Trademark Class 21: Complete Guide to Household Utensils and Kitchenware

When applying for trademark registration in India, identifying the correct class is one of the most important steps in protecting your brand. The Nice Classification (NCL) system, followed worldwide, groups goods and services into 45 distinct classes. Each class determines the scope of protection your trademark will receive.

Trademark Class 21 specifically covers a wide range of household and kitchen utensils, cookware, combs, brushes, glassware, porcelain, and cleaning tools. If your business deals with domestic utility items, registering under this class ensures that your brand is protected in the correct category.

What is Trademark Class 21?

Trademark Class 21 includes mainly household or kitchen utensils and containers, as well as combs and sponges, brushes, material for cleaning, unworked or semi-worked glass, and certain articles made of porcelain and earthenware.

It encompasses both manual and non-electric items used in kitchens, bathrooms, and cleaning routines, as well as decorative and utility containers for everyday use.

Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 21

Here’s a detailed look at what is included in Class 21:

1. Kitchen and Household Utensils

• Cooking pots, pans, and pressure cookers (non-electric)

• Mixing bowls, serving spoons, ladles

• Non-electric kettles

• Tongs, strainers, graters

• Food storage jars and lunch boxes

• Ice cube trays, butter dishes, bread bins

2. Combs and Brushes

• Hair combs and brushes

• Toothbrushes (non-electric)

• Nail brushes, shaving brushes

• Cosmetic brushes and applicators

3. Cleaning Tools

• Brooms, mops, dustpans

• Scrubbers, sponges

• Buckets, dustbins, cloths for cleaning

• Dishwashing brushes, floor wipers

4. Bathroom and Utility Items

• Soap dispensers, soap holders

• Toilet brushes and holders

• Toothbrush holders

• Bathroom storage containers

5. Glassware and Tableware

• Drinking glasses, mugs, tumblers

• Plates, bowls, trays made of glass or ceramic

• Vases, jars, flower pots

• Crockery, porcelain, and earthenware dishes

6. Pet and Animal Care

• Litter boxes

• Pet feeding bowls and water dispensers

• Grooming brushes

Examples of Products in Class 21

What Is Not Covered Under Trademark Class 21?

Despite its broad coverage, Class 21 does not include:

• Electric kitchen appliances – such as electric mixers, blenders, or toasters (Class 7)

• Cleaning machines – like vacuum cleaners or floor polishers (Class 7)

• Cutlery – knives, forks, and spoons (Class 8)

• Textile cleaning cloths and dust covers – made of textile (Class 24)

• Glass for optical use – like spectacle lenses or lab equipment (Class 9)

• Medical brushes or surgical sponges – for dental or surgical use (Class 10)

• Plastic or wooden items classified by function – such as wooden flooring (Class 19) or plastic toys (Class 28)

Correct classification ensures legal clarity and minimizes the risk of objections or rejection of your trademark application.

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 21?

Businesses and brands operating in any of the following industries should consider filing under Class 21:

• Kitchenware and cookware brands

• Household goods manufacturers and distributors

• Plastic product companies (for domestic use items)

• Cleaning tool brands and suppliers

• Cosmetic accessory brands (combs, brushes, etc.)

• Ceramic, porcelain, or glassware brands

• Retailers and eCommerce businesses selling household items

• Bathroom accessory and container suppliers

• Pet accessory brands (non-electric products)

If your products are used in household settings or are utility-based items for grooming, cleaning, or food preparation, Class 21 is the correct category for trademark registration.

Related Trademark Classes

Depending on your product range, you may need to consider additional or overlapping classes:

Filing in the correct class or combination of classes ensures comprehensive protection across your entire product range.

Why Trademark Classification Matters

Accurately classifying your trademark determines:

• Whether your application is accepted or rejected

• The extent of legal protection you will receive

• Your ability to take legal action against infringers

• Whether your trademark can be enforced in a dispute

A mistake in classification can lead to additional costs, delays, and weak trademark enforcement. Filing under Class 21 ensures protection for household and kitchen-related non-electric goods.

Conclusion

Trademark Class 21 covers an extensive range of everyday products used in kitchens, bathrooms, and households. If your business operates in this space, correctly registering under this class helps safeguard your brand, reputation, and market presence.

Understanding what’s included and what isn’t allows you to avoid misclassification, enhance your brand value, and stay compliant with Indian trademark laws.

Need Assistance Filing a Trademark Under Class 21?
At Tradeviser, we help startups and established businesses identify the correct class, prepare documentation, and handle trademark registration from start to finish.

Let us simplify the trademark process for you.