Trademark Class 32: Legal Protection for Beverages in India
Introduction
The global and Indian beverage markets are experiencing a revolution with the rise of functional drinks, cold-pressed juices, flavored waters, sparkling drinks, and hydration-focused products. Whether it’s a local coconut water startup or a multinational energy drink brand, securing the brand’s legal identity under the right trademark class is essential.
That’s where Trademark Class 32 comes in. It protects all non-alcoholic beverages, including bottled water, aerated drinks, soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, mocktails, kombucha, and soda waters.
This article explains:
- What is covered under Class 32
- What is not covered
- Real trademark examples in India
- Filing process and international expansion via Madrid Protocol
- Tips for brands in the beverage business
- FAQs and compliance support
Legal Definition in India
As per the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Nice Classification (11th Edition):
“Beers; mineral and aerated waters; non-alcoholic beverages; fruit beverages and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.”
Who Should Use Trademark Class 32?
- Beverage startups (fruit juice, soda, detox drinks)
- Mineral water companies
- Energy drink and sports hydration brands
- Juice and smoothie bottlers
- Kombucha or fermented drink manufacturers
- Flavored or sparkling water sellers
- Beverage premix (non-alcoholic) exporters
- eCommerce drink brands
Key Rule: If your product is drinkable, non-alcoholic, bottled or packaged, and ready for direct consumption, it belongs to Class 32.
✅ Class 32 Includes:
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Cola, lemon soda, mocktails, kombucha, non-alcoholic beer
- Waters: Mineral water, soda water, flavored and sparkling water
- Juices & Fruit Drinks: Fruit juice, vegetable juice, cold-pressed juice, coconut water
- Sports & Energy Drinks: Electrolyte waters, isotonic drinks, glucose beverages
- Syrups & Drink Mixes: Rasna, fruit syrups, sherbet concentrates
✅ Examples of Class 32 Products:
- Bisleri, Kinley (water)
- Coca-Cola, Pepsi (soft drinks)
- Real Juice, B Natural
- Paper Boat (ethnic drinks)
- Gatorade, Enerzal (energy drinks)
- Raw Pressery, Patanjali Juices
- Sosyo, Appy Fizz (sparkling)
- Rasna, Glucon-D (premix drinks)
- Kombucha probiotic beverages
- Dabur Hajmola Yoodley (mocktails)
❌ What is NOT Included in Class 32?
| Product | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic beer, wine | Class 33 |
| Milk, lassi, buttermilk | Class 29 |
| Tea, coffee | Class 30 |
| Protein shakes, supplements | Class 5 |
| Medicinal or Ayurvedic drinks | Class 5 |
| Juices used for cooking | Class 30 |
| Restaurant beverage service | Class 43 |
Tip: If it’s medicinal, dairy-based, alcohol-based, or needs cooking – it likely doesn’t belong in Class 32.
Why Trademark Class 32 is Essential
Beverage brands are highly visual and packaging-dependent. Your name, label, and design define you. Trademarking protects your identity and enables:
- Prevention of counterfeits
- Amazon/eCommerce listing eligibility
- Licensing, OEM/franchise rights
- International protection via Madrid Protocol
- Design and trade dress protection
Trademark Examples (India – Class 32)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products |
|---|---|
| BISLERI | Mineral water, soda water |
| REAL | Fruit juices |
| PAPER BOAT | Aamras, Jaljeera, Chhaas |
| RASNA | Fruit syrups, energy mixes |
| RAW PRESSERY | Cold-pressed juices |
| APPy FIZZ | Sparkling apple drinks |
Trademark Filing Process (India – Class 32)
- Search: Use IP India Public Search
- Draft Application (TM-A): Mention specific beverages
- Apply: Online or through trademark agent
- Examination: By Registrar
- Publication: Journal (4-month opposition)
- Registration: 10 years validity
Documents Required:
- PAN/Aadhaar
- Logo or label image
- TM-48 (if via agent)
- MSME/Udyam Certificate (if applicable)
- Packaging or product sample (optional)
International Trademark Filing – Madrid Protocol
If exporting, protect your brand globally:
- India – Class 32
- USA – Class 032
- EU/UK/WIPO – Class 32
One Indian filing can secure rights in 100+ countries.
Common Filing Mistakes
- Filing dairy-based drinks under Class 32
- Using vague product terms
- Misclassifying fruit concentrates
- Ignoring flavor sub-brand protection
- Delaying international filings
Pro Tips for Beverage Brands
- Register main + variant names (e.g., “JuicyLicious Mango”)
- File label/bottle designs under device marks
- List flavor profiles/premixes clearly
- Essential for Amazon/Flipkart compliance
- File Madrid Protocol early if exporting
FAQs – Trademark Class 32
- Is coconut water covered? ✅ Yes
- Are fruit juices included? ✅ Yes
- Is Gatorade covered? ✅ Yes
- Packaged drinking water? ✅ Yes
- Lassi or buttermilk? ❌ No (Class 29)
- Kombucha? ✅ Yes (non-alcoholic)
- Rasna? ✅ Yes
- Mocktails? ✅ Yes
- One mark for water + juice? ✅ Yes, with clear description
- Flavored waters? ✅ Yes
✅ Conclusion
If your business sells beverages like mineral water, juices, cold drinks, or energy beverages, Trademark Class 32 is your legal shield. Protect your product identity and packaging from infringement and build a strong beverage brand with confidence.
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