In India’s growing home decor and interior design industry, protecting your brand name is just as crucial as creating elegant furniture and stylish spaces. Whether you’re a furniture manufacturer, a modular decor brand, or an interior design studio selling your own line of products — trademark registration under Class 20 helps you safeguard your creative identity.
But before you register, the first and most important step is a trademark search.
This guide walks you through a step-by-step process to conduct a proper trademark search for Class 20, with a focus on interior brands. We’ll also cover:
- ✅ What Trademark Class 20 includes
- ✅ Why a trademark search is essential
- ✅ How to use the IP India portal
- ✅ What to do if your name is already taken
- ✅ Legal tips and next steps
Let’s begin.
🪑 What Is Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 is part of the international Nice Classification system. It covers a wide variety of furniture and household goods made from non-metallic materials such as wood, plastic, bamboo, rattan, and similar materials.
✔ Products Covered in Class 20:
- Wooden, plastic, and modular furniture
- Beds, chairs, tables, cabinets
- Mirrors and picture frames
- Mattresses, cushions, and pillows
- Non-metal fittings like knobs and curtain rods
- Modular kitchen units
- Garden and patio furniture
- Storage systems, wardrobes, drawers
- Office furniture, bean bags, ergonomic chairs
If your business deals in home or office furniture, interior goods, or modular designs, your trademark falls under Class 20.
🔍 Why Trademark Search Is Crucial Before Filing
Before applying for registration, it’s critical to conduct a Class 20 trademark search to check whether:
- Your brand name or logo is already registered.
- There are similar names or phonetic similarities.
- You’re filing under the correct class.
- You can avoid legal disputes or rejection from the Trademark Registry.
⚠ Filing a trademark without a prior search is like building a house without checking if the land is already owned by someone else.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Conduct Trademark Search for Class 20
You can search trademarks online for free using the IP India Public Search Portal.
Here’s how:
✅ Step 1: Visit the Trademark Public Search Website
Go to the official trademark public search page:
🔗 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx
This is the government-approved portal to search existing trademarks filed in India.
✅ Step 2: Choose the Search Type
You’ll see three options:
- Wordmark
- Vienna Code
- Phonetic
For brand names, select “Wordmark” to begin.
✅ Step 3: Enter Your Brand Name in the Search Box
In the “Search Text” field, enter the brand name you plan to use. If you’re still deciding on a name, you can search several versions or variations.
Tips:
- Try singular and plural forms.
- Try different spellings.
- Remove spaces and search again (e.g., “HomeStyle” and “Home Style”).
✅ Step 4: Enter the Class Number
In the “Class” field, type 20, as your product belongs to Trademark Class 20.
✅ Step 5: Perform the Search
Click on “Search” to generate results. The system will display a list of:
- Existing trademarks that match or closely resemble your keyword
- Trademark status (registered, objected, abandoned, etc.)
- Applicant names
- Application numbers and dates
🔎 How to Analyze the Search Results
Here’s how to read the results properly:
| Field | What It Means |
| TM Number | Unique ID of each application |
| Proprietor | Name of the trademark owner |
| Application Date | When it was filed |
| Status | Shows if the trademark is “Registered”, “Objected”, “Opposed”, or “Abandoned” |
| Wordmark | The brand name filed for registration |
| Class | Should be 20 for furniture and interior goods |
🧠 What If You Find a Similar Name?
If the name you want is already taken or too similar to an existing brand, here are your options:
1. Modify Your Brand Name
Slightly alter your name to make it unique while keeping brand identity intact.
E.g., if “ModuHome” exists, try “Moduhive” or “Modulyne”.
2. File for a Logo-Based Trademark (Device Mark)
If your brand name is similar but your logo or visual identity is unique, you can file a logo trademark, especially for product packaging and marketing.
3. Check Trademark Status
Sometimes a name may appear but its trademark status is:
- “Abandoned” – no longer valid
- “Refused” – was rejected by the registry
- “Withdrawn” – application was cancelled
In such cases, you might still be able to file for that name with strong legal support.
🧾 Understanding Trademark Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
| Registered | Officially granted. You cannot use this name. |
| Objected | Examiner raised an issue; pending resolution. |
| Opposed | Someone filed opposition against the application. |
| Abandoned | Applicant failed to respond or continue. |
| Withdrawn | Applicant voluntarily cancelled the application. |
| Refused | Trademark was rejected. |
| Accepted & Advertised | Under public notice before final approval. |
🧑🎓 Tips for Interior Brands Choosing a Trademark
To avoid conflict during your trademark search:
✔ Choose a Unique, Invented Word
Names like “Furnitica”, “Moduvox”, or “Houseline” are more likely to succeed than generic names like “Furniture India”.
✔ Avoid Descriptive Names
Avoid terms like “Modular Chairs”, “Home Decor”, or “Plastic Storage” as they are too generic and may not be granted trademark protection.
✔ Search in Other Relevant Classes
If your interior brand also deals in:
- Metal parts → search Class 6
- Lighting → search Class 11
- Textiles (curtains, bed covers) → search Class 24
- Retail services → search Class 35
You may need multi-class protection.
📋 Next Steps After Search
1. If the Name is Available
Great! You can proceed to:
- Finalize your brand name/logo
- Prepare documents
- File Form TM-A online under Class 20
2. If There’s a Conflict
- Modify your name
- Consult a trademark expert
- Try registering a visual logo
- Consider using a legal notice if your rights are affected
🧾 Documents Needed for Trademark Registration (Class 20)
- Brand name/logo
- Applicant’s name and address
- Nature of applicant (individual, MSME, company)
- MSME/Udyam/Startup Certificate (for lower fees)
- Power of attorney (Form TM-48)
- Date of first use (if already in market)
💸 Government Trademark Fees
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (Per Class) |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP | ₹9,000 |
📞 Need Help With Class 20 Trademark?
Trademark search can look simple, but legal interpretation is key to success. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek help from professionals.
✅ VMK Professionals Offers:
- Expert trademark search reports
- Class 20 product description drafting
- Trademark filing & objection handling
- Logo protection and multi-class strategy
👇 Final Thoughts
A trademark search under Class 20 is the first and most vital step for any furniture, modular, or interior brand in India. It helps you:
- Avoid brand duplication
- Protect your design and identity
- Position your business for long-term success
Whether you’re just starting your interior brand or launching a new furniture line — don’t skip this critical step. A smart search today saves you years of legal trouble and brand confusion later.
🔐 Secure Your Interior Brand With VMK Professionals
Want a clean, professional, and legally sound trademark registration under Class 20? Let VMK Professionals take care of the process from start to finish.