Does TM Class 12 cover vehicle parts and accessories?

Yes. All vehicle parts and accessories are covered under TM Class 12 including tyres, tubes, rims and wheels; vehicle seats, headrests and seatbelts; vehicle bodies, chassis and frames; steering wheels and columns; bumpers, bonnets and doors; mirrors (rear-view and side); vehicle lights and lamps fitted to vehicles; exhaust pipes and silencers; shock absorbers, springs and suspension parts; batteries for vehicles (traction batteries); windshields, windows and wipers; brake pads and brake systems; engine parts and transmission components.

Does TM Class 12 cover boats, ships and watercraft?

Yes. All watercraft are covered under Class 12 including motorboats, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, jet skis, personal watercraft, inflatable boats, canoes, kayaks, ferries and all water-based transport vehicles. India's coastal and river transport sector, leisure boating market and professional marine industry all register their brands under Class 12.

Trademark Class 12 - MARK BUREAU

Q: What is TM Class 12 in India?

TM Class 12 in India covers vehicles and conveyances, including apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water. In plain terms: passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, MPVs), motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, electric scooters, electric vehicles (EV cars and e-bikes), trucks, lorries, buses, mini-buses, auto-rickshaws, bicycles, electric bicycles, tractors, combine harvesters, boats, yachts, jet skis, aircraft, drones, and all vehicle parts and accessories (tyres, seats, steering wheels, chassis, bodies, wheels, mirrors, bumpers). It follows NICE Classification 13th Edition used by IP India and is the mandatory class for all automotive, two-wheeler and EV brands in India.

Q: Does TM Class 12 cover electric vehicles (EVs) in India?

Yes. Electric vehicles are fully covered under TM Class 12 including electric cars (EV cars), electric scooters, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles (e-cycles), electric auto-rickshaws (e-autos), electric buses, electric trucks and all battery-powered transport vehicles. Under NICE 13th Edition 2026, EV-specific terminology is explicitly listed. Brands like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Tata Nexon EV, Hero Electric, Okinawa and Revolt Motors are all registered under Class 12 in India. Note: EV charging stations belong in Class 9, not Class 12.

Q: Does TM Class 12 cover two-wheelers: motorcycles and scooters?

Yes. All two-wheelers are Class 12 including petrol motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, electric scooters (e-scooters), electric motorcycles, performance superbikes and all two-wheeled motor vehicles. Brands like Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Company, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, Royal Enfield, Yamaha India, Suzuki Motorcycles India, KTM India and Ola Electric all register under Class 12 for two-wheelers.

Q: Does TM Class 12 cover tractors and agricultural vehicles?

Yes. Tractors, combine harvesters, threshers, agricultural trailers, power tillers and all agricultural transport vehicles are covered under Class 12. India's tractor market is the world's largest by volume. Brands like Mahindra Tractors, TAFE (Massey Ferguson India), Escorts Kubota, Sonalika International, John Deere India and New Holland Agriculture all register under Class 12 for tractors and farm vehicles.

Q: Does TM Class 12 cover drones and unmanned vehicles?

Yes. Under NICE 13th Edition 2026, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) as transport or conveyance devices, autonomous ground vehicles and self-driving vehicle hardware are covered under Class 12. Consumer delivery drones, agricultural spray drones used as conveyances, and autonomous vehicle platforms all belong in Class 12. Note: drone electronics, remote control systems and drone software may additionally need Class 9 or Class 38 depending on the specific product.

Q: What is the difference between TM Class 12 and Class 7?

Class 12 covers the vehicles and transport equipment themselves. Class 7 covers the industrial machines and motors used to manufacture vehicles. A finished passenger car sold to consumers = Class 12. The stamping machine used to make the car's body = Class 7. A motorcycle = Class 12. The engine block machining centre used to manufacture the engine = Class 7. Electric motors sold separately for industrial use = Class 7. Electric motors assembled into an EV as a component = the EV is Class 12. Automotive brands protect finished vehicles in Class 12 while equipment suppliers protect manufacturing machines in Class 7.

Q: What is the difference between TM Class 12 and Class 9?

