What Can You Trademark Under Class 15 in India? Full Product List Inside
Introduction
Trademark classification is essential for protecting your brand under the right product or service category. In India, the NICE Classification system is used, which divides trademarks into 45 classes. Trademark Class 15 specifically deals with musical instruments and related items. If your business involves manufacturing, selling, or distributing musical instruments, understanding what falls under Class 15 is crucial. In this detailed guide, we will explore the complete product list under Class 15 and what can be registered in India.
Understanding Trademark Class 15
Class 15 of the NICE Classification encompasses all kinds of musical instruments. It includes traditional, classical, electronic, and modern musical tools and devices. This class helps brands in the music instrument industry protect their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their marks.
Key Features of Class 15:
- Covers a wide range of musical instruments
- Includes accessories and parts of instruments
- Does not cover software or recorded music
Who Should Register Under Class 15?
- Musical instrument manufacturers
- Retailers and wholesalers of musical instruments
- Exporters and importers of instruments
- Online sellers of instruments (including e-commerce platforms)
- Custom builders and artisans who create specialized or handmade instruments
Trademark Class 15 Product List
Here’s a comprehensive list of what can be registered under Class 15 in India:
- Pianos
- Upright pianos
- Grand pianos
- Digital pianos
- Guitars
- Acoustic guitars
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
- Guitar amplifiers (if sold integrated with the guitar)
- String Instruments
- Violins
- Cellos
- Harps
- Double basses
- Wind Instruments
- Flutes
- Clarinets
- Saxophones
- Oboes
- Bassoons
- Harmonicas
- Brass Instruments
- Trumpets
- Trombones
- Tubas
- French horns
- Percussion Instruments
- Drums
- Tambourines
- Xylophones
- Congas
- Maracas
- Cymbals
- Tabla
- Dhol
- Electronic Instruments
- Synthesizers
- Electric drum kits
- MIDI controllers
- Samplers
- Traditional Indian Instruments
- Sitar
- Veena
- Sarod
- Santoor
- Shehnai
- Mridangam
- Keyboard Instruments
- Organs
- Accordions
- Harmoniums
- Instrument Accessories
- Instrument cases
- Instrument stands
- Strings for instruments
- Tuning forks
- Mouthpieces
- Reeds
- Drumsticks
- Educational Musical Instruments
- Toy musical instruments (educational only)
- Practice pads
- Beginner-friendly keyboards and flutes
- Tuning and Maintenance Tools
- Instrument tuners
- Cleaning kits for musical instruments
Note: Items like software used for music composition or apps are covered under different classes (typically Class 9).
What Cannot Be Registered Under Class 15?
While Class 15 is broad, it does not include:
- Music recordings (Class 9)
- Music streaming or publishing services (Class 41)
- Software for music creation (Class 9)
- Stage lighting and sound systems (Class 11 or Class 9)
It’s important to file under the right class to avoid legal disputes or application rejections.
Importance of Choosing the Right Class
- Proper Legal Protection: Filing under the correct class ensures your brand is protected in its specific business domain.
- Avoids Future Disputes: Prevents other businesses from registering a similar mark for the same product category.
- Ease in Legal Enforcement: Makes it easier to take legal action against counterfeiters or infringers.
- Eases Expansion: Proper registration helps when you want to extend your brand into new product lines or international markets.
Steps to Register a Trademark in Class 15 in India
- Trademark Search
- Use the Indian Trademark Registry’s search tool to check if your name/logo is already registered in Class 15.
- Drafting the Application
- Define the goods accurately (e.g., “acoustic guitars, electric guitars”)
- Choose logo, name, and tagline carefully
- Filing the Application
- Online via the IP India portal
- Government fee: INR 4,500 for individuals/startups; INR 9,000 for companies
- Examination & Objection (If Any)
- An examiner reviews your application
- You may need to respond to objections with legal justifications
- Publication in Journal
- Your application is published for 4 months
- If no opposition is filed, it proceeds to registration
- Trademark Certificate
- Receive your certificate
- Valid for 10 years and can be renewed
Tips for Musical Instrument Makers and Sellers
- Include All Variants
- List all relevant instruments your business deals in to ensure complete protection.
- Monitor for Infringements
- Regularly search for similar trademarks that might conflict with yours.
- Use the Mark Publicly
- Put your TM or ® symbol on your instruments, website, and packaging.
- International Protection
- Use the Madrid Protocol for overseas markets.
- Hire a Trademark Expert
- Professional support helps avoid mistakes and improves approval chances.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 15 is vital for anyone involved in musical instruments in India. Whether you’re a startup creating handmade sitars or a large manufacturer exporting electronic keyboards, ensuring your brand is registered under the right class is essential for business growth and legal safety. With a wide range of musical products included, Class 15 offers ample protection and brand security in the competitive music industry. Always conduct a proper trademark search and describe your products clearly in the application to enjoy smooth registration and long-term benefits.
Need Help With Trademark Registration in Class 15?
At VMK Professionals, we provide end-to-end trademark services for musical instrument makers and businesses across India. From trademark search to final registration, our experts ensure your brand is protected under the correct class.
Get in touch with us today and secure your place in the music industry with confidence.