Introduction to Design Classification in India

The Indian design registration system follows the Locarno Classification, an international standard that categorizes industrial designs into 32 distinct classes. Understanding these classes is crucial for proper design registration and protection. This comprehensive guide breaks down each class and explains the classification system in detail.

Understanding the Locarno Classification System

The Locarno Classification system, adopted by India under the Designs Act 2000, provides a systematic approach to categorizing industrial designs. This standardization helps in:

• • Efficient design searches

• • Proper application filing

• • International design protection

• • Streamlined registration process

Detailed Breakdown of 32 Design Classes

Consumer Goods (Classes 1-7)

Class 1: Foodstuffs

• • Products: Biscuits, chocolates, confectionery

• • Packaging: Food containers, wrappers

• • Special forms: Decorative food presentations

Class 2: Clothing and Haberdashery

• • Garments: Shirts, dresses, suits

• • Accessories: Buttons, zippers, ties

• • Footwear: Shoes, boots, sandals

Class 3: Travel Goods and Personal Accessories

• • Luggage: Suitcases, briefcases

• • Personal items: Wallets, purses

• • Accessories: Umbrellas, parasols

Class 4: Brushware

• • Personal care: Toothbrushes, hairbrushes

• • Cleaning: Scrubbing brushes, brooms

• • Art supplies: Paintbrushes, applicators

Class 5: Textile Products

• • Fabrics: Woven, knitted materials

• • Wall coverings: Wallpapers, tapestries

• • Floor coverings: Carpets, rugs

Class 6: Furnishing

• • Furniture: Chairs, tables, beds

• • Storage: Cabinets, shelves

• • Decorative items: Cushions, curtains

Class 7: Household Goods

• • Kitchen items: Utensils, cookware

• • Tableware: Plates, cutlery

• • Appliances: Small kitchen devices

Industrial and Technical Products (Classes 8-15)

Class 8: Tools and Hardware

• • Hand tools: Hammers, screwdrivers

• • Power tools: Drills, saws

• • Hardware: Nuts, bolts, fasteners

Class 9: Packaging and Containers

• • Transport packaging: Boxes, crates

• • Storage containers: Bottles, jars

• • Retail packaging: Display boxes

Class 10: Clocks and Measuring Instruments

• • Timepieces: Watches, clocks

• • Measuring devices: Thermometers, scales

• • Scientific instruments: Meters, gauges

Class 11: Jewelry and Accessories

• • Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, bracelets

• • Ornaments: Brooches, pins

• • Decorative items: Fashion accessories

Class 12: Transport

• • Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles

• • Marine vessels: Boats, ships

• • Aircraft: Planes, helicopters

Class 13: Electrical Equipment

• • Power generation: Generators, batteries

• • Distribution: Switchboards, panels

• • Control equipment: Transformers

Class 14: Recording and Communication

• • Audio/video: TVs, radios

• • Communication: Phones, computers

• • Data storage: Memory devices

Class 15: Industrial Machinery

• • Manufacturing: Production machines

• • Processing: Industrial equipment

• • Automation: Robotic systems

Professional and Technical Equipment (Classes 16-24)

 

Class 16: Photographic Equipment

• • Cameras: Digital, film

• • Optical devices: Microscopes, binoculars

• • Projection equipment: Projectors, screens

Class 17: Musical Instruments

• • String instruments: Guitars, violins

• • Wind instruments: Flutes, trumpets

• • Percussion: Drums, cymbals

Class 18: Printing and Office Equipment

• • Printers: Industrial, desktop

• • Office machines: Copiers, scanners

• • Document processing: Shredders

Class 19: Stationery

• • Writing instruments: Pens, pencils

• • Paper products: Notebooks, files

• • Office supplies: Calculators, staplers

Class 20: Sales and Advertising

• • Display equipment: Stands, racks

• • Advertising: Billboards, signs

• • Point of sale: Mannequins, displays

Class 21: Games and Sports

• • Sports equipment: Balls, rackets

• • Games: Board games, puzzles

• • Toys: Dolls, action figures

Class 22: Arms and Hunting Equipment

• • Firearms: Guns, rifles

• • Hunting gear: Traps, decoys

• • Fishing equipment: Rods, reels

Class 23: Fluid Distribution

• • Plumbing: Faucets, pipes

• • HVAC: Air conditioners, heaters

• • Sanitary fixtures: Toilets, sinks

Class 24: Medical Equipment

• • Surgical instruments: Scalpels, forceps

• • Diagnostic devices: Stethoscopes

• • Laboratory equipment: Test tubes, slides

Construction and Infrastructure (Classes 25-32)

Class 25: Building Units

• • Construction: Bricks, tiles

• • Structural: Windows, doors

• • Architectural: Panels, frames

Class 26: Lighting

• • Indoor: Lamps, chandeliers

• • Outdoor: Street lights, spotlights

• • Specialized: Emergency lighting

Class 27: Tobacco Products

• • Smoking: Pipes, cigarette holders

• • Accessories: Lighters, ashtrays

• • Storage: Tobacco boxes, humidors

Class 28: Pharmaceutical Products

• • Packaging: Medicine bottles

• • Dispensers: Inhalers, sprays

• • Cosmetic containers: Perfume bottles

Class 29: Safety Equipment

• • Fire safety: Extinguishers, alarms

• • Personal protection: Helmets, masks

• • Emergency: Life jackets, first aid

Class 30: Animal Care

• • Pet accessories: Collars, leashes

• • Feeding: Bowls, feeders

• • Housing: Kennels, cages

Class 31: Food Preparation

• • Kitchen appliances: Blenders, mixers

• • Beverage makers: Coffee machines

• • Food processors: Grinders, choppers

Class 32: Graphic Symbols

• • Logos: Brand marks, emblems

• • Icons: User interface elements

• • Signage: Pictograms, symbols

Important Considerations for Classification

1. 1. Multiple Classifications

• • Single design can fall under multiple classes

• • Separate applications needed for each class

• • Additional fees apply per class

1. 1. Classification Guidelines

• • Primary function determines class

• • Consider end-use of product

• • Check similar registered designs

1. 1. Common Classification Mistakes

• • Wrong class selection

• • Overlooking secondary classes

• • Misinterpreting product category

Tips for Choosing the Right Class

1. 1. Research Thoroughly

• • Study class descriptions carefully

• • Review similar registered designs

• • Consider product functionality

1. 1. Seek Professional Help

• • Consult patent attorneys

• • Use official classification guides

• • Check international databases

1. 1. Consider Multiple Classes

• • Identify all relevant classes

• • Budget for multiple applications

• • Plan comprehensive protection

Conclusion

Understanding India’s design classification system is crucial for successful design registration. The 32 classes cover virtually every type of industrial design, ensuring comprehensive protection for innovative products. Proper classification not only streamlines the registration process but also strengthens design protection.

Remember to:

• • Carefully analyze your design’s characteristics

• • Consider multiple class registrations if necessary

• • Stay updated with classification changes

• • Seek professional guidance for complex cases

• • Maintain proper documentation for each class

For the latest updates and detailed information, consult the Indian Patent Office or a registered patent agent.

Keywords: design classification india, design classes, locarno classification, industrial design classes, design registration classes, design patent classes, product design classification