Trademark Class 33: Legal Protection for Alcoholic Beverages in India
Introduction
India’s alcoholic beverage industry is valued at over $50 billion and continues to grow due to rising urbanization, disposable income, and changing consumption habits. From homegrown whisky brands to imported tequila and local wine estates, every label competes for attention and legal protection.
Whether you’re launching a craft gin, selling rum or vodka, importing champagne, or managing a vineyard, your brand must be legally protected under Trademark Class 33.
This article explains:
- What Class 33 includes
- What it excludes
- Examples of real trademarks filed under this class
- Legal and compliance tips for alcohol businesses
- Trademark filing process and international protection
Legal Definition in India
“Alcoholic beverages (except beers).”
– Trade Marks Act, 1999 / Nice Classification (11th edition)
This includes all alcohol-based liquors, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Beer is excluded and falls under Class 32.
✅ Class 33 Covers:
- Wines: Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling, Fortified (e.g., Sherry), Mulled Wine, Fruit Wines
- Spirits & Distilled Beverages: Whisky, Rum, Vodka, Brandy, Cognac, Tequila, Liqueurs, Gin, Absinthe
- Cocktails & Aperitifs: Bottled cocktails, Aperitifs like Vermouth, Digestifs, Sangria
- Sparkling & Fortified Beverages: Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Soju, Mead
✅ Examples of Class 33 Products
- King’s Craft Rum
- Old Monk Rum
- Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky
- Sula Vineyards Wines
- Fratelli Red and White Wines
- Magic Moments Vodka
- Absolut Vodka
- Glenfiddich Scotch Whisky
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
- Bacardi Breezer
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Patrón Tequila
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- KRSMA Estates Wines
❌ What Class 33 Does NOT Cover
| Product | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Beer, ale, lager | Class 32 |
| Non-alcoholic beer, mocktails | Class 32 |
| Alcohol for cooking | Class 29 or 30 |
| Medicinal tonics (alcohol-based) | Class 5 |
| Alcohol production services | Class 40 |
| Bar or pub services | Class 43 |
| Gift packaging for wine | Class 16 or 21 |
Rule: If it contains alcohol and is meant for drinking, it belongs in Class 33—unless it’s beer.
Who Should File Under Class 33?
- Liquor manufacturers
- Alcohol exporters/importers
- Private label alcohol brands
- D2C liquor sellers (where permitted)
- Craft spirit and gin brands
- Alcohol franchises
- FSSAI-registered alcohol handlers
- Duty-free liquor brands
Trademark Benefits for Alcohol Brands
India’s alcohol market faces heavy regulation and counterfeiting. A trademark provides:
- Protection of bottle design, brand name, and label
- Smoother licensing and customs clearance
- Eligibility for online/eCommerce platforms
- Stronger brand identity for hospitality and exports
- Legal enforcement for disputes and infringements
Trademark Examples (India – Class 33)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products |
|---|---|
| OLD MONK | Rum |
| SULA | Wines, sparkling wines |
| MAGIC MOMENTS | Vodka |
| OFFICER’S CHOICE | Whisky |
| BACARDI | Rums, Breezers |
| PAUL JOHN | Single Malt Whisky |
| GOA GIN CO. | Craft Gin |
Trademark Filing Process – India (Class 33)
- Trademark Search: Check for existing conflicts via IP India Search
- Draft TM-A Application: Be specific (e.g., “Alcoholic beverages excluding beer…”)
- File Online or via Agent: Submit via IP India portal
- Registrar Examination: Under Section 9 & 11
- Journal Publication: 4-month window for objections
- Trademark Registration: 10-year validity, renewable
Required Documents:
- PAN or Aadhaar (Applicant)
- Logo or label image
- TM-48 (if filed by agent)
- MSME/Udyam Certificate (for discount)
- Optional: Product sample or bottle artwork
International Filing – Madrid Protocol
Protect your alcohol brand globally in 100+ countries.
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 33 |
| USA | Class 033 |
| EU | Class 33 |
| UK | Class 33 |
| WIPO | Class 33 |
Common Mistakes in Class 33 Filing
- Filing beer under Class 33 (it’s Class 32)
- Ignoring sub-brands or flavor lines
- Using vague descriptions
- Misclassifying promotional material
- Not protecting bottle caps or label art
Expert Tips for Alcoholic Beverage Brands
- Specify each type of spirit (e.g., rum, vodka, gin)
- File for each flavor/variant/sub-brand
- Register bottle and cap designs as device/shape marks
- Use Madrid Protocol early for international reach
FAQs – Trademark Class 33
- Q: Is beer covered?
A: ❌ No. It’s Class 32. - Q: Are liqueurs covered?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Pre-mixed alcoholic cocktails?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Champagne and Prosecco?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Can I trademark bottle and label designs?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Vineyard or estate name?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Duty-free brands?
A: ✅ Yes. - Q: Cap logos or bottle signature shapes?
A: ✅ Yes.
✅ Conclusion
Trademark Class 33 is crucial for protecting brands in the alcoholic beverage industry—excluding beer. Whether you’re selling whisky, gin, wine, or liqueurs, ensure your product, name, and packaging are secured under this class to thrive in India’s regulatory framework.
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