5Apr, 2025
Do Kitchen Knife Brands Really Need a Class 8 Trademark? Find Out Here

In an increasingly competitive cutlery market, building a kitchen knife brand is more than just offering sharp blades and stylish designs. It’s about securing your brand identity and standing out in a crowded marketplace. But here’s the burning question for many knife manufacturers and sellers: Do kitchen knife brands need a Class 8 trademark? The answer is a resounding yes—and in this blog, we’ll explain exactly why.

This comprehensive guide breaks down what Trademark Class 8 includes, how it applies to kitchen knife brands, the legal protections it provides, and how you can register your trademark the right way.

What is Trademark Class 8?

Trademark classes are categories defined by the Nice Classification, an international system used to organize goods and services for trademark registration. Class 8 specifically covers:

“Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.”

For kitchen knife brands, this is the relevant trademark class, as knives fall under the category of “cutlery” and “hand-operated tools.”

Examples of products included in Class 8:

  • Kitchen knives (chef knives, carving knives, paring knives, etc.)
  • Knife sets and individual specialty knives
  • Butcher knives and cleavers
  • Utility knives for food prep
  • Folding or multi-function knives

If your brand name, logo, or slogan is used in connection with any of these products, registering under Class 8 is not just recommended—it’s necessary for legal protection.

Why Class 8 Trademark is Important for Kitchen Knife Brands

1. Legal Ownership of Your Brand

When you trademark your brand under Class 8, you gain exclusive rights to use that name or logo for your knife-related products. This means no other business in the same class can use an identical or deceptively similar name.

2. Protection Against Copycats

The kitchenware and knife industry is known for copycats, especially on eCommerce platforms. A registered Class 8 trademark gives you legal power to take action against counterfeiters and protect your market presence.

3. Makes Online Selling Easier

Major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart require trademark registration for brand registry. With a Class 8 trademark, you can easily enroll and get access to anti-counterfeit tools.

4. Boosts Brand Trust and Recognition

The trademark symbol (®) gives your brand a sense of credibility. Consumers associate registered brands with professionalism and quality.

5. Business Expansion and Franchising

Once your knife brand is protected under Class 8, you can confidently expand into other kitchen tools within the same class, create licensing deals, or even franchise your brand.

What Happens If You Don’t Register a Class 8 Trademark?

If you skip registering your kitchen knife brand under Class 8, you’re taking a legal risk:

  • You could be forced to change your brand name if someone else registers it before you.
  • You might lose market share to counterfeiters using your unregistered name.
  • It becomes difficult to prove ownership in legal disputes.
  • You can’t access tools like Amazon Brand Registry.

Your competitors may trademark a similar name and stop you from expanding or even continuing under your current brand name.

Who Should Register Under Class 8?

If your business involves any of the following, you must file under Class 8:

  • Manufacturers of kitchen knives
  • Distributors or importers of knife brands
  • E-commerce sellers launching private label knife products
  • Cutlery designers and homeware startups

Even if you are operating as a sole proprietor or a startup, protecting your brand early prevents future legal issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Class 8 Trademark

Here’s how you can register a Class 8 trademark in India:

Step 1: Trademark Search

Use the IP India portal to conduct a Class 8 trademark search. Check for existing trademarks that are similar to your desired name or logo.

Step 2: Choose the Right Applicant Type

Are you filing as an individual, startup, MSME, or company? Choose the correct category to get the applicable fee structure.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Prepare the following:

  • Brand name/logo (wordmark/image)
  • Applicant identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Power of Attorney (if filing through agent)
  • MSME or Startup certificate (if applicable)

Step 4: File Form TM-A

This is the official application form to file a trademark in India. Mention Class 8 clearly and attach all required details.

Step 5: Examination and Objections

The Trademark Office will examine your application. If there are objections, respond with clarification and supporting documents.

Step 6: Publication in Journal

If your application is accepted, it gets published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months to invite opposition.

Step 7: Registration Certificate

If no one opposes your mark, you receive your Trademark Registration Certificate, valid for 10 years.

Cost of Class 8 Trademark Registration (India, 2025)

Applicant TypeGovt. FeeProfessional FeeTotal Cost (Approx.)
Individual / MSME / Startup₹4,500₹3,000–5,000₹7,500–9,500
Company / LLP₹9,000₹4,000–6,000₹13,000–15,000

Prices may vary depending on service provider and objection handling.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Class 8 Trademark?

StageDuration
Filing to Examination1–3 months
Objection Resolution (if any)1–3 months
Journal Publication4 months
Final Registration8–12 months (if no opposition)

International Protection for Kitchen Knife Brands

Planning to export or sell globally? Once you register in India, you can apply for international trademark protection under the Madrid Protocol, covering over 120 countries with a single application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a generic name (e.g., “Chef Knife”)
  • Filing under the wrong class (e.g., Class 21 instead of 8)
  • Not doing a trademark search
  • Ignoring examiner objections
  • Forgetting to renew after 10 years

Final Thoughts

To succeed in the kitchen knife business, you need more than great blades and smart packaging. You need brand security. Registering your trademark under Class 8 ensures your brand is legally protected, uniquely yours, and ready for long-term growth.

From eCommerce credibility to investor interest, a registered trademark does more than guard your name—it builds your business.

Secure Your Knife Brand with VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for kitchen tools and cutlery businesses across India. Whether you’re launching a new brand or securing an existing one, our team ensures your application is accurate, strong, and approved on time.

Why Choose VMK Professionals?

  • Class 8 Trademark Experts
  • MSME/Startup Discounts
  • Objection & Hearing Support
  • PAN India Legal Assistance

Let us protect your brand so you can focus on building it.

✉️ Contact us today to trademark your kitchen knife brand the right way!