9May, 2025
Class 12 Trademark Explained: Protecting Automobiles, Parts & Accessories

In the world of automotive innovation, where new brands and models are launched almost every day, building a strong brand identity is critical. But simply having a great name or logo isn’t enough — you need legal protection, especially in a highly competitive industry like automobiles. That’s where Trademark Class 12 plays a key role.

If you’re an entrepreneur, manufacturer, or trader in the transport or mobility sector, this guide will break down everything you need to know about Class 12 trademark registration — from definitions and inclusions to real-world examples and how to get started.

🚀 Introduction to Trademark Classes

Before jumping into Class 12 specifically, let’s take a step back.

Trademarks in India are classified into 45 categories, based on the Nice Classification system:

  • Classes 1–34: Goods
  • Classes 35–45: Services

When registering a trademark, you must pick the right class to ensure your brand is protected within your relevant industry. Failing to do so can result in:

  • Rejection of the application
  • Legal disputes
  • Competitors using similar marks for similar goods

Now let’s dive into the most relevant class for automotive players — Trademark Class 12.

🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?

Trademark Class 12 covers vehicles and apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water. It includes both:

  • Whole vehicles
  • Vehicle parts and accessories

This class provides brand protection for a wide range of businesses dealing with transportation, vehicle manufacturing, and mobility innovation.

🚙 What Products Are Included in Trademark Class 12?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what Class 12 includes:

🛻 A. Vehicles (By Mode of Transport)

Land Vehicles:

  • Motorcars, trucks, SUVs, vans
  • Motorcycles, scooters, mopeds
  • Bicycles, tricycles
  • Electric vehicles (EVs)
  • Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws
  • Tractors and farm vehicles

Air Vehicles:

  • Airplanes and helicopters
  • Gliders and hot air balloons
  • Drones (used for transport or logistics)

Water Vehicles:

  • Boats, yachts, ferries
  • Canoes, water scooters
  • Marine vessels for transport

🧩 B. Vehicle Components and Accessories

  • Tyres, tubes, wheels, and rims
  • Engines for land vehicles
  • Braking systems and suspensions
  • Transmission components like gearboxes and axles
  • Vehicle seats, safety belts, airbags
  • Mirrors, windshields, doors
  • Anti-theft alarms, locks
  • Vehicle horns and lights
  • Roof racks and covers

♿ C. Mobility Equipment

  • Wheelchairs (manual or powered)
  • Baby strollers and prams
  • Mobility scooters for elderly/disabled
  • Shopping carts and luggage trolleys

🛑 What Is Not Included in Class 12?

This is where many applicants go wrong. Some vehicle-related products are part of other trademark classes. Here’s a comparison:

Product or ServiceTrademark Class
Vehicle BatteriesClass 9
Software, GPS, IoT for vehiclesClass 9
Fuel and oilsClass 4
Vehicle paints and coatingsClass 2
Car repair and maintenanceClass 37
Retailing or selling of vehiclesClass 35

Tip: If your automotive business spans multiple categories, consider multi-class registration.

🧑‍💼 Who Needs to Register Under Trademark Class 12?

If your business is involved in manufacturing, assembling, selling, or designing vehicles and parts, you should register under this class.

✅ Common Class 12 Applicants:

  • Car and bike manufacturers
  • Auto parts companies
  • E-scooter and e-bike startups
  • Tyre and rim manufacturers
  • Tractor and commercial vehicle brands
  • Boat and yacht makers
  • Drone delivery service providers
  • Wheelchair and mobility aid brands

🏢 Real Brands Registered Under Class 12 in India

Here are a few examples of companies that have registered their trademarks under Class 12:

BrandProduct CategoryStatus
Ola ElectricElectric ScootersRegistered
MahindraTractors and SUVsRegistered
Hero CyclesBicyclesRegistered
RapidoMotorbike taxisRegistered
AtherSmart e-scootersRegistered

These brands understand that a registered trademark under the right class is crucial for growth, credibility, and legal safety.