Class 12 covers the vehicle as a whole and its mechanical/structural parts. Class 9 covers electronic devices and software added to vehicles. The car itself = Class 12. The GPS navigation unit fitted inside = Class 9. The motorcycle = Class 12. The anti-theft alarm electronics = Class 9. The EV = Class 12. The EV battery management software app = Class 9. Dashcams = Class 9. The dashboard it is mounted in = Class 12. Automotive brands with digital products typically register in both Class 12 and Class 9.

Q: What is the fee for Class 12 trademark registration in India 2026?

Government fee: Rs 4,500 per class for individuals, DPIIT startups and Udyam MSMEs via e-filing. Rs 9,000 per class for companies and LLPs. Physical filing costs Rs 500 more. Priority Examination via Form TM-63 costs Rs 2,700 extra for MSMEs and Rs 5,400 for companies. Automotive brands typically also register in Class 9 (in-vehicle electronics), Class 37 (repair and servicing), Class 39 (transport services) and Class 35 (retail). EV brands also need Class 9 for charging station hardware.

✅ Last Updated: March 2026 — NICE 13th Edition · Electric Vehicles, E-Bicycles & Drones Explicitly Included

🚘 Overview

What is Trademark Class 12 in India?

TM Class 12 (Trademark Class 12) covers vehicles and conveyances, including apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water — under the NICE Classification 13th Edition used by IP India.

In plain terms: passenger cars (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, MPVs); motorcycles, scooters and mopeds; electric vehicles (EV cars and e-bikes); trucks, lorries and commercial vehicles; auto-rickshaws; bicycles and e-bicycles; buses and mini-vans; tractors and agricultural vehicles; boats, yachts and watercraft; aircraft and drones; and all vehicle parts and accessories — every product that moves people and goods across land, water or air in India.

India is the world’s third-largest automobile market with over ₹20 lakh Crore in annual turnover. India became the world’s third-largest EV market in 2024. Brands like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Mahindra Electric and TVS Motor Company all anchor their trademark portfolios in Class 12.

ⓘ NICE 13th Edition (Jan 2026) — What’s New in Class 12: Electric vehicles (EVs) — electric cars, electric scooters and electric motorcycles — are now explicitly listed with EV-specific terminology. E-bicycles (pedelecs and pedal-assist electric bicycles) are explicitly included. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones/UAVs) used as transport conveyances are included. Autonomous and self-driving vehicle hardware (as transport equipment) is covered. Note: EV charging stations = Class 9. EV charging network services = Class 38. These are separate from the vehicle itself.

TM Class 12 covers all vehicles for land, air and water transport — including cars, electric vehicles (EVs), motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, e-bikes, trucks, tractors, buses, boats, aircraft and their parts — India’s largest automotive trademark class, 2026.

🚘

Class 12

NICE Classification

⚡

EV ✓

Electric Vehicles Covered

📅

10 Years

Trademark Validity

🔞

50K+

Annual Filings

🇮🇳

Pan-India

Valid All States

⚡

3–6 Mo

Examination Time

🤖

Simple AI Explanation — Class 12 in Plain Language

🚘 The Golden Rule for Class 12

If your product moves people or goods from one place to another — on land, water, or in the air — or is a part of such a vehicle, it is Class 12. The vehicle itself. Not the app that runs in it. Not the machine that built it.

💭 Quick Test Examples

✔ Car or SUV = Class 12
✔ Electric scooter = Class 12
✔ Bicycle tyre = Class 12
✔ Tractor = Class 12
✔ Drone (transport) = Class 12
✖ EV charging station = Class 9
✖ GPS navigation app = Class 9
✖ Car service centre = Class 37
✖ Taxi/cab service = Class 39

⚡ EV Brand Multi-Class Alert

EV brands in India commonly need 4 trademark classes: Class 12 (the EV itself) + Class 9 (EV charger hardware & app) + Class 37 (vehicle servicing) + Class 39 (fleet/transport services). Missing any one exposes your brand in that activity. Ola Electric, Ather and Tata EV all maintain registrations in multiple classes.

📋 Full Goods List

Complete List of Goods Under Trademark Class 12

Official NICE 13th Edition goods covered under TM Class 12 in India, organised by vehicle category.

