Which Trademark Class Do You Need? Class 12 vs. Related Categories Explained
When it comes to registering a trademark, choosing the right class is not just a formality — it’s a strategic legal decision that protects your brand from misuse and ensures you’re covered in the right industry. One of the most commonly misunderstood categories is Trademark Class 12, especially when comparing it with other related classes.
Whether you’re manufacturing vehicles, supplying spare parts, or offering services related to the automotive or transport industry, you need to understand how Class 12 differs from others — and when you might need to register in multiple classes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- What is Trademark Class 12?
- Comparison of Class 12 with other trademark classes
- Common confusion areas
- Real-world examples
- How to choose the right class(es) for your business
Let’s get started!
🚘 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water.”
This includes automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, aircraft, drones, mobility aids like wheelchairs, and their parts and fittings.
If your business is involved in manufacturing, assembling, distributing, or branding vehicles and transport devices, Class 12 is typically where you’ll register your trademark.
✅ Examples of Goods in Class 12:
- Cars, trucks, buses
- Electric vehicles (EVs), e-rickshaws
- Motorcycles, bicycles
- Vehicle engines, transmissions, clutches, and axles
- Tires, seats, bumpers, headlights
- Aircrafts, drones, helicopters
- Ships, boats, canoes
- Wheelchairs, strollers, trolleys
🔄 Class 12 vs. Other Trademark Classes: Detailed Comparison
Here’s how Trademark Class 12 compares with other related or commonly confused classes. Each trademark class has a specific purpose, so understanding this comparison will help you make smarter filing decisions.
🔧 Class 7 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 7 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Machines and machine parts | Vehicles and vehicle parts |
| Examples | Engines for machines, machine tools, pumps | Engines for cars, motor vehicles, aircraft |
| Confusion? | Yes. If it’s a motor for an industrial machine, it’s Class 7. If it’s for a vehicle, it’s Class 12. |
💡 Tip: The same item (like an engine) may fall in different classes depending on its application.
🧴 Class 4 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 4 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels | Vehicles and apparatus for transport |
| Examples | Engine oil, greases, fuels | Cars, buses, electric scooters |
| Confusion? | Yes. You may produce both vehicles and their oils, which require different classes. |
✅ Pro Tip: If you manufacture and sell your own brand of engine oil for your vehicles, register in both Class 4 and Class 12.
🧰 Class 9 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 9 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Electronics, software, sensors | Vehicles and components |
| Examples | GPS systems, sensors, software for vehicles | Cars, brakes, steering systems |
| Confusion? | High. Especially with EVs and smart cars. |
⚠️ If you offer an app or embedded software for your vehicles, file it under Class 9 as well.
🧼 Class 3 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 3 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Cosmetics, cleaning, vehicle polish | Vehicles and mechanical parts |
| Examples | Car shampoo, wax, dashboard cleaner | Vehicles and structural components |
| Confusion? | Moderate. |
A car wax brand would be Class 3, even though it’s used on vehicles.
🧑🔧 Class 37 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 37 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Repair, installation services | Goods related to vehicles |
| Examples | Vehicle repair shops, maintenance, painting | Physical vehicles and accessories |
| Confusion? | High. Many businesses offer both services and products. |
🔁 Consider dual registration if your brand name is used for both auto service and parts.
💼 Class 35 vs. Class 12
| Feature | Class 35 | Class 12 |
| Focus | Retail, marketing, business management | Vehicles and their physical goods |
| Examples | Online vehicle sales, marketing agencies | Physical transport products |
| Confusion? | Common in e-commerce and marketplaces. |
If your business is a platform for selling cars (like CarDekho), use Class 35.
If you manufacture the vehicles, use Class 12.
🧠 When to Register in Multiple Trademark Classes?
In today’s multi-faceted businesses, it’s very common to register in multiple classes.
Here’s when you should:
✅ 1. You sell both physical goods and software
- Example: EV company with an app
- Register in: Class 12 + Class 9
✅ 2. You offer services along with products
- Example: Car repair workshop that also sells accessories
- Register in: Class 12 + Class 37
✅ 3. You sell products in retail/online
- Example: Brand that markets vehicle parts and sells them online
- Register in: Class 12 + Class 35
✅ 4. You want broad protection
- Even if you’re only operating in one domain today, consider future-proofing your trademark.
📦 Real-World Trademark Filing Examples
| Brand | Classes Registered | Why? |
| Ola Electric | Class 12, 9, 35 | EV manufacturing, app development, marketing |
| Hero MotoCorp | Class 12, 37 | Bikes + repair/service centers |
| Maruti Suzuki | Class 12, 35, 37 | Vehicle production + dealership services |
| Tata Motors | Class 12, 9, 4 | Vehicles + automotive electronics + lubricants |
These brands protect their identity across every relevant class they operate in.
🧾 How to Choose the Right Class for Your Trademark
Follow this checklist:
🔍 Step 1: Define Your Offerings
List your goods/services. Are they physical products, digital tools, or services?
🧠 Step 2: Understand the Class Definitions
Read official class definitions at IP India’s official portal.
📑 Step 3: Identify Overlaps
If you have multiple segments (products, services, software, sales), you may need multiple classes.
🛡️ Step 4: File Under All Relevant Classes
One application per class — or use a multi-class trademark application.
📢 Step 5: Consult Experts
Still unsure? Reach out to professionals like VMK Professionals to avoid mistakes.
❓ Why Filing in the Wrong Class is a Big Risk
Many businesses make the costly mistake of choosing the wrong trademark class.
Consequences include:
- ❌ Rejection of trademark application
- ❌ No legal protection for actual goods/services
- ❌ Competitors can use your brand in other classes
- ❌ Ineligibility for e-commerce platforms or tenders
- ❌ Waste of money on re-filing
Don’t let a simple error ruin your brand’s legal foundation.
🛠️ How VMK Professionals Helps You
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in:
- ✅ Trademark search and class identification
- ✅ Multi-class trademark registration
- ✅ Expert legal drafting and filings
- ✅ Objection replies and hearing representation
- ✅ Affordable plans for startups and MSMEs
Whether you’re filing in Class 12 alone or combining it with Class 9, 35, or 37, we ensure your trademark is strategically positioned and fully protected.
📌 Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice for Your Brand
Choosing between Class 12 and other trademark classes isn’t always black and white. Your business might span across goods, services, digital platforms, and more.
Understanding the difference between each class — and how they interact — ensures that you’re not just registering a name, but securing your brand’s future.
When in doubt, register in all relevant classes. It’s an investment, not an expense.
📞 Protect Your Brand with VMK Professionals
Need help registering in the right trademark class?
Let our legal experts guide you through the process.
VMK Professionals – Trademark Experts for the Indian Business Ecosystem