Trademark Class 8: Hand Tools, Cutlery & Razors – A Complete Legal and Strategic Guide (India)
Introduction: Trademark Class 8 includes hand-operated tools and implements used in household, industrial, agricultural, and professional tasks. These tools are not powered by electricity or motors, distinguishing them from Class 7 machines. This class also includes cutlery, razors, manicure tools, and related precision implements.
From screwdrivers to scissors, hammers to hand saws, knives to tweezers — if your business manufactures, sells, or distributes manual tools, Trademark Class 8 is your legal category for brand protection.
This guide explores the scope of Class 8 under Indian law, what goods it covers (and doesn’t), filing tips, brand examples, international equivalence, and frequently asked questions — all based on the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the NICE Classification (11th Edition).
Legal Foundation in India
India follows the NICE Classification system, which has 45 classes (1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services). Class 8 is defined under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 as:
“Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.”
The Trademark Registry of India mandates correct classification. Misclassifying manual tools can lead to rejection under Section 9 or 11, or loss of brand exclusivity.
Scope of Trademark Class 8
Trademark Class 8 includes non-motorized tools and manually operated devices used in professional, industrial, and domestic environments.
✅ Class 8 Includes:
- Hand tools: hammers, spanners, screwdrivers
- Gardening tools: rakes, hoes, pruning shears
- Construction tools: hand saws, chisels, levels
- Household items: scissors, knives, peelers, graters
- Manicure/pedicure tools: nail files, clippers, tweezers
- Manual razors, blades
- Butcher knives, cleavers
- Table cutlery (some contexts): forks, spoons
- Leather tools: awls, hole punchers
- Precision tools: pliers, wire cutters, tweezers
- Side arms (non-firearms): sabers, hunting knives
Examples of Goods Covered Under Class 8
- Hammers, mallets, and sledgehammers
- Manual screwdrivers
- Spanners, wrenches, pliers
- Hand saws and cutting blades
- Files, rasps, and chisels
- Scissors and fabric shears
- Kitchen knives, peelers
- Graters and slicers (manual)
- Nail clippers, tweezers, razors
- Gardening shears, rakes, hoes
- Manual wire strippers, crimpers
- Manual shaving kits and razors
- Leather cutting and punching tools
- Manual ice picks and can openers
- Butcher and carving tools
Goods Not Covered Under Class 8
| Excluded Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Electric drills, saws | Class 7 |
| Medical tools (e.g. scalpels) | Class 10 |
| Weaponry/firearms | Class 13 |
| Industrial machinery | Class 7 |
| Electric grooming devices | Class 11 |
| Tool control software | Class 9 |
| Repair services | Class 37 |
| Disposable cutlery | Class 21 |
Real-World Trademark Examples in Class 8
| Brand Name | Product Focus |
|---|---|
| STANLEY | Hand tools, screwdrivers |
| TAPARIA | Spanners, pliers, hammers |
| BAHCO | Files, saws, cutting tools |
| FISKARS | Gardening and kitchen tools |
| PRESTIGE | Knives, manual kitchen gadgets |
| VEGA | Razors, grooming tools |
| GILLETTE | Manual razors and blades |
| VICTORINOX | Multi-tools, knives |
Why Accurate Classification Is Critical
- Legally enforce your brand in court
- Faster, objection-free registration
- Stronger IP for investment/licensing
- Expand globally via Madrid Protocol
- Avoid rejection under Section 9 or 11
Trademark Registration Process (India – Class 8)
- Search for similar marks on IP India Portal
- Draft Form TM-A with clear goods description
- File online or via agent (TM-48)
- Registrar examination (may issue objections)
- Respond to objections if raised
- Journal publication for 4-month opposition period
- Receive registration certificate (valid 10 years)
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar/PAN of applicant
- Trademark logo (optional)
- TM-48 (if via agent)
- MSME Certificate (optional for fee rebate)
International Filing – Madrid Protocol
| Country/Region | Trademark Class Equivalent |
|---|---|
| India | Class 8 |
| USA | Class 008 |
| EU | Class 8 |
| UK | Class 8 |
| WIPO | Class 8 |
Common Filing Mistakes
- Using generic terms like “tools”
- Filing electric items under Class 8
- Incorrectly classifying beauty tools with electric parts
- Classifying disposable cutlery here instead of Class 21
- Not specifying tool type (manual, industrial, household)
Top Tips for Class 8 Filing
- Mention if tool is manual
- Describe usage clearly (e.g., nail scissors, slicers)
- Check trademark availability before filing
- Plan Madrid Protocol if exporting
- Use multi-class filing if needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are screwdrivers covered under Class 8? ✅ Yes, if manual.
- Are electric trimmers included? ❌ No, they fall under Class 11.
- Is kitchen cutlery included? ✅ Yes, if manual.
- Are pliers and wrenches included? ✅ Yes, manual tools.
- Is a power drill included? ❌ No, that’s Class 7.
- Are razors and shaving blades included? ✅ Yes, manual only.
- Are tweezers and nail clippers included? ✅ Yes.
- Is a hair straightener included? ❌ No, if electric (Class 11).
- Are pocket knives covered? ✅ Yes.
- If tool is both electric and manual? ⚠️ Consider dual-class filing (e.g., 7 + 8).
Conclusion
Trademark Class 8 is vital for businesses dealing in manual tools, cutlery, and grooming instruments — essential across construction, agriculture, fashion, and beauty sectors.
Benefits of Class 8 Trademark:
- Legal brand exclusivity in India and abroad
- IP protection for licensing and franchising
- Market credibility and consumer trust
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