TM Class 12 is India’s primary automotive & transport trademark class — covering every vehicle for land, water and air transport, plus vehicle bodies, parts and accessories, under NICE 13th Edition 2026. Electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes are explicitly included.

🚘

Passenger Cars & SUVs

Petrol and diesel passenger cars (sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs)
Electric cars (EV sedans, electric SUVs, electric hatchbacks)
Hybrid vehicles (HEV and PHEV passenger cars)
Luxury cars, sports cars and performance vehicles
Mini-vans, people-movers and family vehicles
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws and e-autos

🚴

Two-Wheelers & E-Scooters

Motorcycles (commuter, cruiser, adventure, superbike)
Scooters and mopeds (petrol and electric)
Electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric motorcycles
High-speed and low-speed electric two-wheelers
Three-wheelers and motor-tricycles
Sidecars and motorcycle accessories (vehicle-class parts)

🚲

Bicycles & E-Bicycles

Road bicycles, mountain bikes and hybrid bicycles
Electric bicycles (e-bikes, pedelecs, pedal-assist cycles)
Children’s bicycles and balance bikes
Folding bicycles and city commuter bicycles
Cycle parts: frames, forks, handlebars, pedals, chains
Bicycle tyres, tubes, rims and wheels

🚚

Commercial & Heavy Vehicles

Trucks, lorries and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs)
Light commercial vehicles (LCVs), pickups and vans
Buses, mini-buses and coaches
Electric trucks and electric buses
Tankers, tippers and specialised commercial vehicles
Trailers, semi-trailers and caravans

🚗

Tractors & Agricultural Vehicles

Agricultural tractors (2WD and 4WD)
Electric tractors and hybrid farm vehicles
Combine harvesters and agricultural machinery vehicles
Power tillers and walk-behind tractors
Agricultural trailers and farm equipment vehicles
Excavators, bulldozers and earth-moving vehicles

⛵️

Watercraft & Marine Vehicles

Motorboats, speedboats and fishing boats
Yachts, sailboats and catamarans
Jet skis and personal watercraft
Ferries, river vessels and passenger boats
Inflatable boats, canoes and kayaks
Electric boats and solar-powered watercraft

🚈

Vehicle Parts & Components

Tyres, tubes, rims and wheels for all vehicles
Vehicle seats, seatbelts, headrests and airbags
Bumpers, bonnets, doors, boots and body panels
Steering wheels, columns and steering systems
Brake systems, brake pads, rotors and callipers
Suspension systems, shock absorbers and springs

🚈

Drones, Aircraft & Accessories

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) as transport
Light aircraft, gliders and ultra-light aircraft
Helicopter components and aircraft parts
Vehicle mirrors (rear-view, wing mirrors)
Vehicle lighting fitted to vehicles (headlamps, taillights)
Traction batteries for EVs (as vehicle components)

ⓘ

Class 12 Quick Test: Is your product a vehicle, a part of a vehicle, or equipment fitted to a vehicle for transport purposes? = Class 12. Is it electronics/software added to the vehicle? = Class 9. Is it the machine that built the vehicle? = Class 7. Is it a transport service? = Class 39.

⚖ Class Comparisons

TM Class 12 vs Class 7 vs Class 9 — Complete Guide

The most confused trademark classes for India’s automotive, EV and transport brands.

Automotive Brand IP Rule: Class 12 = the vehicle or vehicle part itself. Class 7 = the engine or drivetrain component as a standalone machine. Class 9 = the electronic system, software or EV charger. Class 37 = the repair, service or maintenance activity. Most major Indian automotive brands file in all four classes.

