK Professionals, we help businesses secure their trademarks easily and legally. Contact us today to register your beauty and cleaning brand for global success!