Trademark Class 12: Vehicles, Electric Mobility & Transport Equipment – Complete Legal & Strategic Guide (India)

Trademark Class 12: Complete Legal & Strategic Guide (India)

Trademark Class 12: Vehicles, Vehicle Parts & Mobility Products

Introduction

India is undergoing a transport revolution… your intellectual property belongs to Trademark Class 12.

Trademark Class 12 protects names, logos, and product identities… commercial advantage.

In this expert guide, you’ll learn everything about Class 12—what it covers and excludes, real brand examples, India’s trademark registration process, and international protections under the Madrid Protocol.

Legal Foundation in India

India follows the Nice Classification System (11th Edition)…

“Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.”
  • Land vehicles (cars, trucks, EVs, bicycles)
  • Air vehicles (drones, aircraft)
  • Marine vehicles (boats, ships, hovercrafts)
  • Parts and fittings for all the above

Scope of Trademark Class 12

Class 12 includes transportation vehicles… powered and manual.

✅ Class 12 Includes:

  • Automobiles (cars, vans, buses, trucks)
  • Two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters)
  • Electric vehicles (e-cycles, e-rickshaws, EV bikes)
  • Bicycles and non-motorized transport
  • Tractors, trolleys, and earth movers
  • Railway engines and wagons
  • Aircraft, drones, and helicopters
  • Boats, ships, yachts, hovercrafts
  • Self-balancing vehicles, hoverboards
  • Airbags, vehicle seats, safety systems
  • Tires, rims, horns, lights, gearboxes
  • Shock absorbers, fuel tanks, axles
  • Cycle bells, chains, and seats

Goods NOT Included in Class 12

Not Included in Class 12 Correct Class
Vehicle repair and maintenance servicesClass 37
Vehicle software or appsClass 9 or 42
Vehicle lubricants, coolants, fuelsClass 4
GPS or navigation systemsClass 9
Safety helmets and riding gearClass 9
Advertising or leasing of vehiclesClass 35 or 36
Vehicle audio systems and radiosClass 9
Tyre inflators (electric)Class 7

Examples of Goods Covered Under Class 12

  1. Passenger cars (hatchback, sedan, SUV)
  2. Bicycles and e-bikes
  3. Electric scooters and charging kits
  4. Delivery trucks, lorries, tankers
  5. Tractors, ploughs, harvesters
  6. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws
  7. Buses and vans (private or commercial)
  8. Engines for land vehicles
  9. Gearboxes and transmissions
  10. Tires, wheels, tubes, spokes
  11. Brake pads, clutches, silencers
  12. Rear-view mirrors, lights, windshields
  13. Boat motors and jet ski parts
  14. Aircraft wheels, flaps, seats
  15. Baby strollers, mobility scooters

Real-World Trademark Examples (India, Class 12)

Brand Registered Products (Class 12)
TATA MOTORSCars, trucks, auto components
BAJAJ AUTOMotorcycles, rickshaws
OLA ELECTRICElectric scooters and EV platforms
MAHINDRATractors, SUVs, e-rickshaws
TVS MOTORMotorbikes, mopeds, bike parts
HERO CYCLESBicycles and cycle parts
ASHOK LEYLANDBuses, heavy commercial vehicles
AETHER ENERGYEV two-wheelers and battery systems

Why Register Under the Correct Class

✅ Benefits of Class 12 Trademark Registration:

  • Legal exclusivity in your vehicle domain
  • Immunity from brand theft and imitation
  • Readiness for manufacturing, branding, or dealership
  • Global trademark expansion under Madrid Protocol
  • Licensing, franchising, and IP valuation

❌ Risks of Incorrect Classification:

  • Registrar objections under Sections 9 or 11
  • Trademark rejection or limitation
  • No recourse against competitors
  • Legal loss in brand disputes

Trademark Registration Process for Class 12 in India

  1. Class 12 Trademark Search – Check conflicts using the IP India Trademark Search Tool.
  2. Prepare Form TM-A – Mention exact goods.
  3. File Application Online – IP India portal or through agent.
  4. Respond to Examination Report – Within 30 days.
  5. Publication in TM Journal – Open to opposition.
  6. Get Registration Certificate – Valid for 10 years.

Documents Required:

  • Applicant identity proof
  • MSME certificate (if applicable)
  • Brand logo (for device marks)
  • Product description list
  • Power of Attorney (TM-48)

International Protection – Madrid Protocol (Class 12)

Jurisdiction Trademark Class
IndiaClass 12
USA (USPTO)Class 012
EU (EUIPO)Class 12
UK (IPO)Class 12
WIPO (Madrid)Class 12

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 12 Filing

  • Filing vehicle software in Class 12
  • Using vague terms like “auto parts”
  • Filing helmets and gloves in Class 12
  • Filing ride-hailing services under Class 12
  • Not filing for individual part names

Top Tips for Class 12 Trademark Applicants

  • Clearly describe your product type
  • Check IP India database
  • File multi-class if needed
  • Plan Madrid Protocol early
  • File for separate part brand names

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • ✅ Are EV scooters part of Class 12? Yes.
  • ✅ Are tires and tubes under Class 12? Yes.
  • ❌ What class is a GPS installed in a vehicle? Class 9.
  • ❌ Are ride-hailing apps like OLA covered? App = Class 9; Service = Class 39.
  • ✅ Can I file a trademark for bike parts? Yes.
  • ✅ Is a child stroller covered? Yes.
  • ✅ What about aircrafts and drones? Covered under Class 12.
  • ❌ What class is used for vehicle repair services? Class 37.
  • ✅ Are bicycles included? Yes.
  • ⚠️ Can I file both my EV and its mobile app together? Yes, via multi-class (Class 12 + 9).

Conclusion

Trademark Class 12 is vital for anyone… legal, financial, and branding edge.

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