☞ Class 12 vs Class 7 — The Vehicle vs Machine Divide

Trademark Class 12

The Finished Vehicle or Part

■Passenger car sold to consumers

■Electric scooter sold at showroom

■Tractor sold to a farmer

■Vehicle tyre sold at tyre shop

■EV battery assembled into vehicle

■Bicycle frame and fork

■Bus chassis sold to body builder

■Drone sold for delivery or survey use

Trademark Class 7

The Machine That Makes or Drives Industry

■Car body stamping press

■EV motor assembly robot

■Tractor engine testing machine

■Tyre vulcanising press

■Battery cell manufacturing machine

■Bicycle frame welding robot

■Bus body fabrication equipment

■Drone propeller manufacturing machine

Complete EV Brand Trademark Strategy — Which Classes You Need

✔ The EV itself (car, scooter, motorcycle, bus) → Class 12

✔ EV charger hardware, charging station equipment, OBD dongle, connected car app → Class 9

✔ Vehicle servicing centres, repair workshops, roadside assistance → Class 37

✔ EV cab/fleet services, vehicle rental, ride-hailing transport service → Class 39

⚠️ EV brand selling vehicles + chargers + a ride-hailing app? → Need Class 12 + Class 9 + Class 37 + Class 39. Ola Electric and Uber Moto need all four.

🚫 Not Included

What is NOT Included in Trademark Class 12?

Product / Service	Correct Class	Why Excluded from Class 12
EV charging stations and EV charger hardware	Class 9	Electronic apparatus and devices = Class 9; the EV vehicle itself = Class 12
GPS navigation devices (standalone unit or app)	Class 9	Consumer electronics and software = Class 9
Dashcams, vehicle cameras and OBD scanners	Class 9	Electronic devices added to vehicles = Class 9
Vehicle manufacturing machines and industrial robots	Class 7	Industrial machines = Class 7; the finished vehicle = Class 12
Vehicle repair, servicing and maintenance	Class 37	Repair and installation services = Class 37
Taxi, cab, ride-hailing and transport services	Class 39	Transport services = Class 39; transport vehicles = Class 12
Petrol, diesel and vehicle fuels	Class 4	Industrial fuels = Class 4; vehicles using fuel = Class 12
Vehicle insurance services	Class 36	Insurance and financial services = Class 36
Vehicle models and toy cars (non-functional toys)	Class 28	Toys and games = Class 28; real functional vehicles = Class 12

🚘 Who Needs Class 12?

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 12 in India?

🚘

Car & SUV Brands

Passenger car manufacturers, electric car brands, hybrid vehicle companies and all automobile OEMs selling four-wheelers in India

🚴

Two-Wheeler & EV Scooter Brands

Motorcycle manufacturers, scooter brands, electric two-wheeler startups and all two-wheeler OEMs including e-scooter brands like Ola, Ather and Hero Electric

🚲

Bicycle & E-Bicycle Brands

Bicycle manufacturers, electric bicycle (e-bike) brands, pedelec companies, cycle part manufacturers and all non-motorised vehicle brands

🚚

Commercial Vehicle Brands

Truck manufacturers, bus body builders, LCV brands, electric bus manufacturers and all commercial transport vehicle companies

🚗

Tractor & Farm Vehicle Brands

Tractor manufacturers, combine harvester brands, power tiller companies and all agricultural vehicle makers serving India’s vast farm sector

🚈

Automotive Parts & Tyre Brands

Tyre manufacturers, auto parts brands, seat manufacturers, chassis suppliers, suspension brands and all automotive component companies

⛵️

Marine & Watercraft Brands

Boat manufacturers, yacht brands, jet ski companies, personal watercraft brands and all marine transport vehicle makers in India

🚈

Drone & UAV Brands

Commercial drone manufacturers, agricultural UAV brands, delivery drone companies and all unmanned vehicle makers requiring transport vehicle trademark protection

🏆 Indian Brand Examples

Famous Brands Registered Under TM Class 12 in India

Tata Motors

TM Class 12 + Class 9 + Class 37

Tata Nexon EV, Punch EV, Tiago EV and Tigor EV — India’s dominant EV car brand, with the most comprehensive Class 12 EV trademark portfolio in India

Ola Electric

TM Class 12 + Class 9 + Class 37 + Class 39

Ola S1 Pro, S1 Air and Ola Roadster electric scooters and motorcycles — India’s highest-volume e-scooter brand with multi-class trademark protection

Ather Energy

TM Class 12 + Class 9

Ather 450X, 450S and Rizta electric scooters — India’s premium electric scooter brand with Class 12 vehicle and Class 9 charging/software protection

Hero MotoCorp

TM Class 12 + Class 35 + Class 37

World’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer — Splendor, Passion, Xpulse and Vida EV all registered under Class 12 with extensive trademark portfolio

