How to File a Class 14 Trademark in India: Step-by-Step Guide for Jewelry Brands
For businesses dealing in jewelry, watches, precious metals, or horological instruments, registering a Class 14 trademark in India is crucial—it secures your brand identity and opens doors to growth, trust, and legal enforcement. This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the trademark registration process for Class 14, from initial strategy to post-registration upkeep.
1. Understand Class 14 and Why It Matters
Class 14 under the Nice Classification includes:
- Precious metals and their alloys
- Jewelry (real and imitation)
- Gemstones (natural or synthetic)
- Horological instruments (watches, clocks)
- Accessories like jewelry boxes and packaging
Registering under Class 14 allows you to protect all these goods under your brand name or logo—critical for jewelry designers, watchmakers, and luxury brands.
2. Choose a Distinctive Trademark
Your first task is to select a memorable, distinctive mark. Avoid:
- Descriptive terms like “Gold Jewels”—these lack distinctiveness and are routinely rejected under Section 9
- Generic terms that offer no uniqueness.
- Confusingly similar names that are likely to clash with existing brands.
Aim for coined names (e.g., “Aurielle”), unique visual logos (device marks), or combined word-device marks with stylistic elements.
3. Conduct a Thorough Trademark Search
Before filing, perform a multi-faceted search to avoid conflicts:
- IP India database: Run wordmark, phonetic, and Strasbourg (contains) searches in Class 14.
- Vienna code search: For designs/logos, check visually similar marks
- International databases: Use WIPO/USPTO if you plan to expand overseas.
- Domain & social searches: Check for similar names being used in commerce .
A detailed search helps reduce the risk of objections or future conflicts.
4. Collect Required Documents
Gather these essentials:
- Applicant’s identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport)
- Address proof (utility bills, bank statements)
- Trademark logo or name in digital format (JPEG/PNG)
- Power of Attorney (TM‑48) if using an agent
- Statement of use, including date of first use if already active
- If applicable, priority paperwork—if filing under Paris Convention
Ensure documents are clear, accurate, and complete to avoid delays.
5. File the Application (Form TM‑A)
You can file your Class 14 trademark:
- Online via the IP India portal (recommended)
- Offline at one of the five registry offices in India
Required form details:
- Applicant information
- Trademark image (word/device/combined)
- Selected Class 14
- List of goods—for example: “jewelry; gold jewelry; wristwatches”
- Statement of use
- Payment of fees:
- ₹4,500 for individuals/startups/MSMEs
- ₹9,000 for companies
Once filed, you’ll typically receive a TM‑A acknowledgment number within 1–2 days
6. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A Class 3 digital signature certificate is mandatory for e-filing. It validates your identity and ensures secure submission
Agents can file on your behalf using their DSC, or you can apply directly after obtaining your own.
7. Formal Examination
A Trademark Office examiner will evaluate your application for completeness, distinctiveness, and conflicts with existing marks
You’ll receive a First Examination Report (FER) within 3–6 months, which may contain:
- Absolute objections (non-distinctive or descriptive)
- Relative objections (similar existing trademarks)
You have 30 days to reply with clarifications, legal arguments, or amendments—failure to respond may result in abandonment of the application
8. Publication in the Trademark Journal
Upon clearance, the trademark is published in the TM Journal, initiating a mandatory 4-month opposition window
During this stage, third parties can file oppositions challenging the registration.
9. Opposition Proceedings
If an opposition is filed:
- You’ll receive a Notice of Opposition.
- Your response (counter-statement) must be filed soon after.
- You may attend hearings and present relevant evidence.
- Decisions are made post-hearing, potentially with appeals.
If no one opposes, or if you successfully defend the mark, it proceeds to registration.
10. Registration Certificate
Once approved, you receive an official Registration Certificate valid for 10 years from the filing date
You can then use the ® symbol and enjoy exclusive nationwide rights.
11. Trademark Watch & Enforcement
After registration:
- Monitor your mark: Watch for similar filings in India.
- Enforce rights: Send cease-and-desist notices, request takedowns, or take legal action if infringed.
- Use the mark consistently: Include ®, maintain branding standards, and use the mark regularly.
12. Renewal Every 10 Years
To maintain your trademark:
- File Form TM‑R renewal within 6 months before expiry
- Pay ₹4,500 (individual/MSME) or ₹9,000 (company) i
- Failure to renew can result in loss of rights—stay proactive.
13. Expedited Filing Options
If time is of the essence, consider the TM‑M expedited route:
- Pay ₹20,000 government fee
- Reduces examination time to around 4 months (from 12–14 months normally)
This is ideal for emerging brands or fast-growing collections.
14. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Avoidance Strategy |
| Generic marks | Choose unique, memorable names/logos |
| Skipping search | Conduct deep searches—including phonetic/visual |
| Wrong class | Accurately classify under Class 14 |
| Missing deadlines | Set reminders for FER, publication, renewals |
| Incomplete docs | Double-check all forms and submissions |
| Ignoring DSC needs | Secure your digital signature early |
15. Why This Matters for Jewelry & Watchmakers
Class 14 trademarks not only protect your current offerings—they future-proof your brand.
Whether you launch new collections, expand overseas, or establish retail/distribution channels, your trademark gives you:
- Brand credibility
- Legal standing
- Consumer trust
- Market valuation leverage
16. Final Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration |
| Search & Prep | 1–2 weeks |
| Filing & Acknowledgment | Immediate – 2 days |
| Examination Report | 3–6 months |
| Response to Objection | ~1 month |
| Journal Publication | 1–2 months |
| Opposition Window | 4 months |
| Final Registration | 6–18 months (depending on objections/opposition) |
| Renewal Period | Every 10 years |
Final Thoughts
Trademark protection in Class 14 is essential for any business dealing in jewelry, precious metals, or horological items. It safeguards your brand’s identity legally, elevates your market credibility, and supports long-term growth. By following this structured process—from initial search to post-registration—for filing a trademark in India, you can build a brand worthy of trust and permanence.
Need Professional Help?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark strategy and registration for jewelry, watchmakers, and Class 14 brands across India. We ensure smooth filings, manage objections or oppositions, and handle renewals so you can focus on what you do best: crafting beautiful creations.
📞 Contact us today to secure your brand.