20Jun, 2025
Class 15 Trademark in India: Everything Music Brands Need to Know

Introduction

If you’re a musical instrument maker or business in India, protecting your brand is as vital as tuning your instruments. A trademark not only helps distinguish your products in a competitive market but also legally safeguards your brand identity. Specifically, for musical instruments, Trademark Class 15 is the category you must know. In this detailed guide, we break down what Class 15 covers, why it matters to instrument makers, and how to secure your rights under Indian trademark law.

1. Understanding Trademark Classification in India

India follows the NICE Classification system, an international standard used to categorize goods and services for trademark purposes. There are 45 classes: 1-34 for goods and 35-45 for services.

Each trademark application must be filed under one or more of these classes, depending on the nature of the business. If you’re in the musical instrument industry, Class 15 is likely the primary class that applies to you.

2. What Is Trademark Class 15?

Trademark Class 15 specifically covers:

  • Musical instruments
  • Stands and cases for musical instruments
  • Parts and fittings for musical instruments

Examples include:

  • Guitars
  • Violins
  • Flutes
  • Drum kits
  • Pianos
  • Synthesizers
  • DJ controllers
  • Guitar picks and strings
  • Instrument cases

Class 15 covers both acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as their accessories. Whether you manufacture, sell, or distribute these products, you need to file under this class.

3. Who Needs to Register Under Class 15?

Any business or individual involved in the production or sale of musical instruments and their accessories should register under Class 15. This includes:

  • Instrument manufacturers
  • Custom instrument makers
  • Retailers and e-commerce sellers
  • Importers and exporters
  • Music schools producing branded merchandise

Registering your brand ensures no one else can legally use a similar mark for similar products.

4. Why Is Trademark Registration in Class 15 Important?

a. Legal Protection: Registering gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name and logo for musical instruments.

b. Market Differentiation: In a competitive industry, a trademark distinguishes your products from competitors.

c. E-commerce Advantage: Online platforms like Amazon or Flipkart often require trademark proof for branded listings.

d. Preventing Infringement: Your trademark enables you to take legal action against counterfeiters and brand abusers.

e. Asset Creation: A registered trademark becomes a valuable intangible asset for your business, useful for licensing or resale.

5. How to Conduct a Trademark Search for Class 15

Before filing your application, it’s essential to ensure your desired name/logo isn’t already in use:

Step 1: Visit the IP India Portal
Website: https://ipindia.gov.in

Step 2: Choose ‘Public Search’

Step 3: Select Class 15

Step 4: Search by Wordmark, Phonetic, or Vienna Code

Step 5: Review Similar Trademarks

Avoid names that are already registered or closely resemble existing trademarks in Class 15.

6. Filing a Trademark Application for Class 15

Step 1: Prepare Details

  • Applicant Name & Address
  • Brand Name/Logo/Tagline
  • Nature of Business
  • List of Products (e.g., acoustic guitars, piano stands, guitar strings)

Step 2: Submit TM-A Form
You can file online via the IP India website.

Fees:

  • Individuals/Startups: ₹4,500 per class
  • Companies: ₹9,000 per class

Step 3: Examination & Objection
Your application will be examined. If there are objections, a response must be filed.

Step 4: Journal Publication
If accepted, your trademark is published for 4 months to allow third-party opposition.

Step 5: Registration Certificate
If unopposed, your trademark is registered and valid for 10 years (renewable).

7. Real-World Example: Protecting a Musical Brand

Let’s say you manufacture a line of handcrafted ukuleles called “StrumJoy.”

If someone else starts selling cheap plastic ukuleles online with the same or similar name, your Class 15 trademark allows you to:

  • Send a cease-and-desist letter
  • Report to e-commerce platforms to delist the infringing product
  • Take legal action under the Trademarks Act, 1999

Without registration, your legal options are limited and costlier.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 15 Trademark Filing

  • Choosing Generic Names: Names like “GuitarStore” are hard to register.
  • Wrong Class Selection: Don’t register under Class 25 (clothing) for instruments.
  • Poor Trademark Search: Always verify that the name is unique in Class 15.
  • Not Including Accessories: Ensure cases, stands, and other gear are listed.

9. Trademark Class Overlaps and Multi-Class Filing

If your business also makes:

  • T-shirts or merch → Add Class 25
  • Music education services → Add Class 41
  • Software for sound editing → Add Class 9

You can file a multi-class application if your brand spans across product categories.

10. Renewal and Post-Registration Duties

  • Trademarks are valid for 10 years, with an option to renew indefinitely.
  • Use the ® symbol only after registration.
  • Monitor and oppose similar marks filed later.
  • Maintain active usage—non-use for 5 years can lead to cancellation.

Conclusion

Trademark Class 15 is crucial for any musical instrument maker or seller in India. It legally protects your brand, builds customer trust, supports your e-commerce journey, and enhances your business value. From handcrafted violins to digital audio gear, if it’s musical, Class 15 is your legal home.

Don’t wait until someone copies your brand. Register your trademark today and let your business make noise for the right reasons.

About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help musical instrument makers, startups, and established brands secure their trademarks with ease. From search to filing, objection handling, and renewal, we handle it all.

Get expert help today — and ensure your music brand stays uniquely yours!