In the world of branding and intellectual property, registering your trademark under the right class is crucial for legal protection. For businesses dealing with vehicles, transportation machinery, or mobility aids, Trademark Class 12 is the category to focus on.
But what exactly is Trademark Class 12?
What types of products fall under this class?
And how can businesses ensure they’re registering in the right category?
In this detailed guide, we’ll answer all these questions — and more — so you can make informed decisions that protect your brand and give you a competitive edge.
🚦 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 is one of the categories in the Nice Classification system, an internationally recognized system that divides all goods and services into 45 classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services.
Class 12 specifically covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
In simple terms, if your business involves anything that moves people or goods — whether it’s on wheels, tracks, wings, or water — it’s likely covered under Class 12.
From car brands to boat parts and electric scooters to wheelchair components, Class 12 is the go-to category for businesses across various industries in the transport sector.
🛠️ A Complete List of Goods Covered Under Class 12
To help you better understand, here’s a breakdown of key categories of goods that fall under Class 12:
1. Motor Vehicles and Land Transport
If your business deals with cars, bikes, or any form of land transport, this is your primary segment.
Examples include:
- Automobiles (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks)
- Trucks, trailers, and lorries
- Buses and coaches
- Motorcycles and scooters
- Electric vehicles (cars, bikes, e-rickshaws, etc.)
- Auto-rickshaws
- Quad bikes and ATVs
- Golf carts and similar utility vehicles
- Tractors and agricultural vehicles
- Go-karts and off-road vehicles
This category is heavily relevant to the automobile industry, especially with the rise of EV startups and green mobility ventures.
2. Vehicle Components and Accessories
Trademark Class 12 also covers parts that are specifically designed for use in vehicles. If your business supplies auto parts or components, this applies to you.
Covered items include:
- Engines and motors for land vehicles
- Transmission systems
- Clutches, brakes, and gearboxes
- Vehicle chassis and suspensions
- Axles and drive shafts
- Tyres, tubes, and wheels
- Mudguards and fenders
- Car seats, airbags, and seat belts
- Horns, indicators, lights, and mirrors
- Windshield wipers and glass panels
⚠️ Note: General-use mechanical parts, like those used in machines (not specific to vehicles), may belong to Class 7.
3. Air-Based Vehicles
Class 12 also includes equipment used for flying or air travel. This is highly relevant for businesses in the aviation or drone manufacturing space.
Examples include:
- Aircraft (planes, jets, helicopters)
- Drones (UAVs) and delivery drones
- Gliders and hot air balloons
- Airships and blimps
- Jet engines for aircraft
- Aircraft landing gear and wing components
As drone delivery systems and air-taxis become more popular, protecting aviation-related trademarks under Class 12 is increasingly important.
4. Water Vehicles
Whether you’re into marine transport or luxury yachts, your products likely fall under Class 12 if they move on water.
Includes:
- Boats and yachts
- Ships and ferries
- Canoes and kayaks
- Water scooters and jet skis
- Sailboats
- Hovercrafts
- Submarines
Class 12 also covers boat accessories like propellers, rudders, and navigation elements — as long as they’re specifically designed for watercraft.
5. Mobility Assistance Equipment
Not all Class 12 goods are large or commercial. This class also includes devices used for individual mobility — especially by the elderly or disabled.
Examples:
- Wheelchairs (manual and powered)
- Mobility scooters
- Baby strollers and prams
- Walking aids with wheels
- Shopping trolleys (if motorized)
- Personal transporters (e.g., Segway)
This segment is crucial for startups focusing on assistive technologies and healthcare mobility devices.
6. Rail and Track-Based Transport
Class 12 also applies to railway vehicles and components, including:
- Locomotives
- Train cars
- Monorail systems
- Trolleybuses
- Bogies and undercarriage units
This is essential for manufacturers in the public transport infrastructure and railway industry.
❌ What is NOT Covered Under Trademark Class 12?
It’s important to avoid common mistakes by knowing what doesn’t fall under Class 12.
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Vehicle lubricants | Class 4 |
| Navigation software/GPS | Class 9 |
| Vehicle servicing or repairs | Class 37 |
| Advertising or marketing of vehicles | Class 35 |
| Car insurance services | Class 36 |
| Vehicle paints and coatings | Class 2 |
| Security systems or alarms | Class 9 |
💡 Tip: If you sell a combo of physical goods and digital services, you might need to register in multiple classes to cover all aspects of your business.
🌟 Why Trademark Class 12 Matters for Businesses
Registering your brand under the correct class isn’t just a legal formality — it brings several advantages:
✅ 1. Legal Protection
Only the registered trademark holder can use that name/logo for the listed goods in Class 12. This stops copycats and brand misuse.
✅ 2. Consumer Trust
A registered trademark gives your brand credibility. Customers trust products that are protected and professionally branded.
✅ 3. Business Expansion
Planning to franchise, export, or license your product? A trademark is a valuable business asset that opens up new revenue streams.
✅ 4. Platform Compliance
E-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and even government tenders often require trademark registration to onboard auto sellers or suppliers.
✅ 5. Brand Asset Value
A trademark builds long-term brand equity. It becomes part of your company’s valuation if you plan to raise funds or sell the business.
🔍 Real-World Examples of Class 12 Trademarks
Here’s a quick look at well-known trademarks filed under Class 12:
| Brand | Goods Covered | Trademark Class |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | Cars, vans, accessories | 12 |
| Ola Electric | Electric scooters, e-bikes | 12 |
| Ather Energy | Smart electric two-wheelers | 12 |
| TVS Motor | Bikes, mopeds, scooters | 12 |
| Ashok Leyland | Commercial vehicles | 12 |
All these companies rely on Class 12 to protect their brand identity in the vehicle space.
🧾 How to Register a Trademark Under Class 12
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process to register a Class 12 trademark in India:
Step 1: Trademark Search
Use ipindia.gov.in to check if your desired name/logo is available in Class 12.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Applicant name and address
- Brand name/logo
- Nature of goods (land vehicles, parts, etc.)
- MSME/Startup proof (if applicable for discount)
Step 3: File Form TM-A
- File online via IP India portal
- Select Class 12
- Pay the fee (₹4500 for MSMEs/startups; ₹9000 otherwise)
Step 4: Respond to Examination
If the Registrar raises objections, reply with clarifications or evidence to support your case.
Step 5: Trademark Journal Publication
Your trademark is published publicly for 4 months. If there’s no opposition, it moves to registration.
Step 6: Certificate of Registration
Once granted, the trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
🚀 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 12 Trademark Registration?
VMK Professionals offers expert legal support for all types of businesses — from vehicle manufacturers to EV startups, marine transport brands, and spare part suppliers.
We Offer:
- ✅ Free Trademark Search in Class 12
- ✅ Professional Application Filing
- ✅ Objection Handling & Hearing Support
- ✅ Affordable Plans for MSMEs & Startups
- ✅ PAN India Service Coverage
We make trademark protection easy, affordable, and strategic — so your brand never hits a roadblock.
📌 Conclusion: Secure Your Transport Brand with Class 12
Whether you’re launching a new EV, exporting bicycle parts, or building smart wheelchairs — Trademark Class 12 is your shield in the competitive vehicle and mobility space.
By understanding the goods covered under this class, you ensure proper protection, legal strength, and brand growth.
Don’t leave your innovation unprotected.
📞 Get Started with VMK Professionals
Ready to secure your Class 12 trademark?
Contact VMK Professionals for expert help with brand protection, legal filings, and intellectual property strategies.
📍 Based in Delhi | Serving Clients Across India
👉 VMK Professionals – Empowering Brands with Legal Protection.
