In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, where branding and innovation go hand in hand, securing your brand’s identity is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re launching a new electric scooter, manufacturing vehicle components, or selling high-performance car accessories, your brand deserves to be protected. That’s where Trademark Class 12 comes into play.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering a trademark under Class 12, from understanding what it covers to the full step-by-step registration process.
🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12, as defined under the Nice Classification System, covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
This class includes cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles (EVs), buses, parts and fittings like tyres, brakes, axles, seats, and even boats and aircraft.
If your brand is involved in the manufacture, distribution, or retail of any such items, you must register under Class 12 to gain exclusive rights and legal protection.
🧾 What Products Are Covered Under Class 12?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of goods under Class 12:
✅ Land Transport:
- Motor cars, trucks, buses, vans
- Electric vehicles and hybrid cars
- Scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, e-bikes
- Bicycles, tricycles, rickshaws
- Tractors, trailers
✅ Air & Water Vehicles:
- Airplanes, helicopters, drones
- Boats, ships, yachts, ferries, submarines
✅ Vehicle Components & Accessories:
- Tyres, tubes, inner linings
- Seats, mirrors, dashboards, bumpers
- Gearboxes, axles, transmissions
- Brake pads, suspension systems, clutches
✅ Other Mobility Devices:
- Wheelchairs
- Baby strollers, prams
- Mobility scooters for the elderly or disabled
If your product matches anything from the above, Trademark Class 12 is your category.
🧠 Why Should You Register a Trademark in Class 12?
Here are the main benefits of trademark registration for automotive and vehicle businesses:
1. 🔒 Legal Ownership
Once registered, you gain exclusive rights to use the brand name/logo under Class 12 goods.
2. 🚫 Protection from Imitation
Competitors can’t legally use similar names or designs. You can take legal action in case of infringement.
3. 🌍 National & International Expansion
Registered trademarks can be used to:
- Secure domain names and social handles
- Sell on e-commerce platforms
- Expand internationally under the Madrid Protocol
4. 💼 Boost Business Credibility
Trademark ownership improves customer trust, increases brand value, and attracts investors or franchisees.
🛠 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Class 12
Let’s break down the complete process for registering your trademark under Class 12 in India:
📝 Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, it’s crucial to check whether a similar brand already exists under Class 12.
- Use the IP India Trademark Search Portal
- Select Class 12 and type your brand name
- Look for exact or similar names that may create a conflict
Pro Tip: If a similar trademark exists, consider slight modifications to make your brand distinctive.
🧾 Step 2: Choose the Right Class (or Multiple Classes)
While Class 12 covers physical vehicle-related goods, you may need additional classes if:
- You offer vehicle repair services (Class 37)
- You run an online vehicle marketplace (Class 35)
- You offer logistics or transport services (Class 39)
Choosing the correct class is essential because incorrect classification may lead to rejection or no protection for your actual goods.
🧷 Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
You’ll need the following documents for filing:
For Individual / Sole Proprietor:
- Logo (optional, for word mark, not needed)
- Name, address, and ID proof
- Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
For Company / Partnership / LLP:
- Certificate of incorporation / Partnership deed
- Address proof
- Logo (if applicable)
- TM-48 (signed by authorized signatory)
- PAN & GST (if available)
💻 Step 4: File Form TM-A (Application for Trademark Registration)
You can apply through:
- The official IP India portal
- Or hire a registered trademark attorney or professional service provider like VMK Professionals
Application Fees:
| Applicant Type | Fee (per class) |
| Individual / Startup / Small Enterprise | ₹4,500 |
| Others (Companies/LLPs) | ₹9,000 |
Note: You can file for a wordmark, logo, or both.
🔍 Step 5: Examination by Trademark Registry
After submission, the registry examines the application for:
- Similar marks already existing
- Correct class usage
- Whether it’s distinctive or descriptive
Possible Outcomes:
- Accepted → Directly moves to publication
- Objected → Registry raises objections (respond required within 30 days)
🗞 Step 6: Trademark Publication
If accepted, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for public viewing. This opens up a 4-month opposition window.
- If no opposition, it proceeds to registration.
- If opposed, you must respond with legal arguments to defend your claim.
📜 Step 7: Trademark Registration Certificate
If everything goes well, your trademark gets registered and a certificate is issued.
✅ Valid for 10 years
🔁 Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
🛡️ Legal proof of ownership and protection
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid During Class 12 Trademark Filing
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
| Filing in wrong class | Leaves your goods unprotected |
| Not checking for conflicts | May lead to rejection or legal disputes |
| Using generic/descriptive terms | Reduces chances of approval |
| Missing deadlines | Application may be abandoned |
| Ignoring objections | Delays or denial of trademark |
🧑🔧 Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 is ideal for:
- Car/bike manufacturing companies
- Electric vehicle startups
- Auto parts brands and distributors
- Drone and aerial mobility firms
- Wheelchair and mobility solution providers
- Bicycles and baby stroller companies
- Import-export dealers of transport goods
- Vehicle component resellers on Amazon/Flipkart
🌐 Real-Life Examples of Class 12 Trademark Registrations
| Brand | Trademarked Products | Classification |
| Hero MotoCorp | Splendor, Passion | Motorcycles (Class 12) |
| Ola Electric | Ola S1, Ola MoveOS | EVs & Parts (Class 12) |
| TVS Motors | Apache, Jupiter | Scooters/Bikes (Class 12) |
| Tata Motors | Nexon, Altroz, Punch | Cars (Class 12) |
| Ather Energy | Ather 450X | EV Scooters (Class 12) |
💼 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 12 Trademark Filing?
Registering a trademark may seem simple, but a small mistake can cost your brand legal protection or ownership rights. VMK Professionals ensures:
✅ Free Trademark Class Search
✅ Professional Objection Handling
✅ Multi-class Trademark Strategy
✅ Affordable Pricing for Startups
✅ End-to-End Support from Filing to Registration
We’ve helped hundreds of auto and EV brands secure their IP rights efficiently.
🔚 Final Thoughts
In the dynamic and highly competitive automotive industry, your brand name, logo, and design are not just identifiers—they are assets. With growing consumer attention and market expansion, securing your identity under Trademark Class 12 is the smartest move you can make.
Don’t wait until someone else registers your name. Take charge and protect your brand today.
📞 Get Expert Help with VMK Professionals
Need help registering your trademark under Class 12?
VMK Professionals – India’s Trusted Trademark Experts for Automotive & Transport Brands.