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:
- Visit IP India Public Search
- Select Class 20
- Search your brand name, variations, and similar-sounding words
- 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
| Mistake | Why It’s Harmful |
| ❌ Skipping the trademark search | Increases risk of objection/rejection |
| ❌ Using a generic name like “Furniture Mart” | May not qualify as a unique mark |
| ❌ Choosing the wrong class | Could make your mark legally invalid |
| ❌ Delaying response to objections | Can cause cancellation of the application |
| ❌ Not renewing after 10 years | You lose all protection |
💡 Class 20 vs. Similar Classes
Here’s a quick comparison to avoid confusion:
| Class | What It Covers |
| Class 6 | Metal furniture, hardware, fittings |
| Class 11 | Lighting fixtures (lamps, bulbs, chandeliers) |
| Class 24 | Textile items (bedsheets, curtains, upholstery) |
| Class 35 | Retail and e-commerce services |
| Class 21 | Household 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.