If you’re in the automotive, transport, or mobility sector, your brand name, logo, or symbol is more than just a label—it’s your business identity. And to protect that identity legally in India, especially if you’re dealing in vehicles or their components, you need to register your trademark under Class 12.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the exact fees, required documents, and the complete timeline for trademark registration under Class 12—tailored especially for vehicle and transport brands.
🔍 What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 is part of the Nice Classification system, used internationally to classify trademarks by the type of goods and services they represent.
✅ Goods Covered Under Class 12:
- Automobiles (cars, trucks, bikes)
- E-vehicles (e-bikes, scooters, rickshaws)
- Parts and fittings (engines, gears, brakes, tyres, mirrors, horns, etc.)
- Boats, aircraft, railway vehicles
- Drones and aerial mobility tools
- Wheelchairs and mobility vehicles
If your business is manufacturing, selling, or distributing any of the above, you need to register your trademark in Class 12 to secure your brand identity.
📑 Documents Required for Class 12 Trademark Registration
The documentation process varies slightly depending on whether you’re an individual, startup, or a company. Here’s what you need:
For Individuals or Sole Proprietors:
- ✅ Identity Proof (PAN Card or Aadhaar Card)
- ✅ Address Proof (Utility bill or Aadhaar)
- ✅ Brand name/logo (in JPEG format)
- ✅ Signed Form TM-48 (Power of Attorney)
- ✅ Udyam Registration Certificate (for startup/MSME benefits, optional)
For Companies, LLPs, or Partnerships:
- ✅ Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
- ✅ PAN Card of the business
- ✅ Address Proof (GST Certificate, utility bill)
- ✅ Board Resolution (if applicable)
- ✅ Brand name/logo (JPEG format)
- ✅ Signed TM-48 by authorized person
- ✅ Udyam Registration Certificate (for MSME status, optional)
Optional (but helpful):
- ✅ Label design/samples
- ✅ Website screenshots
- ✅ Invoices or catalogues using the trademark
📝 Tip: The TM-48 form authorizes your agent or consultant to file the trademark application on your behalf. It must be printed, signed, and uploaded with your application.
💸 Trademark Registration Fees for Class 12
Trademark filing involves two types of fees:
1️⃣ Government Fees (as per IP India)
| Applicant Type | Filing Fee per Class (Form TM-A) |
|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 |
This fee is applicable per class, so if you’re filing only for Class 12, the above is what you’ll pay to the government.
2️⃣ Professional Fees (Optional)
If you hire a legal professional or trademark consultant (like VMK Professionals), they will charge for:
- Trademark search
- Drafting the application
- Filing & compliance
- Objection handling
Typical professional charges range from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000.
🔢 Total Cost Estimate for Class 12 Registration
| Category | Govt. Fee | Agent Fee (avg.) | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual/MSME | ₹4,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹6,500 |
| Private Ltd/LLP | ₹9,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹11,000 |
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a startup or MSME, get your Udyam Registration Certificate—it reduces your trademark cost by 50%!
⏳ Complete Timeline of Class 12 Trademark Registration
Trademark registration is not an overnight process. Here’s how the entire journey typically unfolds:
📅 Step-by-Step Timeline:
| Stage | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Trademark Search | Checking for similar or identical marks in Class 12 | 1 Day |
| 2. Application Filing | Filing Form TM-A | 1–2 Days |
| 3. Examination Report | Registry reviews and may raise objections | 1–3 Months |
| 4. Objection Reply (if any) | Submit clarification or appear at hearing | +1–2 Months |
| 5. Journal Publication | Trademark published for public opposition | 4 Months |
| 6. Opposition Period | Third parties may oppose within this window | 4 Months |
| 7. Registration Certificate | Issued if no opposition or once resolved | 1–2 Months |
| 🔚 Total Time (Smooth Case) | — | 6–9 Months |
| ⚠️ With Objection/Opposition | — | 12–18+ Months |
🕵️ Note: If your application is objected to or opposed, it can extend the process. Handling it quickly with expert help ensures minimal delays.
📌 Class 12 Trademark Filing Procedure: Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the Class 12 trademark registration process:
Step 1: Trademark Search
- Use the IP India Public Search tool
- Check for similar trademarks in Class 12
- Avoid conflicts to reduce risk of objection
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Collect identity, logo, TM-48, Udyam certificate, etc.
- Design your logo in JPEG format (200×200 pixels recommended)
Step 3: File Form TM-A
- Can be filed online via the IP India portal
- Receive an instant acknowledgment and TM number
- You may now use the ™ symbol
Step 4: Examination Report
- Registry examines your application under Section 9 (generic) and Section 11 (similarity)
- If no objection, the application is accepted
- If objected, you must file a reply and may be asked to attend a hearing
Step 5: Publication in Trademark Journal
- Your mark is published for 4 months
- If no opposition, it moves to registration
Step 6: Trademark Opposition (if raised)
- Legal process begins between your brand and the opposing party
- Submission of counter statements and hearings
- If you win, it proceeds to registration
Step 7: Issuance of Registration Certificate
- If unopposed or if opposition is resolved in your favor, a certificate is issued
- You can now use the ® symbol with your brand name/logo
📆 Validity & Renewal of Class 12 Trademarks
Once registered, your trademark is valid for 10 years from the application date.
Renewal Process:
- You can renew anytime within 6 months before expiry
- Trademark is renewable indefinitely every 10 years
Renewal Fees:
| Type | Govt. Fee |
|---|---|
| On-time Renewal | ₹9,000 |
| Renewal with surcharge | ₹13,500 |
🛡️ Don’t let your trademark expire—renewing keeps your brand protection intact forever.
✅ Benefits of Class 12 Trademark Registration
1. Exclusive Rights
Protects your brand from being copied by competitors in the vehicle and transport sector.
2. Legal Protection
Enables you to take legal action in case of infringement.
3. Brand Recognition
Increases trust among customers, especially for automotive brands.
4. Business Expansion
Makes it easier to franchise, license, or sell your brand.
5. Online Selling Eligibility
Platforms like Amazon or Flipkart require trademark documents to list branded products.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Registering in Wrong Class | No legal protection for your actual products |
| Skipping TM Search | Risk of rejection or costly objection |
| Using “®” Before Registration | Illegal and may attract penalties |
| Missing Udyam/MSME Benefits | You pay more when you don’t need to |
| Delaying Objection Replies | Can lead to abandonment of application |
📍 Real-World Scenario
Case: A Delhi-based EV startup named E-RideVolt failed to register in Class 12 but filed in Class 35 (retail). Months later, a similar company used their name to launch a scooter under a different brand—completely legally.
They had no legal ground to stop the other party.
Lesson: Filing under the correct class is not optional, it’s critical.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Trademark registration under Class 12 is essential for any brand in the transport, vehicle, or parts industry. It protects your identity, boosts brand value, and ensures long-term market presence.
Don’t leave your brand name vulnerable. Filing early, with the right documents, and under the right class ensures your business stays legally protected.
💼 Need Help? VMK Professionals Has You Covered!
We are experts in Class 12 trademark registration for automotive startups, manufacturers, and transport businesses.
Why Choose VMK Professionals?
- ✔️ Affordable & fast filing
- ✔️ Objection & opposition handling
- ✔️ MSME certification support
- ✔️ End-to-end assistance till you get your ® symbol
📞 Contact Us Today
VMK Professionals – Protecting your brand, so you can drive forward.
