11Apr, 2025
How to Apply for a Class 9 Trademark in India: A Beginner’s Guide

In a world where tech innovation is the backbone of modern commerce, protecting your brand in the electronics and digital product space is more crucial than ever. Whether you manufacture gadgets, develop apps, or sell scientific equipment, your brand name, logo, or tagline is a valuable business asset. This is where Trademark Class 9 steps in. It offers legal protection specifically tailored for businesses dealing in electronic and scientific products.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Class 9—its scope, examples, registration benefits, and steps to apply—so you can confidently secure your intellectual property and build a brand that lasts.

✅ What is Trademark Class 9?

Trademark Class 9 is one of the 45 international trademark classes defined under the Nice Classification (NCL) system. It covers electrical, electronic, scientific, optical, and software-related goods. If your business deals in products like smartphones, headphones, USB devices, or downloadable mobile apps, then Class 9 is likely the right category for you to file your trademark under.

📦 Types of Goods Covered Under Class 9

Below is a breakdown of key product categories covered under Trademark Class 9:

1. Consumer Electronics

  • Mobile phones and accessories
  • Smartwatches
  • Televisions
  • Headphones and earphones
  • Bluetooth speakers

2. Computer & IT Devices

  • Laptops and desktops
  • Printers and scanners
  • USB drives and hard disks
  • Motherboards and computer chips

3. Software & Applications

  • Downloadable software
  • Mobile applications
  • Operating systems
  • Game software

4. Scientific and Optical Instruments

  • Microscopes
  • Telescopes
  • Laboratory instruments
  • Optical lenses

5. Security and Monitoring Equipment

  • CCTV cameras
  • Access control systems
  • Fire alarms and smoke detectors

6. Magnetic and Data Storage Devices

  • CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray discs
  • Memory cards
  • External hard drives

7. Other Electronics

  • Batteries
  • Calculators
  • Electric doorbells
  • Electronic teaching devices

❌ What Class 9 Does Not Cover

It’s important to understand what Class 9 excludes so you don’t mistakenly apply in the wrong category:

  • Electronic toys (Class 28)
  • Medical electronic devices (Class 10)
  • Power tools (Class 7)
  • Non-downloadable software and SaaS platforms (Class 42)

Choosing the wrong class can lead to rejection of your application or weak protection. When in doubt, consult a trademark expert.

🛡️ Why Trademark Class 9 Matters for Your Business

In the digital economy, product imitation, software duplication, and counterfeit electronics are rampant. Here’s why Class 9 is your shield:

1. Brand Protection

It gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name/logo for Class 9 goods.

2. Legal Advantage

It allows you to take legal action against counterfeiters or unauthorized users of your mark.

3. Customer Trust

A registered trademark helps build credibility and enhances consumer trust in your electronics or tech products.

4. Investment & Licensing

Investors and partners often look for IP protection before funding or licensing a product or startup.

5. Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Google Play Store may ask for a trademark certificate to sell branded electronic or software goods.

📝 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Class 9

Let’s break down the registration process for Class 9 trademarks in India:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

  • Use the IP India website to search existing trademarks in Class 9.
  • Look for similar names, logos, or phrases to avoid conflicts.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

  • Brand name/logo
  • Owner’s name, address, and business details
  • MSME or startup certificate (if applicable for fee concession)
  • Power of Attorney (if filing through an agent)

Step 3: File the Application (TM-A Form)

  • Choose the correct class (Class 9)
  • Fill out applicant details and product description
  • Submit the form online via IP India or offline via regional trademark office

Step 4: Examination by Trademark Registry

  • Your application will be reviewed for similarities and objections.
  • If accepted, it moves to publication; if objected, you need to respond.

Step 5: Publication in Trademark Journal

  • The mark is published for public opposition.
  • If no objections are raised within 4 months, it proceeds to registration.

Step 6: Trademark Registration Certificate

  • You’ll receive a registration certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

💰 Trademark Registration Cost for Class 9

Here’s a basic cost breakdown (as of 2025):

Applicant TypeGovernment FeeProfessional Fee (avg.)Total Cost
Individual / MSME / Startup₹4,500₹2,000–₹5,000₹6,500–₹9,500
Company / Firm₹9,000₹2,000–₹5,000₹11,000–₹14,000

Note: Trademark filing can be done for a word mark, logo, or both.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Under Class 9

  1. Wrong Class Selection – Choosing Class 9 when the product actually belongs to another class (like toys or tools).
  2. Descriptive Marks – Using overly generic names like “Smart Phone India.”
  3. No Prior Search – Not checking existing trademarks, leading to rejection.
  4. Vague Product Description – Be specific (e.g., “Downloadable software for finance tracking” instead of just “software”).
  5. Incomplete Documents – Missing ownership or MSME certificates can delay the process.

🧐 How to Identify If Class 9 is Right for You

Ask yourself:

  • Do I sell any digital product, software, app, or gadget?
  • Are my products electronic or scientific in nature?
  • Do I sell via e-commerce or app stores?

If you answered yes to any, you likely need a Class 9 trademark.

Still unsure? Consult a legal expert to determine if your products fall under Class 9 or another class like Class 42 (for non-downloadable services) or Class 38 (telecommunications).

📌 Real-Life Examples of Class 9 Trademarks

Here are some big names that have protected their brands under Class 9:

  • Apple Inc. – for iPhones, MacBooks, iOS software
  • Samsung – for televisions, mobiles, and accessories
  • Sony – for PlayStation, cameras, and more
  • Microsoft – for software and computers

This shows how important Class 9 is for tech, electronics, and IT-driven brands.

✅ Final Checklist Before Applying

  • ✅ Conduct a trademark search
  • ✅ Finalize your brand name/logo
  • ✅ Identify correct class (Class 9)
  • ✅ Prepare documents and file online
  • ✅ Track status and respond to any objections
  • ✅ Receive certificate and start using ™/®

📣 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in end-to-end trademark registration services for startups, MSMEs, tech businesses, and software developers across India. Whether you’re launching a mobile app, selling gadgets, or manufacturing scientific instruments, our experts will guide you in registering your brand under the correct class—like Trademark Class 9—without any hassle.

Our services include:

  • Free trademark search
  • Class consultation
  • TM filing and reply to objections
  • Trademark monitoring
  • Renewal and enforcement

Protect your innovation before someone else does.
Get your Class 9 trademark registered today with VMK Professionals.