Introduction
Whether you’re manufacturing ergonomic office chairs, retailing decorative mirrors, selling mattresses online, or offering modular plastic storage units — your business needs trademark protection under Trademark Class 20.
This class includes a wide range of non-metal furniture and household goods, including wooden, plastic, bamboo, and synthetic material products used in homes, offices, and commercial spaces. From interior design brands to D2C mattress startups — Trademark Class 20 is your legal territory.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore everything you need to know: covered products, exclusions, successful brand examples, registration process, documentation, international classification (Madrid Protocol), and best practices to protect your brand.
Legal Foundation in India
India adopts the Nice Classification (11th Edition) system under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Under this system:
Class 20 includes “Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; containers, not of metal, for storage or transport; unworked or semi-worked bone, horn, whalebone or mother-of-pearl; shells; meerschaum; yellow amber.”
This class covers finished and semi-finished goods made of wood, plastic, glass (non-construction), cane, bamboo, and other non-metallic materials.
It’s commonly used by:
- Furniture manufacturers and showrooms
- D2C mattress and cushion startups
- Modular storage brands
- Home decor and interior firms
- Office furniture companies
- School and institutional furniture suppliers
Scope of Trademark Class 20
Class 20 includes all types of non-metal furniture and functional household items, provided they are not covered by other specific classes.
✅ Class 20 Covers:
- Furniture for home, office, outdoors
- Wooden, plastic, or synthetic chairs and tables
- Modular wardrobes and storage units
- Mattresses, pillows, cushions
- Bean bags, poufs, and floor seating
- Plastic furniture (chairs, stools, shelves)
- Shoe racks, clothes stands, coat hangers
- Bookshelves and floating racks
- Baby cribs, cots, playpens
- Cupboards, drawers, bedside tables
- School and institutional benches
- Picture frames, decorative mirrors
- Display units, mannequins, store counters
- Camping and garden furniture
- Baskets, bins, storage boxes (non-metal)
- Pet beds, kennels, and plastic crates
Class 20 also covers non-metallic containers used for transport or storage.
Examples of Products Under Class 20
- Office chairs with mesh or leatherette
- Dining tables and sideboards
- Plastic or wooden shoe racks
- Foam and orthopedic mattresses
- Adjustable pillows and back cushions
- Modular office cubicles and partitions
- Folding plastic tables for outdoor use
- Acrylic display stands and showpieces
- Bookshelves and wooden TV cabinets
- Baby changing tables, high chairs, cradles
- Bean bags and casual seating
- Storage drawers and organizers
- Wicker, cane, bamboo furniture
- Mannequins and shop display fixtures
- Wall-mounted picture frames
Any item intended to support, seat, store, or decorate made from non-metallic materials fits in Class 20.
What Class 20 Does NOT Include
Some items may seem like they belong here but are classified elsewhere:
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Metal furniture or lockers | Class 6 |
| Construction wood, plywood panels | Class 19 |
| Mattresses with integrated electronics | Class 10 or 11 |
| Household utensils and containers | Class 21 |
| Textiles and upholstery fabrics | Class 24 |
| Home decoration lighting | Class 11 |
| Wooden toys or toy furniture | Class 28 |
| Retail services for furniture | Class 35 |
Rule of Thumb: Class 20 is for non-metal goods used as furniture or containers — not raw materials or services.
Real-World Trademark Examples (India – Class 20)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products (Class 20) |
|---|---|
| URBAN LADDER | Home furniture, sofas, beds, tables |
| SLEEPWELL | Mattresses, pillows, backrest products |
| DURIAN | Office desks, chairs, storage cabinets |
| PEPPERFRY | Online furniture and modular units |
| GODREJ INTERIO | Modular furniture, workstations, storage |
| KURL-ON | Mattresses, coir beds, spring cushions |
| NILKAMAL | Plastic furniture, chairs, storage bins |
| WAKEFIT | D2C brand for mattresses, ergonomic chairs |
| IKEA | Ready-to-assemble furniture and storage |
Why Trademark Class 20 Is Essential
India’s furniture and storage sector is full of imitations, fakes, and unregistered brands. Class 20 registration provides:
✅ Legal & Strategic Advantages:
- Exclusive right to use your brand for listed furniture items
- Protection against copycats and cheap imitations
- Amazon/Flipkart Brand Registry eligibility
- Builds trust with buyers and institutional clients
- Enables licensing and franchising
- Supports international expansion via Madrid Protocol
Especially for D2C brands and e-commerce furniture sellers, Class 20 is mandatory for long-term business value.
Trademark Registration Process for Class 20 in India
✅ Filing Steps:
- Conduct Trademark Search (Class 20) using IP India Public Search
- Draft Form TM-A with clear product description
- Submit Online Application via IP India Portal or trademark attorney
- Examination Report — Registrar may raise objections
- Publication in Trademark Journal for 4 months
- Trademark Certificate Issued if no opposition
📄 Required Documents:
- PAN/Aadhaar of applicant
- MSME/Udyam Registration (optional)
- Logo or label design (for device marks)
- TM-48 (if filed by agent)
- Product list or catalog (recommended)
International Trademark Protection – Madrid Protocol (Class 20)
If you export furniture or sell globally, apply under Madrid Protocol. Class 20 is recognized across jurisdictions:
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 20 |
| USA | Class 020 |
| EU (EUIPO) | Class 20 |
| UK (IPO) | Class 20 |
| WIPO (Madrid) | Class 20 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 20 Filing
- Vague product descriptions — be specific
- Filing for services like interior design — use Class 35 or 43
- Including metallic furniture — should go under Class 6
- Including lighting — belongs to Class 11
- Skipping brand conflict check — may lead to rejection
Top Tips for Trademark Applicants in Class 20
- List your entire product range
- Include packaging/organizers if relevant
- Use multi-class filing for textiles, lighting, etc.
- Apply for Madrid Protocol if exporting
- Include picture frames and wall décor under Class 20
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are mattresses included in Class 20? ✅ Yes.
- Are wooden toys or kid’s play furniture included? ❌ No, use Class 28.
- Are metal cupboards covered? ❌ No, see Class 6.
- Are bean bags included? ✅ Yes.
- What about plastic crates and bins? ✅ Yes, if non-metallic.
- Modular kitchen furniture brand? ✅ Yes, if non-metallic.
- Are picture frames included? ✅ Yes.
- What class covers upholstery fabrics? ❌ Class 24.
- Mannequins and display counters? ✅ Yes, if non-metal.
- Furniture rental services? ❌ No, use Class 43.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 20 is essential for Indian brands in the furniture, storage, mattress, and household product industries. Whether you’re a startup or a manufacturer, securing your trademark ensures legal protection, brand value, and business credibility.
At RegistrationMART, we:
- Assist with complete Class 20 trademark registration
- Conduct availability checks and legal classification
- Handle objections and replies
- Offer international filing via Madrid Protocol
- Protect your brand from infringement
🔐 Get Expert Help Today
📞 Call Us: +91-7201000259
🌐 Visit: www.registrationmart.in
📧 Email: support@registrationmart.in