Bajaj Auto

TM Class 12 + Class 37

Pulsar, Dominar, Platina motorcycles and Bajaj Qute (quadricycle) — one of India’s largest two and three-wheeler trademark portfolios in Class 12

Mahindra Electric

TM Class 12 + Class 9 + Class 37

Mahindra XEV 9e, BE 6 and Thar.e electric vehicles — Mahindra’s bold EV push under Class 12, India’s most anticipated 2025–2026 EV launches

TVS Motor Company

TM Class 12 + Class 37

TVS iQube electric scooter, Apache and Jupiter — major Class 12 trademark portfolio covering petrol and electric two-wheelers

Hero Cycles

TM Class 12

World’s largest bicycle manufacturer — Hero, Hercules and Avon bicycles, plus electric bicycles, all registered under Class 12 in India

🔗 Coordinated Classes

Coordinated Classes for Automotive & EV Brands

⚠️

Critical for EV & Auto Brands: Class 12 protects the vehicle and its mechanical parts. EV chargers (Class 9), vehicle servicing (Class 37), transport services (Class 39), vehicle retail (Class 35) and financing (Class 36) each need separate trademark protection. Most automotive brands need 3–5 trademark classes for complete coverage.

Machines

Vehicle manufacturing equipment, engines, industrial motors and auto assembly machinery

Electronics

GPS devices, dashcams, EV charger hardware, OBD scanners and connected car apps

Business

Vehicle retail, dealership services, spare parts wholesale and online vehicle sales

Servicing

Vehicle repair, maintenance, AMC, tyre fitting and roadside assistance services

Transport

Taxi services, ride-hailing, vehicle rental, fleet services and logistics

Finance

Vehicle financing, auto insurance, lease services and automotive financial products

📝 Registration Guide

How to Register a Trademark Under Class 12 in India

Comprehensive Trademark Search

Search tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in for similar marks in Class 12. This is one of the most heavily contested classes in India, with active trademark portfolios from global automotive giants (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Ford) and all major Indian brands. Also search Class 7 (industrial engines) and Class 9 (auto electronics) for potential conflicts. In India’s EV boom, new EV brand names are being registered at record speed — act fast before your preferred name is taken.

⏰ Time: 2–3 days thorough search

Define Your Class 12 Goods Precisely

Use NICE 13th Edition language. Examples: “electric scooters; electric motorcycles”; “passenger motor vehicles; electric cars”; “bicycles; electric bicycles”; “tyres for vehicles; vehicle seats; steering wheels”; “tractors; agricultural vehicles”. Be specific: don’t claim “all vehicles” — list the vehicle types you actually manufacture or sell. EV brands should include both the vehicle type and the specific electric variant in the goods description.

📋 EV-specific NICE 13th 2026 wording available

Gather Your Documents

PAN + Aadhaar (individuals) or Certificate of Incorporation + PAN (companies), registered address proof, brand logo JPG (300×300 px, black and white preferred), Form TM-48 Power of Attorney if using an agent, Udyam/DPIIT certificate for 50% fee savings. For automotive brands: keep ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) type approval, BIS certifications, GST registration, product launch press releases and sales invoices ready as evidence for examination objections.

📄 ARAI type approval supports distinctiveness

File Form TM-A on IP India Portal

File at ipindia.gov.in. Pay ₹4,500 (individuals/MSMEs/DPIIT) or ₹9,000 (companies/LLPs). Use ™ from Day 1 on all vehicle branding, advertisements, showroom signage and product materials. For EV brands planning a launch: use Priority Examination (Form TM-63) to get examined in 1–2 months — the Indian EV market is moving extremely fast and name squatting is a real risk.

⚡ E-filing: ₹500 cheaper than physical

Examination by IP India

Examination within 3–6 months. Class 12 common objections: similarity to established auto brands (Honda, Hero, Tata, Mahindra, Bajaj all have extensive registrations), descriptive names (“ElectroRide”, “SpeedBike”, “GreenCar”), and cross-class conflicts with Class 7 or Class 9. Respond within 30 days with ARAI approval documents, product launch dates, dealer appointment letters, pre-launch marketing campaign evidence and any consumer recognition survey data.

