21Jun, 2025
Top Indian Brands Leveraging Trademark Class 15—and Why You Should Too

Introduction

In the world of intellectual property, trademarks play a pivotal role in brand protection. Specifically, Trademark Class 15 covers musical instruments and their accessories. While not as crowded as other classes, Class 15 is essential for Indian brands operating in the music space. From traditional instrument makers to modern electronic music device companies, protecting brand identity under this category can be the key to business longevity and credibility.

This detailed guide explores the top Indian brands using Trademark Class 15, why this classification is vital, and how businesses in this niche can benefit from it.

What is Trademark Class 15?

Trademark Class 15 under the NICE Classification system encompasses:

  • Musical instruments
  • Electronic musical instruments
  • Tuning forks
  • Music stands
  • Conductors’ batons
  • Parts and fittings of musical instruments

Essentially, if your brand creates, manufactures, sells, or services musical instruments or related products, you must register your mark under Class 15 to ensure exclusive legal protection.

Why Class 15 Matters in India’s Musical Ecosystem

India is rich in musical diversity. From tabla and sitar to modern-day MIDI controllers, the spectrum of musical instruments is vast. Class 15 becomes important in:

  1. Protecting Traditional Craftsmanship: Many Indian brands continue to make traditional instruments that are culturally significant.
  2. Establishing Identity in Niche Markets: Niche electronic instrument brands need distinct identity amidst global competition.
  3. Enabling Export and International Recognition: Trademark protection under Class 15 helps brands go global without fear of infringement.
  4. Preventing Copycats: Legal action against imitations is only possible when your brand is registered under the right class.

Top Indian Brands Using Trademark Class 15

Let’s explore some prominent Indian names who have safeguarded their brand under this category:

1. Radel Electronics

Radel is known for manufacturing Indian classical electronic musical instruments such as electronic tanpura, tabla, shruti box, and laya instruments.

  • Why Trademark Class 15: Their instruments blend tradition with innovation. Registering under Class 15 prevents imitation of their unique designs and software features.

2. Gurusoundz

This brand is prominent for distributing and manufacturing Indian musical instruments like harmoniums, tabla sets, and sitars.

  • Why Trademark Class 15: As their products reach global markets, trademark protection ensures authenticity and combats counterfeiting.

3. Saptaswara Musicals

Based in Chennai, this store offers a wide variety of Indian classical and Western instruments.

  • Why Trademark Class 15: Their regional credibility and expansion into online retail platforms make brand protection essential to prevent duplication.

4. BINA Harmoniums

BINA is an iconic Indian brand making harmoniums since 1930.

  • Why Trademark Class 15: With heritage value attached, safeguarding their brand helps maintain legacy and stops replicas from diluting brand trust.

5. Calcutta Musical Depot

One of the oldest musical stores in India, offering diverse instruments and accessories.

  • Why Trademark Class 15: Their wide range of imported and local instruments needs consistent brand representation online and offline.

Benefits of Registering in Trademark Class 15

  1. Exclusive Legal Rights
    • Grants sole right to use the registered trademark for musical instruments and accessories.
  2. Brand Recognition
    • A registered trademark enhances brand credibility and customer loyalty.
  3. Takedown of Counterfeits
    • Helps initiate action against fake listings or manufacturers misusing your brand.
  4. Ease in Licensing & Franchising
    • Trademark owners can license their brand for royalties or enter franchise agreements more confidently.
  5. Cross-Border Protection
    • Registering in India helps in filing under the Madrid Protocol for international trademark registration.

Steps to Register in Class 15

  1. Trademark Search
    • Use the Indian Trademark Registry or a professional service to ensure uniqueness.
  2. Choose the Elements to Register
    • Decide if you want to register a name, logo, slogan, or all.
  3. Draft and File the Application
    • Submit Form TM-A under Class 15 with a detailed description of goods.
  4. Pay Government Fees
    • INR 4,500 for individuals/startups; INR 9,000 for companies.
  5. Monitor and Respond
    • Address any examination objections and await publication in the journal.
  6. Receive Trademark Certificate
    • Post opposition period, the certificate is granted, valid for 10 years.

Tips for Startups & Small Businesses in the Music Industry

  • Start Early: Don’t wait until you go commercial; protect your brand from the prototype stage.
  • Think Digital: If you sell online, Class 15 protection helps with takedown requests on Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
  • Combine Classes if Needed: If your business also involves education or entertainment, consider Class 41 along with Class 15.
  • Renew on Time: Trademark validity is 10 years but can be renewed indefinitely.

Why It Matters: Real-World Impact

In 2023, an Indian brand making handcrafted veenas faced international counterfeiting. Fake products were being sold online under a similar name. Thanks to their Class 15 trademark, they successfully took legal action, protected their reputation, and gained media visibility.

This real-world example underlines why registering in the correct class isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a legacy brand making harmoniums for generations or a startup building next-gen MIDI keyboards, Trademark Class 15 provides the necessary legal framework to protect your identity. In India’s culturally rich and competitive musical instrument industry, securing your mark under this class not only prevents duplication but also boosts brand reputation.

As more Indian brands enter global markets, the need for robust intellectual property protection is only growing. Use Class 15 not just as a classification, but as a strategic asset.

Need Help With Class 15 Trademark Registration?

At VMK Professionals, we help instrument makers, distributors, and startups secure their trademarks under the right classes. Our experts handle everything from trademark searches to opposition response.

Contact us today and let your musical brand hit the right note—legally and globally.