Trademark Class 6: Common Metals, Construction Materials, and Hardware – A Complete Legal and Strategic Guide (India)
Introduction
Trademark Class 6 is one of the most fundamental yet widely misunderstood trademark classes under the NICE Classification system. It encompasses common metals and their alloys, and extends to metal construction materials, industrial hardware, locks, doors, safes, containers, and other metallic goods not made of precious metals.
Businesses involved in manufacturing, fabrication, construction supply, hardware distribution, or even security fittings are likely to operate in this class. Whether you produce steel pipes or sell door locks, your product and brand protection starts here.
This complete guide explains everything about Trademark Class 6, including its legal scope in India, examples of covered goods, real-life trademark use, international classification consistency, filing procedures, and FAQs.
Legal Basis in India
India implements the NICE Classification System via the Trade Marks Act, 1999, where goods are divided into Classes 1–34, and services into Classes 35–45. Class 6 specifically applies to goods made of base metals (not gold, silver, platinum, etc.).
Key provisions include:
- Section 9 – Absolute grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptive terms)
- Section 11 – Relative grounds for refusal (conflicts with existing marks)
- Rule 25–32 – Filing, examination, and opposition procedures
Filing your trademark in the correct class is non-negotiable. Class 6 protects your mark specifically in the metal goods industry.
Scope of Trademark Class 6
Trademark Class 6 covers a wide spectrum of metallic goods, including raw materials, semi-finished products, and fabricated components. These are primarily used in construction, infrastructure, hardware, industrial design, and safety systems.
Major categories include:
- Unwrought and semi-wrought common metals
- Iron, steel, copper, aluminum, and brass products
- Metal building materials (rods, beams, panels, gates)
- Pipes, tubes, scaffolding
- Small ironmongery items: hinges, bolts, brackets, screws
- Safes, strongboxes, and security hardware
- Ladders, fences, scaffolding (metallic)
- Reusable metal containers, boxes, bins, barrels
- Door and window hardware
- Wire, mesh, nails, rivets
Note: This class does not cover precious metals or metal furniture, which are part of other classes.
Examples of Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 6
- Steel beams, rods, and sheets
- Iron wires, bars, and fencing
- Aluminum doors and window frames
- Metal gates, railings, and grilles
- Copper pipes and industrial tubing
- Hinges, brackets, and door closers
- Door and cabinet locks
- Padlocks and latches
- Metal ladders, scaffolding frames
- Safes and secure vaults
- Shipping containers and transport bins (metallic)
- Construction plates and trusses
- Non-electric metal cables and wires
- Steel pallets, drums, and barrels
- Handrails and wall-mounted guards
Goods Not Included in Class 6
| Excluded Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Jewelry, ornaments made of gold/silver | Class 14 |
| Medical instruments and surgical tools | Class 10 |
| Furniture with metal frames (e.g., beds, chairs) | Class 20 |
| Kitchenware, utensils made of metal | Class 21 |
| Electrical metal cables and conductors | Class 9 |
| Vehicles made of metal (frames, shells) | Class 12 |
| Disposable food packaging (e.g., foil trays) | Class 16 |
🔍 Tip: Ask: Is it decorative, structural, mechanical, or electronic? That defines the correct class.
Real-World Trademark Examples Registered in Class 6
| Brand | Product Category |
|---|---|
| TATA STEEL | Steel beams, rods, sheets, pipes |
| GODREJ LOCKS | Door locks, padlocks, hinges, bolts |
| JINDAL | Iron, steel, and aluminum goods |
| HINDALCO | Aluminum rods, pipes, and industrial parts |
| YALE | Safes and door hardware |
| RAKSHA | Metal security grills, gates, and locks |
| SUPREME METALS | Construction-grade metal structures |
Why Correct Trademark Classification Matters
❗ Common Risks of Misclassification:
- Trademark gets rejected or objected to
- Cannot legally enforce your trademark in court
- Competitors may register similar marks in the correct class
- You may have to refile and pay again
✅ Example: Filing Class 6 for a door lock is valid. Filing the same in Class 20 (furniture) may cause rejection.
Benefits of Correct Classification:
- Full legal protection
- Faster registration process
- Better scope for licensing and franchising
- Eligibility for international filings under the Madrid Protocol
Trademark Filing Process in India (Class 6)
✅ Step-by-Step Process:
- Trademark Search: Use IP India Public Search to check existing marks under Class 6.
- Prepare TM-A Form: Fill in brand and product specifications.
- File Application: Submit online with digital signature and TM-48 (if via agent).
- Examination Stage: Registrar checks for conflicts and legal issues.
- Respond to Objections: If any, reply within 30 days.
- Journal Publication: Published for public opposition (4 months).
- Registration Certificate: Issued if no opposition, valid for 10 years.
📄 Required Documents:
- PAN or Aadhaar of applicant
- Business registration certificate (if applicable)
- Brand name/logo (for device or composite mark)
- TM-48 (Power of Attorney if filed via trademark agent)
- MSME/Udyam Certificate (for discounted fee)
International Filing (Madrid Protocol)
Trademark Class 6 is recognized worldwide under the NICE system, making international filing seamless.
| Country | Trademark Class Equivalent |
|---|---|
| India | Class 6 |
| USA (USPTO) | Class 006 |
| Europe (EUIPO) | Class 6 |
| UK | Class 6 |
| WIPO (Madrid) | Class 6 |
Tip: File once in India, then extend via the Madrid international system—ideal for exporters and manufacturers.
Common Mistakes While Filing in Class 6
- ❌ Filing kitchen metal items in Class 6 (should be Class 21)
- ❌ Registering gold/silver products here (should be Class 14)
- ❌ Describing products too vaguely (e.g., “metal goods” – be specific)
- ❌ Including electrical wiring in Class 6 (should be Class 9)
- ❌ Not identifying reusable vs. disposable metal containers
✔️ Be specific. Be strategic.
Top Tips for Class 6 Trademark Applicants
- 🛠️ Use technical product names, not marketing terms
- 🧾 File separate classes for different metal-based product categories
- 🌍 Use Madrid Protocol for global protection
- 🔍 Work with a trademark agent for better drafting and defense
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: Can I register iron rods under Class 6? ✅ Yes
- Q2: Are aluminum doors included? ✅ Yes, if construction-grade
- Q3: Are safes and vaults part of Class 6? ✅ Yes
- Q4: Are metal kitchen items covered? ❌ No, Class 21
- Q5: What about surgical tools? ❌ File under Class 10
- Q6: Can I register reusable metal containers? ✅ Yes
- Q7: What class are gold chains? ❌ Class 14
- Q8: Scaffolding and fences? ✅ File in Class 6
- Q9: Hinges and brackets? ✅ Absolutely
- Q10: One application for all metal parts? ✅ Yes, if all in Class 6
Conclusion
Trademark Class 6 plays a foundational role in India’s industrial, construction, and hardware economy. If your brand deals with metal parts, locks, rods, hinges, pipes, or doors, this is your legal class for brand protection.
By filing correctly, you don’t just register a trademark—you secure your business reputation for the long term. And with India’s booming infrastructure and export sectors, Class 6 marks will only become more valuable.
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