Which Trademark Class Is Right for You? Comparing Class 11 with Others
When you’re building a business, your brand name becomes your identity. But protecting that name legally is just as important. That’s where trademark registration comes in — and choosing the correct trademark class is the first big step. If your business deals with items like lighting, air conditioning, water heaters, or sanitary products, you may fall under Trademark Class 11.
But how do you confirm that Class 11 is the right one? And what if your products or services overlap with other classes?
In this blog, we’ll break down Trademark Class 11, compare it with other key trademark classes, and help you figure out exactly which class suits your business best.
🔍 What Is Trademark Class 11?
Trademark Class 11 is a product class under the NICE Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 distinct classes for trademark registration.
Class 11 is dedicated to:
“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes.“
🔧 Common Products Under Class 11
- Electric lamps and LED lights
- Water purifiers and filters
- Fans, heaters, air conditioners
- Refrigerators and ovens
- Sanitary equipment like faucets, showers, toilets
- Ventilation systems
- Solar water heaters
- Kitchen chimneys
If your product provides or controls light, heat, air, water, or sanitation — Class 11 is where you belong.
⚖️ Why Choosing the Right Class Matters
Selecting the wrong class for your trademark could mean:
- ❌ Your brand name isn’t protected in your real industry
- ⚠️ You face objections or rejection by the Trademark Registry
- 🧾 Legal action can’t be taken if a competitor copies your brand
- 💸 You may need to refile and pay again — wasting time and money
That’s why understanding whether you need only Class 11, or Class 11 + other classes, is critical.
🆚 Class 11 vs. Other Similar Trademark Classes
Let’s compare Class 11 with other trademark classes that often confuse business owners.
1. Class 11 vs. Class 7 – Machines & Machine Tools
| Aspect | Class 11 | Class 7 |
| Product Type | Appliances (light, heat, water, air) | Industrial machines, tools, motors |
| Example | Water heaters, fans | Electric motors, compressors |
| Ideal For | Consumer product manufacturers | Industrial equipment brands |
If your product is for end-user comfort, sanitation, or temperature control — choose Class 11.
2. Class 11 vs. Class 9 – Electronics & Scientific Devices
| Aspect | Class 11 | Class 9 |
| Product Type | Functional appliances | Electrical, scientific, or software devices |
| Example | Air conditioners | Thermostats, remote control apps |
| Ideal For | Appliance makers | Tech startups, IoT developers |
Many smart appliances involve Class 9 + Class 11. Example: A smart AC brand should register in both.
3. Class 11 vs. Class 21 – Kitchen Tools & Containers
| Aspect | Class 11 | Class 21 |
| Product Type | Electric or gas appliances | Manual kitchen tools, glassware |
| Example | Electric oven, toaster | Spatulas, mixing bowls, non-electric kettles |
If it plugs in or uses heat/electricity — it’s Class 11. If it’s manual or container-based — Class 21.
4. Class 11 vs. Class 35 – Sales & Advertising Services
| Aspect | Class 11 | Class 35 |
| Product Type | Physical appliances | Business and retail services |
| Example | Air purifiers | Retail store selling air purifiers |
If you sell products made by others, Class 35 applies. If you manufacture or brand appliances — go with Class 11.
💡 Common Scenarios and Class Selection
Let’s look at a few realistic examples:
🌬️ A fan and cooler brand
- ✅ Class 11 (fans, coolers)
- 🚫 Not Class 7 or 21
🛁 A sanitaryware manufacturer
- ✅ Class 11 (toilets, faucets, showers)
📱 A smart water purifier with mobile control
- ✅ Class 11 (purifier) + ✅ Class 9 (app/software)
🛍️ An online home appliance store
- ✅ Class 35 (selling others’ products)
🏭 A motor manufacturing unit for AC compressors
- ✅ Class 7 (industrial motor)
Choosing correctly ensures no loss of IP rights in the market where you actually operate.
🛠️ Should You Apply in Multiple Classes?
Yes, in many cases a business should apply for multi-class trademark registration.
Here’s why:
- Products today often combine hardware + software
- A business may both manufacture and sell
- Brand expansion may include other product lines in the future
🎯 Example:
Your company “AquaCool” sells:
- Water purifiers (Class 11)
- Thermostat app (Class 9)
- Online sales platform (Class 35)
➡️ You should apply in Class 11, Class 9, and Class 35.
📋 How to Choose the Right Trademark Class
Follow this step-by-step approach:
- List all your products/services
- Identify which are manufactured vs sold
- Check if any product uses software or IoT
- Compare descriptions with official class list
- Consult a trademark expert if unsure
- Apply in all applicable classes to future-proof your brand
🔍 Real Brands Using Class 11
Let’s look at some top brands that have filed trademarks in Class 11:
- Havells – Lighting & water heaters
- Crompton Greaves – Ceiling fans & home appliances
- Jaquar – Bathroom fittings & sanitary equipment
- Voltas – Air conditioners
- Eureka Forbes – Water purifiers
These brands sometimes also register in Class 9 (for control tech) and Class 35 (for their sales operations).
📑 Filing Process for Class 11
Here’s a quick view of how to register your trademark in Class 11:
- ✅ Trademark Search – Make sure your brand name isn’t already registered.
- 📝 Drafting the Application – Write a clear product list under Class 11.
- 📤 Filing the Application – Submit with the Trademark Registry (India: IPINDIA).
- 🔍 Examination & Objection (if any) – Authority checks for conflicts.
- 📢 Publication in Journal – Others may object within 4 months.
- 🪪 Registration Certificate Issued – If no objections, you’re granted legal ownership.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Which One Do You Really Need?
Choosing between Class 11 and other trademark classes isn’t about guesswork — it’s about understanding what your business offers.
👉 Pick Class 11 if your goods are related to heating, lighting, cooking, ventilating, or sanitary uses.
👉 Add Class 9 if you include smart tech or electronics.
👉 Add Class 35 if you’re also a seller, reseller, or retailer.
👉 Add Class 7 or Class 21 only if your business goes into machinery or manual tools.
The better your classification, the stronger your protection.
🛡️ Protect Your Business with VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping brands identify the correct trademark classes, file seamlessly, and secure lasting protection. Whether you’re a new startup or a growing appliance brand, we’ll help you register your trademark the right way — so your brand stays yours.
📞 Contact VMK Professionals today for expert trademark filing in Class 11 and beyond.