Trademark Class 45 – Legal Services, Security & Personal Social Services in India

Class 45 covers three broad categories: legal services (law firms, legal advisory, arbitration, LPO, notarial services, IP licensing), security services (manned guarding, private investigation, personal bodyguard, cyber monitoring), and personal and social services (matrimonial and match-making, funeral and cremation services, social escort, astrology, religious organisation services). It is one of the most diverse service classes in the NICE Classification.

Yes. Law firms, individual advocates operating under a firm name, legal LLPs, barristers, solicitors and virtual law offices can and should register their brand under Class 45. Legal profession brand name conflicts do occur in India — especially as law firms scale across cities or establish online presence. A registered trademark also strengthens the firm's profile when attracting clients, entering into referral agreements and preventing misuse of the firm's name by fraudulent actors posing as the firm.

Yes. Security guard companies, corporate and residential security agencies, event security brands, VIP protection services and facility management security brands all fall under Class 45. India's private security industry is one of the largest in the world, and brand identity plays a significant role in winning tenders, corporate contracts and residential society agreements. A registered trademark under Class 45 is essential to build an exclusive brand in this competitive sector.

Yes. Matrimonial bureaus, online matrimony platforms, kundali matching and alliance services, marriage consultancy and professional match-making brands are covered under Class 45 under the "personal and social services" pillar. India's matrimony sector — both offline marriage bureaus and large online matrimony platforms — is highly competitive and brand-driven. Early trademark registration under Class 45 is critical for any matrimony brand looking to build a trusted, scalable presence.

Yes. Private investigation firms, background verification agencies, matrimonial detective services, corporate fraud investigation brands and surveillance service companies are all covered under Class 45. If your agency also provides background verification as a technology-powered SaaS service, Class 42 may additionally be required for the software platform component. Our attorneys can advise on the right class combination for verification technology businesses.

Class 45 covers cyber watching and monitoring services — the ongoing surveillance of online spaces to detect brand infringement, dark web threats, or unauthorised use of a client's identity. Class 42 covers cybersecurity as a technology service — software-based security solutions, VAPT, penetration testing, SOC as a service and security consulting. Many cybersecurity companies operate across both domains and should register in both Class 45 (for the monitoring and watch service) and Class 42 (for the technology and security software service).

Yes. Legal Process Outsourcing companies — providing contract review, legal research, document management, due diligence support, eDiscovery and paralegal services to law firms and corporations globally — fall squarely under Class 45. India's LPO industry is one of the most competitive globally, and brand differentiation through trademark registration is essential to winning international client mandates, especially from UK and US law firms that require proof of brand integrity.

Yes. Astrology consultation services, kundali and horoscope reading services, Vastu consulting, religious ceremony organisation, religious trusts providing services to worshippers, and funeral and cremation services are all covered under the personal and social services pillar of Class 45. India has a large and commercially active astrology and spiritual services sector, and many such brands benefit significantly from trademark protection to prevent unauthorised use of their names and spiritual brand identity.

The complete trademark registration process in India typically takes 12 to 18 months, subject to examination objections or third-party oppositions. From the date of filing, you may legally use the ™ symbol on all your branding — website, letterheads, visiting cards, office signage and digital platforms. The ® symbol may only be used after the Trade Marks Registry issues the final registration certificate.

The official government filing fee is ₹4,500 for individuals, sole proprietors, and Udyam-registered MSMEs or DPIIT-recognised startups. For private limited companies, LLPs, partnerships and other incorporated entities, the fee is ₹9,000 per class. All fees are paid online to the CGPDTM through the IP India e-filing portal at the time of filing. Most law firms and LPOs structured as LLPs or Pvt. Ltd. companies will pay ₹9,000 per class.