Step-by-Step Breakdown of Class 12 Trademark Fees, Documents & Registration Timeline
Are you building a brand in the automotive, mobility, or transportation sector in India? Whether you’re manufacturing electric bikes, shipping parts, or designing watercraft — protecting your brand under the right trademark class is vital. That class, for you, is Trademark Class 12.
This blog offers a full breakdown of:
- What Class 12 covers
- The official and professional fees involved
- The documents you’ll need
- The complete registration timeline
Let’s dive into the essentials so you can secure your brand and grow with confidence.
🚙 What Does Trademark Class 12 Include?
Trademark Class 12 falls under the Nice Classification system — a globally accepted standard that categorizes trademarks by goods and services.
✅ Class 12 Covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
That includes:
🛻 Land Vehicles
- Cars and electric vehicles
- Motorcycles and scooters
- Bicycles and tricycles
- Buses, trucks, and vans
- Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws
✈️ Air and Water Vehicles
- Aircraft, drones, helicopters
- Boats, ships, yachts, submarines
🧩 Vehicle Components
- Tyres and tubes
- Suspension systems
- Steering wheels
- Seats, horns, mirrors
- Brake pads, lights, gearboxes
If your product fits any of the above categories, you must register your brand under Class 12 to ensure full protection.
🔐 Why is Class 12 Trademark Registration Important?
Registering your trademark in the correct class gives you exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo in that product category. If you don’t, anyone can claim or use it in that space.
Benefits of Registering Under Class 12:
- ✅ Full legal protection against brand misuse
- ✅ Competitive advantage and brand credibility
- ✅ Monetization: licensing, franchising, or selling your trademark
- ✅ Ability to expand into exports and eCommerce confidently
🗂️ Required Documents for Trademark Registration in Class 12
The documentation process differs slightly for individuals and companies. Here’s what you need:
1️⃣ For Individuals / Startups / Sole Proprietors:
- Aadhaar / PAN / Passport
- Address Proof
- Brand name or logo in JPEG format
- Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
- Udyam Registration Certificate (for fee benefits)
2️⃣ For Companies / LLPs / Partnerships:
- Incorporation Certificate or Partnership Deed
- PAN Card of the business
- Address proof of business premises
- Brand name/logo
- Signed TM-48 (by authorized director/partner)
- Udyam Registration Certificate (if eligible)
Optional Documents:
- Website screenshots or brochures showing logo/brand in use
- Invoice samples bearing the brand name
- GST Certificate
Important Note: A Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) is mandatory if you’re filing through a consultant or agent.
💸 Fees for Class 12 Trademark Registration in India
Trademark registration fees include government charges and optional professional service charges (if you hire an expert).
🏛️ Government Fees (Form TM-A)
| Applicant Type | Per Class Fee |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / Partnership / LLP | ₹9,000 |
These are for e-filing and are per trademark class. So, if you’re only registering in Class 12, this is your base fee.
💼 Professional Fees (Optional)
If you’re using a trademark professional or agency, they may charge for:
- Trademark classification consultation
- Application preparation and filing
- Response to objections or hearings
- Ongoing trademark monitoring
Typical Range: ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 depending on the complexity and reputation of the consultant.
💰 Total Estimated Cost (Including All Fees)
| Applicant Type | Govt Fee | Prof. Fee (Avg.) | Total Cost |
| Startup / MSME / Solo | ₹4,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹6,500 |
| Private Company / LLP | ₹9,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹11,000 |
🕒 Timeline for Trademark Registration Under Class 12
Trademark registration isn’t instant. It’s a legal procedure that includes verification, publication, and public review. A smooth application (without objection or opposition) takes 6 to 9 months, while disputed marks can take up to 18 months or more.
📊 Stage-by-Stage Timeline Breakdown
| Step | Approx. Time Taken |
| 🔍 Name Search & Clearance | 1 Day |
| 📝 Application Filing (TM-A) | 1–2 Days |
| 🕵️ Trademark Examination | 1–3 Months |
| 📢 Publication in Journal | 4 Months |
| ⚖️ Opposition Period (if any) | 4 Months |
| 📜 Certificate Issuance | 1–2 Months |
| Total | 6–18 Months |
📌 Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Trademark Search (1 Day)
Before filing, check for existing trademarks in Class 12. This helps you avoid rejection or legal disputes.
You can do this on the IP India Public Search portal or ask an expert to run a comprehensive search.
2. Filing the Application (1–2 Days)
After clearing your brand name/logo, file Form TM-A online. This generates a TM number instantly, and you can start using ™ with your brand.
3. Examination by Registrar (1–3 Months)
The trademark office reviews your application to check if it meets legal standards and doesn’t conflict with any existing mark.
Possible Outcomes:
- ✅ Accepted directly
- ❌ Objected – You’ll need to reply or attend a hearing
4. Journal Publication (4 Months)
If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal. This gives the public a 4-month window to oppose your application.
5. Opposition Handling (If Raised)
If any third party challenges your application, both sides will file evidence and possibly attend a hearing. If there’s no opposition, it automatically moves to registration.
6. Trademark Registration (1–2 Months)
If everything goes well, you receive your Trademark Registration Certificate — and can now legally use the ® symbol with your brand.
♻️ Validity and Renewal
A trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of filing. It can be renewed for successive periods of 10 years.
🧾 Renewal Fees:
- Within 6 months before expiry: ₹9,000
- With surcharge (late renewal): ₹4,500 extra
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Registering in the Wrong Class
If you’re in the vehicle business but register in Class 35 (retail), your brand won’t be protected for your core product. - Skipping a Trademark Search
Overlapping with an existing mark will result in objections or rejection. - Not Filing Form TM-48
Without the Power of Attorney, your agent cannot legally represent you. - Not Claiming MSME Benefits
If you qualify for MSME, register at Udyam Registration and save 50% on fees.
📈 Real-Life Case Study: EV Brand Secures Trademark in Class 12
Brand: VoltMax EV Pvt. Ltd.
Product: Electric motorbikes
Class Registered: Class 12
Result: Registered in 8 months with assistance from VMK Professionals
Strategy Used:
- Pre-filing search to avoid conflicts
- MSME registration to reduce fees
- TM-48 used for professional filing
- Objection handled within 15 days
Today, VoltMax proudly uses the ® symbol and is expanding into global markets.
🧾 Bonus Tip: Should You Register in More Than One Class?
If you’re not just selling vehicles but also offering repairs, retail, or online platforms, you may need multi-class registration:
| Activity | Class Needed |
| Manufacturing EVs | Class 12 |
| Repair and maintenance | Class 37 |
| Retail or wholesale selling | Class 35 |
| Software for vehicle tracking | Class 9 |
You can file a multi-class application or separate filings for each.
👨💼 Need Help Registering Your Class 12 Trademark?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for vehicle and mobility brands. From filing to handling objections, we ensure a smooth journey for your Class 12 trademark.
Why Choose Us?
- ✔️ Expert legal team with 10+ years’ experience
- ✔️ MSME & Startup documentation support
- ✔️ Fast response to objections & hearings
- ✔️ Pan-India registration services
📞 Contact VMK Professionals Today!
Ready to secure your brand under Class 12?
🔐 VMK Professionals – Protecting Your Brand Is Our Business