🧾 Why Trademark Class 12 Matters for Automotive Businesses

Let’s explore the major benefits of registering your trademark under Class 12.

1. 🛡️ Legal Protection

Your brand name or logo is protected under Indian law — giving you the right to sue for infringement.

2. 📈 Business Credibility

Customers and investors view registered trademarks as a sign of seriousness and authenticity.

3. 🧠 Intellectual Property (IP) Value

A registered mark is a business asset. It can be licensed, sold, or franchised.

4. 🌍 Expansion and Exports

If you plan to go global or list on Amazon, Flipkart, or export to other countries, a trademark is often mandatory.

5. 👮 Protection from Copycats

Registering in Class 12 means no one else in the automotive space can legally use a confusingly similar name or logo.

🛠️ How to Register a Trademark Under Class 12 (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a simple walkthrough of the process:

🪜 Step 1: Trademark Search

Conduct a search on the IP India Public Search website to see if your mark is already taken in Class 12.

🪜 Step 2: Choose Mark Type

  • Wordmark: For names like “Bolt Motors”
  • Logo mark: For brand icons or stylized names
  • Device mark: A combination of image and word

🪜 Step 3: File Trademark Application

Submit Form TM-A either online or through an IP professional. Make sure you select Class 12 specifically.

Documents Needed:

  • Brand name/logo
  • Applicant’s ID proof
  • MSME/Startup certificate (for fee reduction)
  • Power of Attorney (if filing through an agent)

🪜 Step 4: Examination

Your application is reviewed by the Trademark Office. If there are objections, you’ll be notified with a chance to respond.

🪜 Step 5: Publication

The mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. During this time, any third party can oppose it.

🪜 Step 6: Registration

If no opposition is received, or if it’s resolved in your favor, you’ll receive a Trademark Registration Certificate valid for 10 years (renewable).

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid in Class 12 Trademark Filing

Here are some common (but avoidable) mistakes:

  • ❌ Filing under the wrong class (like Class 7 or Class 9)
  • ❌ Using generic or descriptive names (like “Fast Bike”)
  • ❌ Not performing a trademark search
  • ❌ Ignoring similar existing marks
  • ❌ Filing without expert consultation

🌐 Online Branding & SEO Benefit of a Registered Trademark

Did you know that a trademark helps with your online brand visibility too?

  • Your brand appears as official and verified on Google
  • Social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook) prefer verified names
  • You can prevent cybersquatting and impersonation
  • Helps boost SEO with branded searches like “Buy Tyro Tyres Online” or “Tyro Wheels near me”

Having a registered trademark also helps protect your domain name, preventing others from creating fake eCommerce sites under your name.

🧑‍💼 How VMK Professionals Can Help

We at VMK Professionals specialize in trademark registration, brand protection, and compliance solutions for Indian startups and businesses.

Why Choose Us?

  • ✔ 1000+ Trademarks Filed
  • ✔ Dedicated legal experts
  • ✔ MSME/Startup recognition support
  • ✔ Fast & affordable pricing
  • ✔ Complete objection handling
  • ✔ PAN India service

Whether you’re launching a new e-scooter or making aftermarket car accessories, we help you register under the right class, faster and smarter.

📌 Final Thoughts: Secure Your Automotive Brand Today!

In the high-speed world of vehicles, technology, and transport, brand value is your engine — and Trademark Class 12 is your seatbelt.

Registering your trademark is not just legal protection, it’s an investment in:

  • Your identity
  • Your future market share
  • Your global ambitions

Don’t let competitors or imitators ride on your brand’s hard-earned reputation.

📞 Need Expert Help? Contact VMK Professionals Today!

Ready to trademark your automotive brand? Get started with VMK Professionals — the trusted partner for startups, manufacturers, and mobility innovators across India.
📍 PAN India Service Available

👉 Trademark your brand before someone else does!