In today’s fast-paced market, electrical appliance and lighting brands face immense competition. From LED lights to geysers, water purifiers to exhaust fans, thousands of businesses are launching new products in India every year. But how do you make sure your brand stands out and stays protected? The answer lies in Trademark Registration under Class 11.
This blog explains everything you need to know about Class 11 trademark registration fees, required documents, and the exact timeline involved — so you can safeguard your brand and scale your business with confidence.
🔍 What is Trademark Class 11?
Class 11 under the NICE Classification system (an international classification for goods and services) is assigned to:
“Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes.”
✅ Products That Fall Under Class 11:
- LED lights, tube lights, bulbs
- Fans (table, ceiling, exhaust)
- Air conditioners and HVAC units
- Geysers and water heaters
- Electric cookers, ovens, toasters
- Water purifiers and filters
- Bathroom fittings (taps, shower heads)
- Heating and refrigeration units
If your business deals in home appliances, lighting products, or sanitary equipment, you must register your trademark under Class 11 to get exclusive rights over your brand name and logo.
💰 Class 11 Trademark Registration Fees in India (2025 Updated)
Trademark registration in India involves two key fee components:
1. Government Fees (Form TM-A)
| Type of Applicant | Fee per Class |
|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / Partnership / LLP | ₹9,000 |
✅ Tip: If you’re a Startup or MSME, you are eligible for a 50% discount on the government fee.
2. Professional Charges (Optional)
Many businesses prefer working with a trademark expert or legal professional for smooth filing, handling objections, and faster approvals.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Trademark Search | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Filing Application | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Reply to Examination Report | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 |
| End-to-end Registration | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 |
Total cost can range from ₹6,500 to ₹14,000, depending on applicant type and professional involvement.
📋 Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Class 11
Having the right documents ready ensures your application is not rejected or delayed.
Here’s a complete checklist:
1. Applicant’s Identity Proof
- For individuals: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport
- For companies: Certificate of Incorporation, PAN Card
- For LLPs/Partnerships: Partnership deed or LLP agreement
2. Address Proof of the Applicant
- Electricity bill, Rent agreement, Property tax receipt, or any utility bill not older than 2 months
3. Brand Logo (Optional)
- Required only if you are registering a logo or device mark.
- Should be in JPEG format (200×150 px recommended).
4. MSME or Startup Certificate (If Applicable)
To claim the discounted ₹4,500 fee, submit:
- Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSMEs)
- Startup India Certificate (for recognized startups)
5. Proof of Trademark Usage (Optional)
If you’re already using the brand name or logo:
- Product packaging
- Invoice copies
- Advertising material
- Website screenshots
If not in use yet, you can register it as “Proposed to be used.”
6. Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
Required if filing through an agent or legal professional.
⏳ Trademark Registration Timeline for Class 11 in India
The process of registering a trademark involves multiple stages. Let’s walk through each one with time estimates:
✅ Step 1: Trademark Search – 1 Day
Before filing, conduct a Class 11 trademark search to ensure no identical or similar brand name exists.
- Use the IP India Trademark Search Tool
- Helps avoid objections and oppositions
✅ Step 2: Filing the Application – 1 Day
Once you confirm brand name availability:
- File Form TM-A online via the IP India portal
- Submit required documents
- Get an application number
- You can start using the ™ symbol
✅ Step 3: Examination by Trademark Office – 3 to 6 Months
A government trademark examiner will review your application. This can result in:
- Accepted: Application moves to the next stage
- Objected: Objection raised under Section 9 (descriptiveness) or Section 11 (similar marks)
✅ Step 4: Reply to Objection / Hearing (If Applicable) – 1 to 3 Months
If objected:
- Submit a reply with reasoning and supporting evidence
- If required, attend a hearing to justify your case
- If accepted, application moves to publication
✅ Step 5: Publication in Trademark Journal – 4 Months
Your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public scrutiny.
- If no opposition is filed within 4 months, the application proceeds to registration.
- If opposed, both parties present evidence and attend hearings.
✅ Step 6: Registration and Issuance of Certificate – 1 Month
If no opposition (or you win the case), the mark gets registered and you receive the Trademark Registration Certificate.
- You can now use the ® symbol legally
🕒 Total Time Taken:
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Search + Filing | 1–2 Days |
| Examination | 3–6 Months |
| Objection Reply | 1–3 Months (If needed) |
| Journal Publication | 4 Months |
| Certificate Issuance | 1 Month |
| Total Duration | 8–10 Months (on average) |
🛡️ Why Register a Trademark Under Class 11?
- Legal Protection: Prevent others from copying your brand
- Exclusive Rights: Gain nationwide ownership for Class 11 products
- Brand Trust: A registered trademark builds consumer credibility
- Business Expansion: Easier to license or franchise your brand
- Investor Readiness: Adds value to your intellectual property portfolio
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Class Selection
Always ensure you’re registering under the correct class. If you deal with both electrical appliances and kitchen equipment, you may need Class 11 + Class 21. - Using a Common or Generic Name
Trademarks like “LightCo” or “CoolFan” may be rejected for being too descriptive. - Not Hiring a Professional
Filing errors, missed deadlines, or weak replies to objections can lead to rejection.
💡 Real-World Example: Trademark Class 11 in Action
Brand Name: “LuxLite”
Product: LED tube lights and ceiling fixtures
By registering under Class 11, LuxLite prevents competitors from using the same name for lighting products. But if LuxLite also starts selling smart home devices, they must register under Class 9 as well.
🔁 Validity and Renewal of Class 11 Trademark
- Validity: 10 years from the date of application
- Renewal Cost: ₹9,000 (or ₹4,500 for MSMEs/startups)
- Grace Period: 6 months (with late fee)
Don’t forget to renew before expiry to avoid losing your brand rights.
✅ Summary Table: Class 11 Trademark Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Classification | NICE Class 11 |
| Products Covered | Lights, fans, geysers, ACs, etc. |
| Govt. Fee (Individual/MSME) | ₹4,500 |
| Govt. Fee (Company/LLP) | ₹9,000 |
| Total Time Required | 8–10 Months |
| Validity | 10 Years |
| Trademark Symbols | ™ (after filing), ® (after approval) |
📞 Need Help with Class 11 Trademark Registration?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping businesses register and protect their trademarks under Class 11 and beyond. Whether you’re a startup, manufacturer, or established brand in the electrical or lighting industry, we ensure a smooth, end-to-end process.
✅ Trademark Search & Filing
✅ Objection Handling & Hearings
✅ MSME & Startup Certification Support
✅ Fast and Affordable Legal Assistance
📍 Get in touch today to protect your Class 11 brand the right way!
