Introduction
In today’s eco-conscious world, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a movement reshaping industries across the globe. The flooring industry, once dominated by synthetic materials, is now embracing eco-friendly solutions such as bamboo, cork, linoleum, coir, jute, and recycled vinyl. With the rise of green building trends, sustainable flooring brands are carving out a unique identity in the market.
However, as the demand for eco-friendly products grows, so does the risk of imitation. Competitors might use similar brand names, logos, or packaging to mislead consumers. That’s where Trademark Class 27 comes in—offering essential legal protection for businesses dealing with floor coverings, carpets, mats, and similar products.
This guide will help you understand how Trademark Class 27 protects your eco-friendly flooring brand, what products it covers, and why registering under this class is crucial for sustainable businesses.
Understanding Trademark Class 27
Trademark Class 27 is one of the 45 international trademark classes defined under the Nice Classification system. It specifically includes products that are used as floor coverings or wall coverings, such as:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Mats and matting
- Linoleum and vinyl floorings
- Artificial turf
- Wall hangings (non-textile)
In short, Class 27 protects brands dealing in materials that cover floors or walls, whether decorative, functional, or sustainable.
If your brand manufactures, sells, or distributes eco-friendly flooring materials, you must register your trademark under this class to secure your brand identity in the green home and interior market.
Eco-Friendly Flooring and Class 27: The Perfect Match
The eco-friendly flooring market has rapidly expanded as homeowners and builders seek sustainable and durable alternatives. Materials like bamboo, cork, jute, linoleum, coir, and recycled rubber flooring have become mainstream choices.
Here’s how each product fits under Trademark Class 27:
| Eco-Friendly Material | Trademark Coverage Under Class 27 |
|---|---|
| Bamboo Flooring | Protected as a type of floor covering |
| Cork Flooring | Included under natural floor coverings |
| Linoleum | Explicitly listed in Class 27 |
| Jute or Coir Mats | Covered under mats and matting |
| Recycled Vinyl or Rubber Flooring | Protected as synthetic but eco-friendly coverings |
| Natural Fiber Carpets and Rugs | Fully included under carpets and rugs |
By registering your brand in Class 27, you gain exclusive rights to use your brand name and logo for your sustainable flooring products—ensuring your eco-conscious innovation remains yours alone.
Why Eco-Friendly Flooring Brands Need Trademark Protection
1. Safeguard Your Brand Identity
As the eco-friendly flooring trend grows, competitors might imitate your product designs, logos, or brand names to ride on your success. Trademark registration under Class 27 gives you exclusive ownership rights, preventing others from using confusingly similar marks.
2. Build Trust With Environmentally Conscious Consumers
Eco-friendly customers value authenticity. A registered trademark reflects professionalism and credibility, helping customers trust that your products are genuinely sustainable and not “greenwashed.”
3. Legal Protection Against Copycats
Trademark registration gives you the legal right to take action against counterfeiters or competitors who use similar branding. You can issue cease-and-desist notices, seek damages, and stop infringing sales quickly.
4. Boost Your Brand’s Value
Trademarks are valuable intangible assets. For growing eco-brands, having a registered mark enhances your business valuation, investor appeal, and licensing potential.
5. Easier Expansion and International Recognition
If you plan to expand globally or export your eco-friendly flooring, having a registered trademark simplifies the process. It strengthens your position in international trademark filings and ensures consistent brand protection across borders.
Examples of Eco-Friendly Flooring Brands Using Trademark Class 27
Many sustainable flooring companies worldwide have leveraged Class 27 protection to secure their green identity:
- Interface, Inc. – Known for its modular carpet tiles made from recycled materials.
- Marmoleum (by Forbo) – A famous brand of linoleum flooring made from natural ingredients like linseed oil and jute.
- Cali Bamboo – A global bamboo flooring brand emphasizing sustainability and eco-conscious design.
- Mohawk Flooring – Offers a range of recycled and renewable flooring materials under various Class 27 registrations.
These brands demonstrate how trademark registration not only protects intellectual property but also builds a reputation for authenticity in the eco-friendly market.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Trademark Your Eco-Friendly Flooring Brand Under Class 27
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before applying, search for similar trademarks to ensure your brand name or logo is unique. You can use:
- The IP India Public Search Tool
- WIPO’s Global Brand Database
- Private trademark attorney tools
This step prevents rejections or disputes later.
Step 2: Identify the Right Class (Class 27)
For eco-friendly flooring brands, select Trademark Class 27 as it covers carpets, mats, linoleum, and other types of floor coverings.
If your business also sells installation services or home decor, you may consider multi-class registration, such as:
- Class 35 for retail or marketing services
- Class 19 for construction materials
- Class 37 for installation services
Step 3: Prepare Required Details
You’ll need:
- Applicant details (individual, company, or LLP)
- Brand name/logo to be trademarked
- List of products (e.g., bamboo flooring, rugs, mats)
- Address and proof of business
Step 4: File the Application
You can file online at the IP India website or through a trademark professional.
Choose the correct form—TM-A—and pay the applicable fees.
Step 5: Examination and Publication
After submission, your application will be examined by the trademark office. If found acceptable, it’s published in the Trademark Journal for opposition.
If no objections arise within 4 months, your trademark moves toward registration.
Step 6: Registration and Certification
Once approved, you’ll receive your Trademark Registration Certificate, giving you legal rights over your eco-friendly flooring brand name and logo for 10 years (renewable).
Common Mistakes Eco-Friendly Flooring Brands Should Avoid
- Using generic or descriptive terms (like “Green Carpets” or “Eco Floors”) — Choose a unique and distinctive name.
- Skipping the trademark search — Similar marks can lead to rejection.
- Not protecting all product categories — Consider multi-class registration if you sell related goods.
- Delaying registration — Competitors may file before you and block your brand name.
- Ignoring renewals — Remember to renew your trademark every 10 years to maintain protection.
SEO Tips for Trademarking Eco-Friendly Flooring Brands
If you’re promoting your flooring brand online, use SEO-friendly strategies to attract more customers:
- Optimize for keywords like “eco-friendly flooring,” “bamboo carpets,” “natural rugs,” and “sustainable vinyl floors.”
- Create blog content about sustainable interior design trends.
- Showcase certifications like GreenPro, GRIHA, or LEED on your website.
- Register your trademark and use ® or ™ symbols to boost brand credibility.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly and sustainable flooring is shaping the future of modern interiors—and Trademark Class 27 ensures your brand identity remains protected in this green revolution.
By registering your brand under this class, you secure exclusive rights to your name, logo, and product designs, preventing competitors from copying your sustainable innovation. Beyond legal protection, a trademark reinforces trust, boosts visibility, and adds long-term value to your business.
If you’re building an eco-conscious flooring brand, don’t wait until imitators catch up—file your trademark today and protect the name that represents your green vision.
Trademark Registration Made Easy with VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration services for all industries, including eco-friendly and sustainable brands. Our expert team ensures a smooth process—from search to registration—so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the legalities.
✅ Hassle-free online filing
✅ Expert consultation and class selection
✅ End-to-end application support
Secure your eco-friendly flooring brand today. Contact VMK Professionals and protect your innovation under Trademark Class 27.