Trademark Class 20: A Comprehensive Guide to Furniture and Related Goods
When applying for a trademark in India, one of the most crucial steps is identifying the correct trademark class for your goods or services. The Nice Classification (NCL) system categorizes all goods and services into 45 distinct classes. Each class serves as a specific category that helps define the scope of your trademark protection.
Trademark Class 20 is one of these categories. It includes furniture, plastic goods, mirrors, and other household or commercial items made primarily of non-metallic materials. If your business deals with the manufacturing, retailing, or distribution of such products, filing your trademark under Class 20 is essential for safeguarding your brand.
What Does Trademark Class 20 Cover?
Trademark Class 20 broadly includes furniture and other goods not classified in other classes, especially those made from wood, plastic, cane, wicker, ivory substitutes, or other non-metallic materials.
This class is especially relevant for businesses that design, manufacture, sell, or distribute home and office furnishings, plastic containers, mattresses, cushions, and decorative items.
List of Goods Included in Trademark Class 20
Below are examples of products that are typically classified under Class 20:
-
Furniture for homes, offices, outdoors, or modular spaces
-
Mattresses and Cushions not for medical purposes
-
Pillows and bolsters
-
Plastic goods such as chairs, tables, storage bins, and containers
-
Mirror frames and decorative mirrors
-
Curtain rods, curtain hooks, and non-metal fittings
-
Display units like mannequins, shop counters, and shelving
-
Pet furniture including beds, kennels, and feeding stands
-
Packaging materials such as bottle caps, closures, and boxes made of non-metal
-
Non-metal signboards and display boards
These products may serve functional, aesthetic, or storage-related purposes across a variety of sectors.
What is Not Included in Class 20?
It is equally important to understand what falls outside the scope of Class 20. Goods that are primarily metallic or have a medical application are generally not covered under this class.
Here are some exclusions:
-
Metal furniture or metal containers – fall under Class 6
-
Medical beds or therapeutic mattresses – fall under Class 10
-
Textile goods such as bed linen or curtains – fall under Class 24
-
Scientific mirrors (e.g., telescopic or optical mirrors) – fall under Class 9
-
Kitchen utensils or cookware (non-electric) – fall under Class 21
Incorrectly classifying your trademark can lead to rejection or insufficient protection, so it’s important to file under the appropriate class.
Examples of Products Under Trademark Class 20
Product Description | Included in Class 20? | Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Wooden Office Desk | Yes | Made of non-metal material |
Plastic Storage Cabinet | Yes | Non-metal and used for household purposes |
Steel Almirah | No | Made of metal; falls under Class 6 |
Foam Mattress | Yes | Not for medical use |
Hospital Bed | No | Medical equipment; belongs to Class 10 |
Wooden Pet Crate | Yes | Non-metal pet furniture |
Decorative Mirror (Non-metal) | Yes | Furniture accessory |
Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 20?
Trademark Class 20 is relevant for a variety of businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in the following fields:
-
Home and office furniture manufacturers
-
Mattress and bedding brands (non-medical)
-
Plastic goods manufacturers and distributors
-
Interior design and décor firms
-
Online furniture retailers and eCommerce platforms
-
Companies producing curtain rods, non-metal fittings, or display products
-
Manufacturers of mannequins or display counters
-
Baby furniture companies
-
Pet accessory brands
If your products fall under any of the above categories, Trademark Class 20 will help you establish legal ownership and protect your brand identity.
Related Trademark Classes
Sometimes businesses operate across different product lines. In such cases, it may be necessary to file trademarks in multiple classes.
Here are some related classes:
Class | Description |
---|---|
Class 6 | Metal furniture, containers, and hardware |
Class 10 | Medical furniture, beds, or health-related items |
Class 11 | Lighting fixtures and heating apparatus |
Class 21 | Household and kitchen utensils |
Class 24 | Textile products like bedsheets, curtains, fabrics |
Class 35 | Retail and wholesale services, including eCommerce |
Why Trademark Classification Matters
Choosing the correct trademark class is a fundamental aspect of brand protection. Filing under the wrong class may lead to:
-
Trademark application rejection by the authorities
-
Legal challenges from businesses in the correct class
-
Loss of protection in your actual business domain
-
Inability to enforce rights against infringers
Correct classification ensures that your trademark enjoys protection against misuse or infringement in the product categories you operate in.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 20 is a critical category for businesses involved in the furniture, plastic goods, and non-metal home or office product segments. By understanding the scope of this class, business owners can make informed decisions about their trademark filings and strengthen their brand presence in the marketplace.
If you are planning to register your trademark under Class 20 but need guidance, professional support can save time, avoid errors, and ensure proper protection.
Need Help Filing Your Trademark Under Class 20?
At Tradeviser, we help startups, manufacturers, and eCommerce brands secure their trademarks across all relevant classes. From class identification to documentation and follow-ups we manage the entire process so you can focus on growing your business.
Contact us today for a consultation.
With over 35 years of service in the District Court of Odisha, I have witnessed and learned diverse range of cases while developing a deep understanding of the legal system. Having retired from my previous position, I now utilize my expertise to assist businesses and SMEs in managing and navigating matters related to Intellectual Property Rights and Tax Law.