Trademark Class 17 – Complete Legal Guide for Rubber, Plastic & Insulation Materials (India)
Introduction:
India’s industrial backbone is powered by plastic, rubber, and insulation technology. These materials form the foundation of everything from automobile components, electric wires, and construction infrastructure to packaging materials, industrial sheets, and flexible pipes.
Businesses in these sectors often overlook one crucial step: trademark protection. If you’re in the business of rubber sheets, plastic films, insulating foams, hoses, or synthetic resins, your product names, logos, and packaging designs need protection under Trademark Class 17.
This expert guide explains everything about Class 17 under the Indian trademark system — what’s included, what’s excluded, examples, filing strategies, and how to expand internationally via the Madrid Protocol.
Legal Framework in India
India applies the Nice Classification (11th edition) through the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Class 17 is defined as:
“Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and substitutes for all these materials; plastics and resins in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, tubes and hoses, not of metal.”
This class is highly relevant to businesses in manufacturing, construction, automobile, aerospace, electronics, and engineering sectors.
Scope of Trademark Class 17
Trademark Class 17 is for raw or semi-processed materials, particularly rubber and plastic-based, used in manufacturing or as insulation.
Included in Class 17:
- Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber
- Plastic sheeting and foils for industrial use
- Mica, asbestos substitutes, synthetic rubber
- Gaskets, seals, washers (non-metallic)
- Thermal, acoustic, or electrical insulation
- Rubber tubing and flexible plastic hoses
- Shock-absorbing materials and buffers
- Rubber padding and spacers for machinery
- PVC pipes and cable insulation
- Rubber compounds and polymer blends
- Silicone sheets and insulation sleeves
- Foam packaging and protective materials
Examples of Trademarked Goods in Class 17
- Unprocessed synthetic rubber
- Plastic-based insulation sheets
- Cable insulation and sleeves
- Automotive rubber gaskets, seals
- Industrial soundproof foams
- Heat-insulating tapes and fireproof films
- PVC/silicone pipes and tubes
- Rubber stoppers, rings, bushings
- Vibration damping pads and spacers
- Polystyrene and EVA foam rolls
- Plastic films for agriculture/greenhouses
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) components
- Silicone sleeves for appliances
- Non-metallic air ducts
Goods NOT Covered Under Class 17
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Plastic toys or finished plastic products | Class 28 or 20 |
| Rubber footwear | Class 25 |
| Surgical gloves (rubber) | Class 10 |
| Construction adhesives | Class 1 or 19 |
| Plastic molded furniture | Class 20 |
| Rubber printing plates | Class 16 |
| Plastic household containers | Class 21 |
| Rubber sports goods | Class 28 |
Key Tip: Class 17 applies to manufacturing or insulation goods, not finished consumer products.
Real Trademark Examples – Class 17 (India)
| Brand Name | Products |
|---|---|
| SUPREME INDUSTRIES | PVC sheets, insulation materials |
| VIPUL RUBBER | Automotive gaskets and hoses |
| RAAJRATNA VENTURES | Insulation sleeves, tubing |
| REHAU | Flexible pipes, window profiles |
| JYOTI RUBBER UDYOG | Rubber sheets, vibration pads |
| SUDHAKAR | Plastic insulation sleeves |
| SAINT-GOBAIN | Acoustic insulation foams |
| VIJAY RUBBER | Seals, flexible PVC hoses |
Why Trademark Class 17 Matters
- Protects your brand in industrial-grade raw material markets
- Prevents misuse of your labels, names, and packaging
- Helps secure long-term contracts and tender eligibility
- Strengthens licensing, franchising, and export plans
- Helps remove counterfeit items from marketplaces
Without trademark protection, your industrial product’s identity is vulnerable.
Trademark Registration Process (India) – Class 17
- Search Existing Marks: Use IP India Trademark Search (Class 17)
- Prepare Form TM-A: Include detailed product description (e.g., “heat-insulating rubber sleeves”)
- File Application: Via the IP India portal or a licensed trademark agent
- Examination: Registrar checks for objections (Section 9 or 11)
- Publication: Accepted marks go to Journal for 4-month opposition period
- Registration: If no opposition, certificate is issued – valid for 10 years
Required Documents:
- Applicant’s PAN or Aadhaar
- MSME Certificate (optional for fee rebate)
- TM-48 form (for agent filing)
- Brand logo (if any)
- Product catalog or technical brochure (optional but helpful)
International Trademark Protection – Madrid Protocol
If you export or plan to scale globally, apply via the Madrid Protocol:
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 17 |
| USA (USPTO) | Class 017 |
| EU (EUIPO) | Class 17 |
| UK (IPO) | Class 17 |
| WIPO | Class 17 |
Common Filing Mistakes
- Using generic terms like “plastic items” instead of specific material use
- Filing adhesives here – they belong in Class 1 or 19
- Including manufacturing services – should be under Class 40
- Mixing finished consumer goods with industrial materials
Top Tips for Class 17 Applicants
- Use industry-specific names like “EPDM rubber”, “PVC braided tubing”
- Mention insulation, damping, or industrial application
- Include technical specs (TPE, EVA, etc.) if possible
- File internationally early if planning exports
- Always run a Class 17-specific trademark search first
FAQs – Class 17 Trademarks
- Q1. Is PVC pipe covered under Class 17?
- Yes, if it’s flexible and non-metallic.
- Q2. Are rubber seals and gaskets included?
- Yes.
- Q3. Are industrial plastic bags included?
- Yes, if used for wrapping/packaging.
- Q4. Silicone sheets for ovens?
- Yes, if they are used for insulation.
- Q5. Selling both plastic films and rubber insulation?
- Yes, you can file under a single Class 17 application.
- Q6. Is mattress foam included?
- No. That belongs to Class 20.
- Q7. Raw plastic granules?
- Only if in extruded form — otherwise, Class 1.
- Q8. Plastic water tanks?
- No. Class 20.
- Q9. Rubber cable sleeves?
- Yes.
- Q10. Can I protect my brand in UAE as well?
- Yes, via Madrid Protocol.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 17 is a powerful tool for India’s growing insulation, plastic, and rubber-based manufacturing sectors. If you’re producing semi-processed goods for industrial use, securing your brand name gives you legal protection, export potential, and market credibility.
At RegistrationMART, we:
- Identify correct product classification
- File national and international trademark applications
- Handle objections and opposition proceedings
- Manage multi-class and Madrid Protocol filings
- Provide expert legal support throughout the process
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