30Jul, 2025
How to Register a Trademark for Your Furniture Brand Under Class 20

In the ever-growing furniture and interior decor market of India, building a recognizable brand is crucial. Whether you manufacture beds, sell modular wardrobes, or create handcrafted wooden decor, your brand name is your identity — and your competitive edge. To legally protect that identity, you need a trademark. More specifically, you need to understand Trademark Class 20.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about:

  • ✅ What is Trademark Class 20?
  • ✅ Products covered under this class
  • ✅ Why it matters for your furniture business
  • ✅ Step-by-step registration process
  • ✅ Mistakes to avoid
  • ✅ Legal tips and expert support

Let’s begin.

🪑 What Is Trademark Class 20?

Trademark Class 20 is part of the Nice Classification, an internationally recognized system used to classify goods and services for trademark registration. Class 20 specifically covers furniture and certain non-metallic household goods.

Definition: Class 20 includes “furniture, mirrors, picture frames, and goods (not included in other classes) made of wood, cork, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum, substitutes for these materials, or plastics.”

In simpler terms, if you make or sell non-metal furniture or decor, this is your class.

🛋️ What Types of Products Are Covered Under Class 20?

Here’s a comprehensive list of product categories commonly protected under Class 20:

1. Home and Office Furniture

  • Sofas, chairs, recliners
  • Beds, bunk beds, baby cribs
  • Desks, tables, coffee tables
  • Cupboards, cabinets, storage units
  • Shelves, bookcases

2. Plastic and Molded Furniture

  • Plastic chairs, stools, benches
  • Bean bags
  • Stackable furniture for schools or events

3. Mattresses and Bedding Products

  • Mattresses, cushions, pillows
  • Foam or orthopedic supports (non-medical)
  • Mattress toppers

4. Household Decor Items

  • Mirrors and mirror frames
  • Picture/photo frames
  • Wall hangings (non-metallic)

5. Storage and Organizers

  • Wooden or plastic boxes
  • Wardrobe organizers
  • Drawers and dividers

6. Nameplates and Signboards

  • Non-metal name boards for homes or shops
  • Signage made from plastic or wood

⚠️ Note: Items made primarily of metal are not included in Class 20 — they fall under Class 6.

🧠 Why Class 20 Trademark Protection Is Crucial for Furniture Brands

India’s home furnishing sector is booming, with rapid growth in both e-commerce and physical retail. As competition intensifies, trademark registration in Class 20 can help in many ways:

✅ 1. Legal Ownership of Your Brand Name

Registering your trademark gives you exclusive rights to use the brand name/logo in your product category, protecting you from copycats.

✅ 2. Prevent Competitor Imitation

With a registered trademark, you can legally stop competitors from using similar names or designs.

✅ 3. Build Trust with Customers and Retailers

A trademark conveys professionalism, credibility, and long-term commitment — essential for partnerships and consumer trust.

✅ 4. Strengthen Your Online Presence

If you sell on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Pepperfry, having a registered trademark improves your brand registry approval chances.

✅ 5. Enable Franchising and Licensing

Many furniture brands eventually expand via franchising or licensing — and trademark protection is a legal requirement.

🔍 Trademark Search: Check Before You File

Before you apply, make sure no one else is already using your brand name under Class 20.

How to Do It:

  1. Visit IP India Public Search
  2. Select Class 20
  3. Search your brand name, variations, and similar-sounding words
  4. Examine results carefully for conflicts

If there’s already a similar mark, it can delay or cancel your application.

📋 Documents Required for Trademark Registration

To file your application, you’ll need:

  • ✅ Brand name or logo
  • ✅ Applicant’s name and address
  • ✅ Nature of business (individual, partnership, company)
  • ✅ Power of attorney (if filing through an agent)
  • ✅ MSME or Startup India certificate (for fee concession)
  • ✅ Date of first use (if the brand is already in use)

🧾 Trademark Filing Process for Class 20

Here’s how to register your furniture brand trademark step by step:

Step 1: Trademark Search

Check availability and possible conflicts using the government portal or consult a trademark expert.

Step 2: Choose the Right Class

For furniture brands, Class 20 is usually sufficient. However, if you also offer metal decor or lighting, additional classes may be required.

Step 3: File Form TM-A

  • File online at IP India
  • Mention Class 20 and provide product descriptions
  • Attach logo (if applicable)

Step 4: Pay the Fees

  • ₹4,500 (individuals/startups with MSME proof)
  • ₹9,000 (for companies or without MSME)

Step 5: Government Review

  • The examiner checks for errors or objections
  • If an objection is raised, a reply or hearing may be needed

Step 6: Journal Publication

  • If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months
  • If no opposition is filed, it moves to registration

Step 7: Registration Certificate

Once approved, you’ll receive the official registration valid for 10 years.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeWhy It’s Harmful
❌ Skipping the trademark searchIncreases risk of objection/rejection
❌ Using a generic name like “Furniture Mart”May not qualify as a unique mark
❌ Choosing the wrong classCould make your mark legally invalid
❌ Delaying response to objectionsCan cause cancellation of the application
❌ Not renewing after 10 yearsYou lose all protection

💡 Class 20 vs. Similar Classes

Here’s a quick comparison to avoid confusion:

ClassWhat It Covers
Class 6Metal furniture, hardware, fittings
Class 11Lighting fixtures (lamps, bulbs, chandeliers)
Class 24Textile items (bedsheets, curtains, upholstery)
Class 35Retail and e-commerce services
Class 21Household utensils (kitchen items, crockery)

You may need to register under multiple classes if your product range spans different categories.

👨‍💼 How VMK Professionals Can Help

At VMK Professionals, we offer end-to-end trademark services for furniture and home brands, including:

✅ Trademark availability check
✅ Class selection guidance
✅ Drafting and filing applications
✅ Legal help with objections and oppositions
✅ Trademark renewals and monitoring

Whether you’re a startup selling on Instagram or a full-scale manufacturer — we’ll help you protect your brand the right way.

📞 Let’s Get Your Brand Protected

Don’t wait for someone to copy your name or logo. Protect your brand with the help of India’s trusted trademark experts.

🧾 Final Thoughts

Registering your furniture brand under Trademark Class 20 is a smart and necessary legal step. It protects your products, builds your brand identity, and adds value to your business.

From IKEA-style minimalism to handcrafted bamboo decor — whatever your niche — your brand deserves recognition and protection.

Let VMK Professionals help you file, secure, and grow your trademark — so you can focus on crafting beautiful furniture while we take care of the legal side.