⏰ 3–6 months from filing

Publication & Opposition Window

After examination, published in Trade Marks Journal for 4 months. Class 12 sees high opposition from global auto majors who have dedicated IP teams monitoring India’s journal for new entries. Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen are among the most active trademark opposers in India’s automotive class. Maintain comprehensive documentation: ARAI certificates, launch event videos, press coverage, dealer network evidence and sales data to successfully defend any opposition.

📰 4-month opposition window

Registration Certificate Issued

Your Trademark Registration Certificate is issued, valid for 10 years across all of India. Use ® legally. For automotive brands: Class 12 registration enables customs recordal to stop import of counterfeit auto parts (a major problem in India with ₹15,000+ Crore in counterfeit auto parts annually), supports genuine spare parts dealer programmes, enables Amazon/Flipkart brand protection for genuine parts, and is required for government vehicle supply tenders. Renew with Form TM-R 6 months before expiry.

🏆 Total: approx. 12–18 months

📄 Documents Required

Documents Required for Class 12 Trademark Registration

👤

Identity Proof

PAN + Aadhaar for individuals; Certificate of Incorporation + PAN for companies; Partnership deed + PAN for firms; ARAI manufacturer recognition helpful

🌌

Address Proof

Utility bill, GST registration or lease agreement at registered manufacturing facility, corporate headquarters or dealership address

🖼️

Brand Logo / Wordmark

JPG, min 300×300 px. B&W filing preferred. Avoid logos that only depict generic vehicle shapes — must have distinctive brand element. Logos with vehicle silhouettes are common objections in Class 12

📋

Power of Attorney (TM-48)

Required if using a trademark agent. Strongly recommended given the high opposition risk from global automotive majors monitoring India’s Class 12 journal

🚘

ARAI / MSME / DPIIT Certificate

Udyam/DPIIT for 50% fee concession. ARAI type approval, Vahan registration and BIS certifications serve as strong supporting evidence during examination objections

📝

Class 12 Goods Description

NICE 13th Ed wording e.g. “electric scooters; electric motorcycles; passenger motor vehicles; bicycles; electric bicycles; tractors; vehicle tyres; vehicle seats”

💰 Fees 2026

Trademark Class 12 Registration Fees India 2026

✅ Individual / DPIIT Startup / MSME

50% Concession

₹4,500 per class

EV startups, small vehicle manufacturers, bicycle brands and individual inventors qualify. India’s EV startup ecosystem is exploding — DPIIT recognition before filing saves ₹4,500+ per class across your multi-class portfolio.

E-Filing₹4,500

Physical Filing₹5,000

Priority Exam (TM-63)₹2,700

🚘 Company / LLP / Partnership

Standard Rate

₹9,000 per class

For companies and LLPs. Major automotive brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto each maintain dozens of Class 12 registrations covering individual models and sub-brands.

E-Filing₹9,000

Physical Filing₹10,000

Priority Exam (TM-63)₹5,400

🔄 Renewal — Every 10 Years

Unlimited Renewals

₹4,500 / ₹9,000

File Form TM-R 6 months before expiry. Late renewal surcharge +50%. An automotive brand name trusted by millions of Indian vehicle owners is worth protecting for generations.

Individual / MSME₹4,500

Company / LLP₹9,000

Late Surcharge+50%

⏰ Timeline

Class 12 Trademark Registration Timeline in India

Day 1Filing & ™

3–6 MoExamination

4 MoJournal + Opposition

1–3 MoCertificate ®

⏰ Total: 12 to 18 months from filing to certificate — Use ™ from Day 1. ® only after certificate.

⚡ EV Launch Tip: India’s EV market moves faster than the trademark office. File your Class 12 trademark the moment you decide on your brand name — before any public announcement, investor presentation or auto expo reveal. EV brand name squatting is actively occurring in India. Use Priority Examination (Form TM-63) for 1–2 month examination. The ₹2,700–₹5,400 cost is negligible compared to the cost of rebranding an EV model after launch.

❓ FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions — TM Class 12 India

What is TM Class 12 in India?

