From Surgical Tools to Diagnostics: What Falls Under Class 10 Trademark?
If your business is involved in manufacturing or selling medical devices, surgical tools, or healthcare-related instruments, securing your brand through a Class 10 trademark is not just smart—it’s essential. Medical products are often life-saving and sensitive in nature, and protecting the brand that stands behind them builds trust, avoids counterfeit issues, and ensures your identity in the marketplace remains distinct.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Trademark Class 10 covers, which medical products fall under it, and why it’s so important for healthcare companies, manufacturers, and medical startups to register their trademarks properly.
What is Trademark Class 10?
Trademark Class 10, as defined under the NICE Classification (a globally accepted trademark classification system), pertains to medical and surgical instruments, devices, and apparatus used in healthcare, veterinary, and dental fields. This includes both simple tools like surgical scalpels and advanced technologies like pacemakers or X-ray machines.
When you register a trademark under Class 10, you’re specifically reserving your brand rights in relation to medical instruments and similar equipment. It ensures that no one else can use a similar name or logo for comparable medical products.
Why is Class 10 Trademark Registration Important?
In the healthcare industry, brand identity equals trust. Whether you’re selling disposable syringes or high-end imaging machines, your brand distinguishes your quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. Here’s why securing a Class 10 trademark matters:
- Brand Protection: Prevents competitors or counterfeiters from using similar names or logos.
- Market Exclusivity: Establishes your identity in the healthcare device sector.
- Legal Shield: Helps in litigation or objection proceedings if another company tries to infringe your trademark.
- Trust Factor: A registered trademark adds credibility with hospitals, clinics, government buyers, and distributors.
Products Covered Under Trademark Class 10
Here is a detailed breakdown of the types of products and devices that fall under Class 10:
1. Surgical and Medical Instruments
- Scalpels, forceps, scissors, clamps
- Surgical robots and their components
- Orthopedic and prosthetic apparatus
- Implants (non-living tissues)
- Sterile surgical tools
2. Dental Equipment
- Dental drills, suction units
- Orthodontic appliances
- Dental chairs and handpieces
3. Diagnostic Equipment
- MRI machines
- X-ray devices
- Ultrasound apparatus
- Endoscopes
4. Medical Monitoring Devices
- ECG monitors
- Heart rate monitors
- Pulse oximeters
- Glucometers
5. Medical Wearables & Smart Health Devices
- Smartwatches for health monitoring
- Hearing aids
- Wearable ECG patches
6. Mobility and Assistance Devices
- Crutches, wheelchairs
- Walking aids
- Medical beds and patient lifting equipment
7. Veterinary Instruments
- Surgical tools for animals
- Imaging devices for veterinary use
- Monitoring tools for livestock health
8. Rehabilitation Equipment
- Exercise machines for physiotherapy
- Braces and supports
- Muscle stimulation devices
9. Life-Saving & Emergency Equipment
- Defibrillators
- Oxygen delivery systems
- First aid kits and trauma supplies
10. Other Miscellaneous Devices
- Contraceptive devices
- Artificial limbs
- Dialysis machines
Products NOT Covered Under Class 10
It’s also important to know what Class 10 does not include:
- Pharmaceuticals and medicines (these fall under Class 5)
- Medical software (may fall under Class 9 or 42)
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses (Class 9)
- Surgical clothing, gloves, and masks (usually Class 10 only if they’re considered part of the device; otherwise, Class 10 + Class 25 may apply)
So, if your product is a combination of physical equipment and software, you might need multi-class registration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering Under Class 10
- Incorrect Class Selection: A stethoscope is Class 10, but a health-tracking app is Class 9 or 42. Make sure your application reflects your product type correctly.
- Overlooking Multi-Class Needs: If your brand includes both devices and medicine, file under Class 10 and Class 5.
- Failing to Conduct a Trademark Search: Not checking for existing trademarks can lead to rejection or opposition.
- Unclear Product Descriptions: Be specific in describing your medical product to avoid delays or objections.
- Skipping Legal Help: A legal expert can help draft precise descriptions and avoid classification errors.
How to Register a Trademark for Medical Products Under Class 10
Here’s a step-by-step process to register your trademark in India for Class 10:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Use the IP India public search tool to check for existing trademarks in Class 10. Make sure your brand name or logo is unique.
Step 2: Identify the Right Class
Ensure your product clearly falls under Class 10. If your product overlaps with other areas (like software or pharma), consult a trademark expert for multi-class registration.
Step 3: Draft the Trademark Application
You’ll need:
- Brand name/logo
- Description of goods (medical products)
- Applicant details
- Class selection (Class 10)
Step 4: File the Application
You can file online through the IP India portal or offline via physical submission. The fee is ₹4,500 (individual/startup) or ₹9,000 (company) per class.
Step 5: Examination and Reply
The trademark office examines the application. If any objection is raised, you must file a reply or attend a hearing.
Step 6: Publication and Opposition
If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal. Third parties can oppose it within 4 months.
Step 7: Trademark Registration Certificate
If no opposition arises, you’ll receive the registration certificate, valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.
Benefits of Trademarking Medical Products in Class 10
- Legal Ownership: Get exclusive rights over your brand name for medical tools and devices.
- Nationwide Recognition: The trademark applies across India, helping you scale.
- Export Support: Trademarks are critical for global expansion, certifications, and regulatory approvals.
- Investor Confidence: A registered brand makes your business more credible for partnerships and investments.
- Anti-Counterfeit Protection: Helps take legal action against counterfeiters and unauthorized resellers.
Should You File for Trademark Yourself or Hire an Expert?
While you can file your application on your own, the medical industry involves complex product types and classifications. Hiring a professional ensures that:
- Your classification is accurate
- The description matches your business goals
- Legal responses to objections are well-drafted
- Your registration process moves smoothly
Conclusion
If you’re in the business of medical devices, tools, or diagnostic equipment, protecting your brand with a Trademark Class 10 registration is crucial. It ensures legal exclusivity, builds consumer trust, and helps you scale confidently in the highly regulated healthcare industry.
Whether you’re a startup making wearable medical devices, or a well-established manufacturer of surgical tools, don’t skip this critical step in securing your brand identity.
About VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for all business types and trademark classes, including Class 10 for medical products. From initial searches and documentation to filing, examination replies, and handling objections—our experts are with you at every step.
Why Choose Us?
- PAN India service
- Affordable pricing
- Decades of legal and IP experience
- Personalized guidance
- Quick turnaround
Secure your medical brand today—before someone else does.
📞 Contact us now