Comparing Trademark Class 12 with Other Classes: A Guide for Automotive Brands
When you’re ready to register a trademark in India, the first and most important step is to pick the correct trademark class. With 45 different classes under the Nice Classification system, choosing the wrong one could lead to rejection, limited protection, or even legal trouble in the future.
One class that often causes confusion is Trademark Class 12, which covers vehicles and transport-related goods. If you’re in the automotive or mobility sector, Class 12 is a top contender—but how does it compare with other similar classes? What if your business spans multiple industries?
In this blog, we’ll explain:
- What Trademark Class 12 covers
- How it compares to related classes like Class 7, 9, 37, 35, and 4
- How to know which class (or classes) apply to your business
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Real examples and expert tips
🚗 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 includes:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water.”
This means all types of vehicles—cars, bikes, trucks, electric scooters, boats, drones, and aircraft—as well as the parts, accessories, and equipment used in them.
✅ Goods That Fall Under Class 12:
- Cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks
- Electric vehicles and e-rickshaws
- Drones, aircraft, helicopters
- Ships, boats, ferries
- Bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs
- Vehicle parts: tyres, brakes, horns, lights, engines (for vehicles)
- Vehicle safety and anti-theft devices
- Self-driving vehicle systems (hardware)
If your brand manufactures, assembles, sells, or brands vehicles or their components, Class 12 is for you.
🔍 Trademark Class 12 vs. Other Classes – A Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s break down how Class 12 stacks up against closely related trademark classes that are often confused with it.
🔧 Class 12 vs. Class 7 – Vehicles vs. Industrial Machines
| Aspect | Class 12 | Class 7 |
| Goods | Vehicles and vehicle parts | Industrial machines and tools |
| Examples | Cars, scooters, axles | Engines (not for vehicles), motors for machines |
| Use Case | Making or branding vehicles | Manufacturing industrial machinery |
💡 Tip: Engines for cars = Class 12. Engines for factory machines = Class 7.
🛠️ Class 12 vs. Class 37 – Goods vs. Services
| Aspect | Class 12 | Class 37 |
| Type | Physical goods | Repair and maintenance services |
| Examples | Vehicle parts, EVs, bicycles | Car repair shop, painting, tire fitting |
| Use Case | Product-based companies | Service-based companies |
💡 Tip: If you’re operating a garage or servicing bikes, choose Class 37. If you’re selling bikes, choose Class 12.
🧴 Class 12 vs. Class 4 – Vehicles vs. Lubricants
| Aspect | Class 12 | Class 4 |
| Goods | Vehicles and their parts | Oils, greases, fuels |
| Examples | EVs, tyres, suspensions | Engine oil, brake fluid, coolants |
| Use Case | Vehicle manufacturing | Vehicle consumables like fuel and oil |
💡 Tip: Selling motor oil? That’s Class 4. Making EVs? That’s Class 12.
📱 Class 12 vs. Class 9 – Vehicles vs. Electronics
| Aspect | Class 12 | Class 9 |
| Focus | Transport vehicles | Electronics, software, sensors |
| Examples | Cars, e-bikes, scooters | GPS, EV batteries, vehicle sensors |
| Use Case | Physical transport | Embedded tech or digital control systems |
💡 Tip: Register under both if you make EVs with smart features.
🛍️ Class 12 vs. Class 35 – Manufacturing vs. Retailing
| Aspect | Class 12 | Class 35 |
| Focus | Vehicle products | Selling or advertising vehicles |
| Examples | Manufacturing cars or parts | Car dealership, online auto marketplace |
| Use Case | Production and branding | Sales and marketing services |
💡 Tip: If you sell but don’t make the products, Class 35 fits best.
🔁 Can One Business Fall Into Multiple Trademark Classes?
Yes, and this is very common—especially in the automotive sector. For instance:
Scenario: An electric scooter brand like Ather Energy
- Class 12: For the scooter itself
- Class 9: For the dashboard software and battery packs
- Class 35: For online promotions and retailing
- Class 37: For service center and repair work
💡 Pro Tip: Filing under multiple classes ensures full brand protection and future expansion without conflicts.
🔎 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing only one class when your business spans multiple.
→ Example: An EV brand filing only in Class 12 but ignoring Class 9 for onboard software. - Filing in the wrong class.
→ Example: Registering an engine in Class 12 when it’s actually used in factory machines (Class 7). - Overlooking service-related classes.
→ Example: Running an auto repair shop but filing in Class 12 instead of Class 37. - Assuming future business won’t matter.
→ Example: Planning to launch an app for your vehicle brand but not including Class 9 in your trademark application.
🧪 Real-World Examples of Multi-Class Trademark Registration
| Brand | Trademark Classes | Reason |
| Ola Electric | 12, 9, 35 | Scooters, software, app-based services |
| Tata Motors | 12, 9, 4 | Vehicles, electronics, lubricants |
| Hero MotoCorp | 12, 37 | Bikes and bike servicing |
| TVS Motor | 12, 35, 9 | Vehicles, ecommerce retail, dashboard tech |
💡 Lesson: Top automotive companies register across multiple classes to protect their IP at every touchpoint.
📝 How to Choose the Right Trademark Class
Follow this checklist:
✅ 1. Identify Your Business Activities
Manufacturing? Selling? Servicing? Creating software?
✅ 2. Match Goods/Services to Trademark Classes
Refer to the IP India classification guide or consult experts.
✅ 3. Consider Your Future Expansion Plans
File for extra classes if you plan to grow into related areas later.
✅ 4. Don’t Rely on Guesswork
Work with professionals to avoid costly re-filings and objections.
🛡️ How VMK Professionals Can Help
At VMK Professionals, we offer complete trademark support—from class selection to application filing, objection handling, and trademark renewal.
✅ Free class evaluation
✅ Multi-class registration support
✅ Affordable legal assistance
✅ 100% accuracy and transparency
📌 Final Thoughts
Picking the right trademark class is not just a formality—it’s a strategic move to protect your brand, your business, and your future.
Class 12 is the go-to for vehicle-related products, but if your business goes beyond manufacturing into electronics, services, or retail, you must consider other relevant classes like Class 9, Class 35, Class 37, and more.
🧾 Need Help Choosing the Right Class?
Let VMK Professionals simplify the process for you.
📍 PAN India Trademark Consultants
✅ Trusted by 1000+ brands
✅ Expert support in all 45 trademark classes
Secure your business name. Protect your future. File your trademark today!