Introduction
The flooring industry is booming, with growing demand for high-quality, durable, and stylish products like mats, linoleum, and vinyl flooring. As brands strive to stand out, protecting their unique identity has become more critical than ever. If your business manufactures or sells these products, Trademark Class 27 is the classification that legally safeguards your brand name, logo, or symbol from competitors.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Trademark Class 27 applies to flooring businesses, why trademark protection is essential, and the process of registering your brand under this class.
Understanding Trademark Class 27
Trademark Class 27 is part of the Nice Classification System, an internationally recognized system that categorizes goods and services into 45 classes.
Class 27 specifically covers:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Mats
- Matting
- Linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors
- Wall hangings (non-textile)
This means if your business deals in any of the above categories, your brand must be protected under Class 27 to ensure exclusive rights and prevent others from using similar marks in the same market segment.
Why Class 27 Matters for Flooring Brands
Flooring products like mats and linoleum might seem purely functional, but in reality, they often represent a brand’s craftsmanship, quality, and design innovation. With multiple players in the market, trademark protection plays a vital role in maintaining brand distinctiveness.
Here’s why Class 27 protection is crucial for your flooring brand:
1. Prevents Brand Confusion
When competitors use similar names or designs, customers may confuse their products with yours. Registering your trademark under Class 27 ensures that only you can use your brand name or logo for mats, vinyl flooring, or linoleum products.
2. Establishes Legal Ownership
Trademark registration is a legal declaration that you own the rights to your brand. If someone tries to copy or misuse your identity, you’ll have a solid legal ground to take action.
3. Builds Consumer Trust
A registered trademark communicates authenticity and professionalism. Customers trust brands that are legally recognized and protected, which can directly impact sales and reputation.
4. Boosts Brand Value
Trademarks are intangible assets that appreciate over time. As your business grows, so does the value of your brand. It can even be licensed or franchised later for expansion.
5. Ensures Market Exclusivity
Registering under Class 27 gives you exclusive rights to use your brand for flooring-related products, effectively locking out competitors from using a similar identity in the same product category.
Products Covered Under Trademark Class 27
Before filing, it’s essential to understand exactly what types of goods Class 27 includes. This helps you correctly identify and describe your products in the application.
Main Products Covered:
- Carpets and rugs
- Mats and matting
- Linoleum for use on floors
- Vinyl floor coverings
- Artificial turf
- Bath mats
- Door mats
- Floor mats for vehicles
- Wall hangings (non-textile)
- Non-slip floor mats
- Yoga mats and exercise mats
If your product falls under any of these categories, you should file your trademark under Class 27.
Trademark Class 27 and Related Classes
Sometimes, flooring-related businesses offer products that overlap with other trademark classes. To ensure full protection, you might need to consider multiple classes.
Related Classes Include:
- Class 19: Non-metal building materials (includes floor tiles, wood, marble, etc.)
- Class 20: Furniture and furnishings (for businesses selling furniture along with rugs or mats)
- Class 24: Textile fabrics used in rugs or decorative coverings
- Class 35: Retail or online stores that sell flooring materials and home décor
If your brand operates across these categories, you may file in multiple classes to get broader protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration for Flooring Brands
Registering your brand under Class 27 isn’t as complex as it may sound. Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before applying, it’s important to verify that your chosen name, logo, or tagline isn’t already registered. You can use the Indian Trademark Public Search Tool available on the IP India website to check for similar marks under Class 27.
A professional search helps you:
- Avoid rejection due to existing similar marks
- Save time and money on reapplications
- Choose a unique and protectable brand identity
Step 2: Choose the Right Trademark Type
You can register various types of trademarks, depending on what defines your brand best:
- Word mark: Your brand name (e.g., FloorCraft, MatHub)
- Logo mark: Your brand’s visual symbol or logo
- Combination mark: Both text and logo
- Tagline mark: A brand slogan, e.g., “Style That Walks with You”
Step 3: Prepare the Application
Prepare your trademark application by including:
- Applicant’s name and address
- Description of goods (as per Class 27)
- Trademark logo or name
- Date of first use (if already in use)
- Power of attorney (if filed through an agent)
Step 4: File the Application
You can file your application:
- Online via the IP India e-filing portal
- Offline at any trademark registry office
Upon submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number for tracking your application.
Step 5: Examination and Publication
The trademark office reviews your application for conflicts or errors. If approved, it’s published in the Trademark Journal for public objection.
If no one opposes within 4 months, your mark proceeds to registration.
Step 6: Trademark Registration
Once approved, your brand becomes a registered trademark, and you’ll receive a Trademark Registration Certificate. You can now legally use the ® symbol with your brand name.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Under Class 27
Many flooring brands make small yet costly errors while registering trademarks. Avoid the following mistakes to ensure smooth approval:
- Choosing a generic name – Avoid terms like “Best Mats” or “Flooring Store” as they lack distinctiveness.
- Incorrect class selection – Misclassifying your products can lead to rejection. Always confirm Class 27 applies to your product.
- Not conducting a search – Overlapping with an existing mark can result in opposition or legal conflict.
- Improper logo design – Ensure your logo isn’t too similar to existing designs.
- Delayed renewal – Trademarks need renewal every 10 years to maintain protection.
Real-World Examples: Flooring Brands Using Trademark Class 27
Some global and Indian brands have effectively leveraged Class 27 protection to safeguard their identity.
Example 1: NITCO Tiles
Though primarily in Class 19 for tiles, NITCO has also registered under Class 27 for its decorative mats and vinyl floor products.
Example 2: 3M
3M uses Class 27 to protect its anti-slip mats and vinyl floor coverings. The registration helps prevent counterfeit products.
Example 3: IKEA
IKEA registers under multiple classes, including Class 27, to protect its extensive range of rugs, mats, and vinyl floor coverings worldwide.
Example 4: D’Decor
A home décor leader that also registers its wall coverings and floor coverings under Class 27 to protect design originality and market exclusivity.
These examples show how powerful trademark protection can be in preserving brand reputation and consumer trust.
Maintaining Your Trademark Rights
Once your trademark is registered, you must maintain it properly to keep it active and enforceable.
Here’s how:
- Renew every 10 years: File renewal applications on time to prevent expiration.
- Monitor competitors: Regularly check for similar trademarks or potential infringements.
- Use the mark actively: Continuous use helps avoid cancellation due to non-use.
- Update ownership details: Inform the Trademark Registry about any ownership or address changes.
Why Choose a Professional for Trademark Registration
Although individuals can file for trademarks themselves, hiring a professional trademark consultant can save time and avoid rejection risks.
Professionals help with:
- Comprehensive trademark search
- Proper classification under Class 27
- Drafting clear and accurate product descriptions
- Handling objections and oppositions effectively
For example, at VMK Professionals, experts ensure every step of your Class 27 filing — from search to registration — is done with precision and compliance, giving you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 27 is more than just a legal category — it’s your flooring brand’s first line of defense against imitation and unfair competition. Whether you manufacture mats, linoleum, vinyl floors, or wall coverings, registering your brand under Class 27 secures your business identity for the long term.
With trademark protection, you can focus on what truly matters — building a brand that customers recognize, trust, and love.
About VMK Professionals
VMK Professionals is your trusted partner for Trademark Registration, Copyright, Design, and Legal Services across India. Our team of experts helps you secure and protect your brand identity in all relevant trademark classes, including Class 27.
From name search to final registration, we handle everything seamlessly.
📞 Contact us today to safeguard your flooring brand with expert assistance.
VMK Professionals – Your Brand, Our Legal Shield.