TM Class 12 covers vehicles and conveyances for locomotion by land, air or water — including passenger cars, motorcycles, electric scooters, electric cars (EVs), trucks, buses, bicycles, e-bicycles, tractors, boats, aircraft, drones and all vehicle parts and accessories. It is India’s primary trademark class for the automotive, two-wheeler and EV sector.

Does TM Class 12 cover electric vehicles (EVs) in India?

Yes. All EVs are Class 12 — electric cars, electric scooters, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, e-autos and electric buses. Note: EV charging stations and charger hardware = Class 9. EV charging network services = Class 38. Vehicle servicing = Class 37. Most EV brands need Class 12 + Class 9 + Class 37 for complete protection.

Does TM Class 12 cover two-wheelers: motorcycles and scooters?

Yes. All two-wheelers are Class 12 — petrol motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, electric scooters, electric motorcycles and all two-wheeled motor vehicles. Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj, TVS, Honda, Royal Enfield, Ola Electric and Ather Energy all register under Class 12.

Does TM Class 12 cover vehicle parts like tyres and seats?

Yes. All vehicle parts and accessories are Class 12 — tyres, tubes, rims, wheels, seats, seatbelts, airbags, bumpers, chassis, steering wheels, brake systems, suspension components, exhaust systems and all mechanical vehicle components. Tyre brands like MRF, CEAT, Apollo and JK Tyres all register under Class 12.

Does TM Class 12 cover bicycles and e-bicycles?

Yes. Bicycles, mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bicycles (e-bikes, pedelecs), folding cycles and all non-motorised pedal cycles are Class 12. Hero Cycles, Firefox Bikes, EMotorad, Nexzu Mobility and Tata Stryder all register under Class 12.

Does TM Class 12 cover tractors and agricultural vehicles?

Yes. Tractors, combine harvesters, power tillers, agricultural trailers and all farm vehicles are Class 12. Mahindra Tractors, TAFE, Escorts Kubota, Sonalika and John Deere India all register under Class 12 in India. India is the world’s largest tractor market.

Does TM Class 12 cover drones and unmanned vehicles?

Yes. Under NICE 13th Edition 2026, drones (UAVs) used as transport or conveyances, autonomous ground vehicles and self-driving vehicle hardware are Class 12. Note: drone electronics, remote control systems and drone software may additionally need Class 9.

What is the difference between TM Class 12 and Class 7?

Class 12 = the finished vehicle sold to consumers. Class 7 = industrial machines used to manufacture vehicles. A car = Class 12. The stamping machine that made its body = Class 7. A tractor = Class 12. The engine machining centre that built its engine = Class 7. Automotive brands protect vehicles in Class 12; equipment suppliers protect manufacturing machines in Class 7.

What is the difference between TM Class 12 and Class 9?

Class 12 = the vehicle and its mechanical/structural parts. Class 9 = electronic devices and software added to vehicles. The car = Class 12. The GPS unit inside = Class 9. The EV = Class 12. EV charger hardware and app = Class 9. Dashcam = Class 9. Automotive brands with digital products register in both Class 12 and Class 9.

What is the fee for Class 12 trademark registration in India 2026?

Government fee: ₹4,500 per class for individuals, DPIIT startups and Udyam MSMEs via e-filing. ₹9,000 for companies and LLPs. Physical filing costs ₹500 more. Priority Examination (Form TM-63) = ₹2,700 for MSMEs, ₹5,400 for companies. EV brands typically file in 4 classes: Class 12 + 9 + 37 + 39.

Do EV brands need to register in Class 12?

Absolutely yes. Every EV brand selling electric cars, scooters, motorcycles or bicycles in India must register under Class 12. Additionally: EV chargers = Class 9. Charging services = Class 38. Vehicle servicing = Class 37. Fleet/transport services = Class 39. Ola Electric, Ather Energy and Tata EV maintain registrations in multiple classes.

How long does Class 12 trademark registration take in India?

12 to 18 months total: examination in 3–6 months, 4-month opposition window, then certificate. Use ™ from Day 1. Class 12 faces active opposition from global automotive majors (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen). Use Priority Examination via Form TM-63 for faster processing — critical before EV launches, auto expo reveals and major marketing campaigns.