Trademark Class 14: Jewellery, Precious Metals & Timepieces – A Complete Legal and Strategic Guide (India)

Trademark Class 14: Jewellery, Watches & Ornaments – Complete Legal Guide

Trademark Class 14: Jewellery, Watches & Ornaments – Complete Legal Guide (India)

Introduction

India has one of the world’s largest markets for jewellery, gold, diamonds, watches, and ornaments. From heritage family jewellers to high-end luxury brands and e-commerce platforms, every serious player in this industry needs legal protection for their brand—and that begins with Trademark Class 14.

Trademark Class 14 applies to all products made of precious metals or used for personal adornment, including jewellery, imitation ornaments, clocks, watches, cufflinks, tie pins, and luxury timepieces. It also covers coins, medallions, and commemorative items made of gold, silver, or platinum.

This comprehensive guide covers the full scope of Class 14, including examples, exclusions, filing strategy, international protections, and key considerations under India’s Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Legal Foundation in India

India uses the Nice Classification system (11th edition) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Under this system, Class 14 is defined as:

“Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery, precious and semi-precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.”

This class primarily protects tangible goods made of or related to precious metals, stones, and timekeeping instruments. It excludes services and non-metallic fashion accessories.

Scope of Trademark Class 14

  • Gold, silver, platinum, and their alloys (in raw or finished form)
  • Jewellery made from precious metals or gemstones
  • Artificial or costume jewellery (if used as ornaments)
  • Diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald jewellery
  • Anklets, bracelets, earrings, pendants
  • Rings, nose pins, bangles, mangalsutras
  • Coins and medallions made of precious metals
  • Timepieces: watches, clocks, chronometers
  • Smartwatches (when considered as luxury items)
  • Watch cases, parts, straps, and winders
  • Tie pins, cufflinks (precious or plated)
  • Luxury fashion accessories (jewelled belts, brooches)

Examples of Goods in Class 14

  1. 22k and 24k gold jewellery sets
  2. Silver anklets and toe rings
  3. Diamond engagement rings
  4. Platinum wedding bands
  5. Costume jewellery (artificial sets)
  6. Watch brands – analog, digital, smart-luxury
  7. Antique clocks, wall clocks, alarm clocks
  8. Luxury bracelets and chains
  9. Charms, lockets, pendants
  10. Men’s accessories – tie pins, cufflinks
  11. Precious stone-studded ornaments
  12. Commemorative gold coins or tokens
  13. Branded watch straps and cases
  14. Brooches and hair jewellery
  15. Religious ornaments (e.g., gold-plated idols)

Goods Not Included in Class 14

ItemCorrect Class
Jewellery cleaning cloths or polishClass 3
Non-metallic fashion accessoriesClass 25
Gold used in medicinesClass 5
Jewellery repair or custom design servicesClass 37
Leather bracelets or strapsClass 18
Mobile covers with stonesClass 9
Display boxes for jewelleryClass 20 or 21

Real-World Trademark Examples in Class 14 (India)

BrandTrademarked Products
TANISHQGold & diamond jewellery
PC JEWELLEROrnaments & silver items
KALYAN JEWELLERSWedding jewellery
TITANWatches & luxury timepieces
FOSSILFashion watches, smartwatches
ROLEXPremium watches
GIVASilver jewellery, modern designs
CARATLANEDiamond rings, earrings (online)
OM JEWELLERSTraditional gold and kundan jewellery

Why Register Under Class 14

  • Prevents name misuse and counterfeiting
  • Legal protection during store expansion or franchising
  • Builds investor trust (especially in e-commerce)
  • Basis for global registration (Madrid Protocol)
  • Adds value to the product line during valuation

Trademark Registration Process for Class 14 in India

  1. Trademark Search (Class 14)
  2. Draft Application (Form TM-A)
  3. File Online or Through Agent
  4. Respond to Examination Report
  5. Trademark Journal Publication
  6. Trademark Certificate Issued

Required Documents

  • PAN/Aadhaar of the applicant
  • Logo (for device marks)
  • MSME Certificate (optional for discounted fees)
  • TM-48 (if filing through agent)
  • Brief about the product line or online presence

International Filing – Madrid Protocol (Class 14)

JurisdictionTrademark Class
India (CGPDTM)Class 14
USA (USPTO)Class 014
EU (EUIPO)Class 14
UK (IPO)Class 14
WIPO (Madrid)Class 14

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 14 Filing

  • Using general terms like “jewellery” — instead use “22k gold chains”, “diamond earrings”
  • Filing watch-related software in Class 14 (should be Class 9 or 42)
  • Filing jewellery services or manufacturing under Class 14 (should be Class 37)
  • Including packaging materials (boxes) in this class
  • Not filing multiple classes for fashion accessories + jewellery (14 + 25)

Top Tips for Class 14 Trademark Applicants

  • File under Class 14 even for artificial jewellery if intended for adornment
  • Describe your product range clearly: “platinum engagement rings”, “analog wristwatches”
  • File multi-class if brand covers watches + smartwatches + apps (14 + 9 + 42)
  • File for Madrid Protocol early if exporting
  • Always check existing brands in Class 14 to avoid conflict

FAQs – Trademark Class 14

Q1. Is artificial jewellery included in Class 14?
Yes, if it’s for personal adornment.
Q2. What about gold coins?
Yes, commemorative or ornamental coins are included.
Q3. Are watch straps and cases covered?
Yes.
Q4. Is smartwatch software Class 14?
No, that’s Class 9 or 42.
Q5. Can I register my Amazon jewellery brand?
Yes, Class 14 applies to both offline and online jewellery.
Q6. What class is jewellery repair?
Class 37.
Q7. Are brooches and hairpins included?
Yes, if ornamental and made of precious materials.
Q8. Is imitation jewellery allowed in this class?
Yes.
Q9. Can I use Class 14 for religious pendants?
Yes, if intended as jewellery.
Q10. Is diamond-studded belt buckle Class 14 or 25?
If precious and ornamental — Class 14; if fashion accessory — Class 25.

Conclusion

Trademark Class 14 is essential for protecting the identity of brands operating in India’s jewellery, luxury goods, and watch industries. From legacy jewellers to modern D2C brands, proper trademark protection ensures long-term reputation and legal advantage.

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