In today’s competitive automotive and transport industry, building and protecting your brand is not just a smart move—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re manufacturing vehicles, selling spare parts, or launching an e-vehicle startup, you need exclusive rights to your brand name, logo, and identity. That’s where Trademark Class 12 comes in.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Class 12 trademark registration—from what it covers to how to register step by step. It’s tailored for businesses dealing with vehicles and transportation equipment in India.
✅ What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 falls under the Nice Classification system, used internationally to categorize goods and services for trademark registration.
Class 12 specifically covers:
“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
Goods Included Under Class 12:
- Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, e-scooters, bicycles, rickshaws, buses.
- Parts & Components: Engines, tyres, brakes, gearboxes, axles, bumpers, mirrors.
- Watercraft: Boats, yachts, ships.
- Aircraft: Airplanes, helicopters, drones.
- Mobility Equipment: Baby carriages, wheelchairs, prams.
If your product or business falls under this list, you must register under Class 12 to protect your trademark legally.
🚦 Why Register a Trademark in Class 12?
Registering your trademark in Class 12 offers several key benefits:
1. Legal Ownership
You gain exclusive rights to use your brand name or logo for Class 12 products.
2. Protection from Copycats
Competitors can’t legally use a similar brand name in the same category.
3. Builds Trust
Customers trust and recognize registered trademarks more easily.
4. Valuable Business Asset
Your trademark becomes an intangible asset, boosting brand value.
5. International Expansion
A registered Indian trademark also supports foreign registrations under the Madrid Protocol.
🧠 Who Should Register Under Class 12?
Here’s a list of business types that should consider Class 12:
- Automobile manufacturers (cars, bikes, e-vehicles)
- Auto part and component sellers
- Mobility and transport startups
- Drone manufacturing companies
- Boat and ship manufacturers
- E-commerce platforms for vehicle-related products
- Businesses offering spare parts for land, air, or sea vehicles
🛠 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Class 12 (India)
Let’s walk you through the complete process:
📍 Step 1: Trademark Search for Class 12
Before applying, search the trademark database to ensure your name/logo isn’t already registered.
How to Search:
- Visit IP India Trademark Search
- Select Class: 12
- Search using your brand name, wordmark, or logo keyword.
Why it matters:
Avoids rejection or objection due to similarity with existing trademarks.
📋 Step 2: Choose the Right Trademark Classes
If you only deal with vehicle manufacturing or parts, Class 12 is sufficient. But if you also:
- Sell online → Add Class 35
- Offer repair services → Add Class 37
- Operate logistics/transport services → Add Class 39
Multi-class filing ensures comprehensive protection.
🧾 Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need for filing:
For Individuals:
- Brand name/logo
- PAN and Aadhaar
- Address proof
- Signed TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
For Companies:
- Incorporation certificate
- PAN & GST details
- TM-48 (with director’s signature)
- Brand name/logo
- Address proof
Note: TM-48 allows your consultant to file on your behalf.
📝 Step 4: File Trademark Application (Form TM-A)
This is the official application to register your trademark.
Application Types:
- Wordmark – Brand name in text only
- Device/Logo mark – If it includes symbols or design
- Combined mark – Name + logo together
Filing Modes:
- Online via IP India e-filing portal
- Through a registered agent or legal expert
Govt Fee:
| Applicant Type | Fee (Per Class) |
|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Large Entity | ₹9,000 |
Upon successful submission, you receive a TM application number.
🔍 Step 5: Trademark Examination
The Trademark Office examines your application based on:
- Similarity with existing marks
- Descriptiveness
- Distinctiveness
Outcome:
- Accepted – Moves to next step
- Objected – You must reply within 30 days with proper justification
Pro tip: Having a legal expert draft the reply improves your chances of acceptance.
📢 Step 6: Journal Publication
If the mark clears examination, it’s published in the Trademark Journal.
- Public gets 4 months to oppose the trademark
- If no opposition, it proceeds to registration
If opposition occurs, both parties must respond. A hearing may follow.
📜 Step 7: Trademark Registration Certificate
If no objections or oppositions occur (or they’re resolved), the Registrar issues a Trademark Registration Certificate.
Trademark Validity:
- Valid for 10 years
- Renewable indefinitely every 10 years
Once registered, you can now use the ® (Registered) symbol next to your brand.
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 12 Registration
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Choosing wrong class | Leaves your products legally exposed |
| Ignoring trademark search | High chance of rejection |
| Filing under a descriptive name | Often rejected by examiner |
| Missing deadlines | Application can be treated as abandoned |
| No legal reply to objections | Leads to automatic rejection |
📦 Related Classes for Class 12 Businesses
While Class 12 covers vehicles and parts, here are other related classes:
| Class | Goods/Services |
|---|---|
| 7 | Engines, motors, vehicle machines |
| 35 | Advertising, retail, online vehicle sales |
| 37 | Vehicle maintenance, repair, services |
| 39 | Transport, delivery, vehicle rental |
Example: If you run a fleet of electric vehicles and offer rentals + repair services, you might need to file under Class 12 + 35 + 37 + 39.
🧑🏭 Real-Life Example
Company: AutoShift E-Mobility Pvt. Ltd.
Business: Electric bike manufacturing and online sales
Trademark Applied: “VoltWheels”
Classes Filed:
- Class 12: Electric vehicle products
- Class 35: Online EV sales
- Class 37: EV repair services
By filing under multiple classes, AutoShift protected its brand across all core business areas.
🤝 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 12 Trademark Filing?
At VMK Professionals, we offer expert-led, hassle-free trademark registration for businesses in the automotive and transport sectors.
Here’s What You Get:
- ✅ Free class consultation and name search
- ✅ End-to-end documentation & filing support
- ✅ Expert replies to objections or oppositions
- ✅ Competitive pricing for startups & MSMEs
- ✅ Fast-track application handling
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses secure their brand identity with 100% compliance and accuracy.
📌 Final Thoughts
If your business is in the automotive, transport, EV, or vehicle parts industry, registering your trademark under Class 12 is essential. It ensures:
- Brand protection
- Legal rights
- Business growth
With this step-by-step guide and the support of professionals, your brand can stand out, stay protected, and thrive in the competitive market.
📞 Need Help with Class 12 Trademark Registration?
Let VMK Professionals handle the legal side while you focus on growing your business.
VMK Professionals – Your Legal Partner for Automotive Trademarks Across India.
