Trademark Class 27: Carpets, Mats, Vinyl Tiles & Artificial Grass – Complete Legal Guide (India)
Introduction
Floor coverings are one of the oldest and most globally traded product segments. From hand-woven carpets of Kashmir to modern PVC floor tiles and artificial grass, India is a hub for production, export, and retail of various floor covering products.
If your business deals in carpets, bath mats, doormats, rubber floorings, vinyl tiles, wall-to-wall carpets, or synthetic turf, your brand must be protected under Trademark Class 27.
This article offers a comprehensive guide on:
- What Class 27 includes and excludes
- Product examples
- Real-world trademark filings
- Indian registration process
- International Madrid Protocol protection
- Expert tips and FAQs
Legal Basis in India
India follows the Nice Classification (11th Edition) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Trademark Class 27 is defined as:
“Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).”
It includes products placed on floors or walls for covering, protection, or decoration, made from natural or synthetic materials.
This class is relevant for:
- Carpet and rug manufacturers
- Exporters of traditional floor coverings
- Doormat and bath mat brands
- PVC, vinyl, rubber tile producers
- Artificial turf and grass manufacturers
- Companies selling floor stickers or wallpapers (non-textile)
Scope of Trademark Class 27
Class 27 covers floor and wall coverings that are non-structural and non-textile, used in homes, offices, vehicles, and commercial spaces.
Class 27 Covers:
Floor Coverings
- Handmade and machine-made carpets
- Area rugs and dhurries
- Rubber mats, coir mats, jute mats
- Bath mats and bathroom rugs
- Door mats and entrance mats
- PVC floor tiles
- Vinyl sheets and synthetic flooring
- Floor runners and yoga mats
- Wall-to-wall carpeting
- Linoleum and cork flooring rolls
- Interlocking floor mats (foam/rubber)
- Artificial turf and synthetic grass
Wall Coverings
- Wall stickers and decorative wallpaper (non-textile)
- 3D wall panels (vinyl or foam)
- Non-woven vinyl wall coverings
- Soundproof foam wall covers (decorative)
Examples of Products Under Class 27
- Hand-knotted woolen carpets from Kashmir
- Machine-made polypropylene rugs
- PVC printed bathroom mats
- Welcome door mats made from coconut coir
- Non-slip yoga mats made of TPE or rubber
- Interlocking kids’ play mats made of foam
- Soundproof vinyl wall stickers for rooms
- Decorative wall panels (non-fabric)
- 3D foam tiles for kids’ flooring
- Anti-fatigue mats for standing desks
- Wall-to-wall nylon carpet tiles for offices
- Synthetic turf rolls for playgrounds
- Washable kitchen floor mats
- Adhesive wallpaper made of vinyl
- Printed floor graphics for commercial spaces
Products NOT Covered in Class 27
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Textile wall hangings or fabric banners | Class 24 |
| Wooden or tile flooring (structural) | Class 19 |
| Furniture (sofa with rugs or mats) | Class 20 |
| Home decor textile fabrics | Class 24 |
| Floor cleaning brushes and tools | Class 21 |
| Carpet cleaning services | Class 37 |
| Retail flooring services | Class 35 |
| Yoga training services (non-products) | Class 41 |
Key Distinction: Class 27 is for floor/wall covering materials as products, not construction materials or textile décor.
Real-World Trademark Examples – Class 27 (India)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products |
|---|---|
| OBSESSIONS | Floor mats, door mats, bath mats |
| RAJ RUGS | Hand-knotted carpets and designer rugs |
| INDIA CARPET CO. | Handmade wool and silk carpets |
| DURA HOME | PVC mats and synthetic bath rugs |
| FLORAFLOOR | Interlocking foam flooring mats |
| ASTROTURF | Artificial grass and synthetic lawn turf |
| NILKAMAL MATS | Rubber mats, plastic anti-skid flooring |
| WONDERWALL | Vinyl wall coverings and adhesive panels |
Why Trademark Class 27 is Important
Flooring and mats are highly counterfeited and commoditized products. Without trademark protection, you risk losing:
- Market presence
- Online retail privileges
- Legal standing against copycats
- OEM branding opportunities
- Export compliance
Advantages of Trademark Protection:
- Exclusive rights to use your brand on floor and wall coverings
- Prevents resellers from duplicating your name
- Required for Amazon/Flipkart brand registry
- Essential for trade expos, exhibitions, and bulk contracts
- Helps during OEM packaging, franchise deals, or licensing
- Enables registration in international markets via Madrid Protocol
Trademark Filing Process in India – Class 27
Step-by-Step Filing Process:
- Trademark Search (Class 27): Check IP India Public Search for similar marks.
- Draft Form TM-A: Describe your products precisely: e.g., “PVC bath mats, handmade wool carpets, artificial turf rolls”.
- File Online or via Attorney: Use IP India e-filing portal or consult a trademark agent.
- Examination by Registrar: Reviewed for objections under Section 9 and 11.
- Publication in Journal: Application is open for public opposition for 4 months.
- Trademark Certificate: Issued for 10 years (renewable indefinitely).
Required Documents:
- PAN or Aadhaar of applicant
- Brand logo (for device mark)
- TM-48 form (if using agent)
- Product images or catalog (optional)
- MSME/Udyam certificate (for fee discount)
International Filing – Madrid Protocol (Class 27)
If you export floor coverings or wall décor items, protect your brand globally via the Madrid Protocol.
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 27 |
| USA | Class 027 |
| EU (EUIPO) | Class 27 |
| UK | Class 27 |
| WIPO (Madrid) | Class 27 |
One Indian filing enables protection in 100+ member countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 27 Filing
- Describing products vaguely (e.g., “floor items” instead of “rubber mats”)
- Wrongly filing textile wall hangings under Class 27
- Including ceramic/wood tiles which belong in Class 19
- Ignoring sub-brand protection for product variations
- Not filing extensions for new flooring ranges
Top Tips for Applicants
- Mention all product types: bath mats, rugs, yoga mats, etc.
- Specify material: coir, PVC, rubber, TPE, vinyl
- Trademark wall sticker or 3D panel brands under Class 27
- Apply for logo/device marks if branding is visual
- Use Madrid Protocol for exports to USA, UAE, Europe, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: Are bathroom mats covered in Class 27? ✅ Yes
- Q2: Are hand-knotted carpets included? ✅ Yes
- Q3: Are ceramic floor tiles in this class? ⚠️ No (Class 19)
- Q4: Is artificial grass under this class? ✅ Yes
- Q5: Are yoga mats included? ✅ Yes
- Q6: Are textile wall hangings included? ❌ No (Class 24)
- Q7: Are coir door mats covered? ✅ Yes
- Q8: Is wallpaper part of this class? ✅ Yes (if non-textile)
- Q9: Can I use the same brand for wall stickers and mats? ✅ Yes
- Q10: Is vinyl wall art included? ✅ Yes
Conclusion
Trademark Class 27 is ideal for brands dealing in carpets, mats, foam flooring, artificial grass, and wall stickers. Whether you’re a D2C startup or a global exporter, trademark registration protects your brand identity and legal rights.
At RegistrationMART, We Help You:
- Identify the correct trademark classification
- Conduct IP India database searches
- Draft and file your TM-A application
- Respond to objections/oppositions
- File international trademarks via Madrid Protocol
- Plan brand strategy for OEM/export/retail business
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