Step-by-Step Guide to Trademarking Automobiles, Parts & Vehicles in Class 12
In the highly competitive automotive and transport equipment industry, building a recognizable brand is crucial. Whether you manufacture vehicles, sell auto parts, or operate an e-mobility startup, protecting your brand identity is a must. That’s where Trademark Class 12 comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to register a trademark under Class 12, explain what it covers, and why it’s essential for your business.
🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 is part of the Nice Classification system, an international classification of goods and services used to register trademarks. Class 12 specifically covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
This includes cars, bikes, electric vehicles (EVs), parts, components, drones, boats, and more.
If your business deals with automotive manufacturing, transport equipment, or vehicle components, Class 12 is likely the right category for your trademark.
🧾 Products Covered Under Class 12
Before filing a trademark, it’s important to understand the scope of Class 12. Below is a detailed list of goods included:
✅ Land Vehicles
- Cars, vans, trucks, buses
- Scooters, mopeds, motorcycles
- Electric vehicles and hybrid cars
- Bicycles, rickshaws
- Trailers, tractors
✅ Air and Water Transport
- Aircraft, drones, helicopters
- Boats, ships, yachts, submarines
✅ Vehicle Components
- Tyres and inner tubes
- Seats, mirrors, dashboards, headlights
- Brakes, clutches, suspensions
- Bumpers, gearboxes, axles
✅ Others
- Wheelchairs
- Baby prams and strollers
- Mobility scooters
🚦 Why Register Your Trademark in Class 12?
Trademark registration offers more than just legal protection. Here’s why you should secure your brand in Class 12:
1. 🛡 Legal Protection
Prevent others from copying or using your brand identity without permission.
2. 🚫 Avoid Infringement Issues
Protect your brand from being confused with competitors in the same market.
3. 📈 Enhance Brand Value
Registered trademarks are considered intangible assets and add credibility to your business.
4. 🌐 Expand Easily
Trademarks help when scaling nationally or internationally, and are crucial for online platforms and exports.
5. 📄 Use in Legal Actions
You can sue infringers or stop counterfeiters with a registered trademark.
🧠 Who Should File Under Class 12?
If you fall under any of these categories, you likely need to file under Class 12:
- Automotive manufacturers (cars, bikes, EVs)
- Auto part suppliers or sellers
- E-mobility startups
- Drone manufacturers
- Wheelchair and medical mobility equipment businesses
- Transport equipment dealers
🛠 Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process in Class 12 (India)
Now let’s look at each step to register your trademark under Class 12:
📝 Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, ensure that no similar brand is already registered.
How to Search:
- Go to the IP India Public Search Portal
- Select Class 12
- Enter your brand name or keyword
Check for both identical and phonetically similar marks.
Tip: A thorough search reduces the risk of objections or rejections.
🧾 Step 2: Identify the Right Classes (Optional: Multi-Class Filing)
Class 12 might cover your primary product, but consider multi-class filing if:
- You provide vehicle repair services (Class 37)
- You offer transport services (Class 39)
- You run a vehicle e-commerce platform (Class 35)
Filing under the wrong class means your brand may not be protected for your core business!
📑 Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need the following:
For Individuals / Proprietors:
- Brand name/logo
- Name, address, and ID proof
- Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
For Companies / LLPs:
- Incorporation certificate / LLP agreement
- GST and PAN
- Address proof
- Signed TM-48
- Logo/image (if applicable)
💻 Step 4: File Form TM-A
This is the official trademark application form.
Where to Apply:
- Online via IP India Website
- Through a trademark consultant or professional firm
Fees:
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (per class) |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Large Entity | ₹9,000 |
Choose whether you’re filing for:
- Wordmark (text only)
- Logo mark (graphic/image)
- Or both
You’ll receive a TM application number upon filing.
🧾 Step 5: Trademark Examination
The Trademark Office reviews your application to check:
- Whether it falls under Class 12 correctly
- If it’s identical or similar to existing marks
- Whether the mark is descriptive or non-distinctive
Possible Outcomes:
- Accepted – moves to publication
- Objected – you must reply within 30 days with legal justification
📢 Step 6: Trademark Journal Publication
If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition.
- Opposition window: 4 months
- If no opposition is received, it proceeds to registration
- If opposed, both parties must argue their case (can take months)
📜 Step 7: Get the Registration Certificate
If no opposition or successful resolution of opposition:
- You receive a Trademark Registration Certificate
- You can now use the ® symbol legally
Validity:
- Trademark is valid for 10 years
- Can be renewed indefinitely for 10-year periods
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing in Class 12
| Mistake | Impact |
| Wrong class selection | Trademark won’t protect the actual goods |
| Not searching existing marks | May lead to legal objections |
| Using descriptive names | More likely to be rejected |
| Missing deadlines | Application can be abandoned |
| Ignoring notices | Legal delays and complications |
📦 Trademark Class 12 vs Related Classes
While Class 12 is for vehicles and parts, you may need to understand these classes for full brand protection:
| Class | Covers |
| Class 7 | Machine parts, engines |
| Class 35 | Retail & online store services |
| Class 37 | Repair, maintenance, and service |
| Class 39 | Transport and delivery services |
Example: If you manufacture EVs (Class 12), sell them online (Class 35), and service them (Class 37), consider filing across all three.
🔍 Case Study: EV Startup Filing in Class 12
Brand: GreenDrive Electric Pvt Ltd
Product: Electric Scooters
Trademark: “GreenZoom”
Classes Chosen:
- Class 12: For EV manufacturing
- Class 35: Online vehicle sales
- Class 37: After-sales servicing
Result: They gained legal brand protection for manufacturing, selling, and servicing under a multi-class application.
🧑💼 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 12 Trademark Registration?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration for automotive and transport companies.
What We Offer:
✅ Free Trademark Search & Class Consultation
✅ End-to-End Filing Assistance
✅ Expert Handling of Objections & Oppositions
✅ Affordable Pricing for Startups & MSMEs
✅ Multi-Class Strategy Planning
Our team ensures your brand receives complete protection and avoids unnecessary delays or rejections.
🔚 Conclusion
Trademark Class 12 is critical for businesses in the automotive, mobility, and transport equipment sectors. A registered trademark gives you ownership, recognition, and security in a fast-moving and competitive industry.
Don’t delay your brand’s safety. Follow the steps in this guide or get expert help to secure your Class 12 trademark today.
📞 Need Help? Contact VMK Professionals
Let us help you file your Class 12 trademark with confidence.
VMK Professionals – Your Trusted Partner in Trademark Registration Across India.