Trademark Class 6

Q: What is the fee for Class 6 trademark registration in India 2026?

The government fee for Class 6 trademark registration is Rs 4,500 per class for individuals, startups and MSMEs via e-filing, and Rs 9,000 per class for companies and LLPs. Physical filing costs Rs 500 more per class. Priority examination using Form TM-63 costs an additional Rs 2,700 for MSMEs and Rs 5,400 for companies. These are the official IP India fees as of January 2026.

Q: Does TM Class 6 cover pipes, tubes and metal fittings?

Yes. Metallic pipes and tubes of all types including steel pipes, iron pipes, copper pipes and their fittings are covered under TM Class 6. However, plastic pipes and PVC pipes belong to Class 17 (rubber and plastic products). Metal pipe fittings for plumbing and water supply systems are Class 6, while the service of installing those pipes is Class 37 (construction and repair services).

Q: Are locks, keys and safes covered under TM Class 6?

Yes. Locks, padlocks, keys, deadbolts, door bolts, safes, strongboxes, lockboxes and security boxes of metal are all covered under TM Class 6. Brands like Godrej Locks, ERA Locks, Harrison Locks and Dorset (ASSA ABLOY India) are all registered under TM Class 6 with IP India. Electronic smart locks may also fall here as the hardware product even if they have electronic components.

Q: Does TM Class 6 cover steel and iron building materials?

Yes. Steel rods, TMT bars, structural steel sections, iron sheets, galvanized steel sheets, metal roofing, metal doors and windows, metal staircases, metal railings, metal fencing and all metal building and construction materials belong to TM Class 6. Major brands like Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL, RINL (Vizag Steel) and Jindal Steel all protect their brand names under Class 6.

Q: What goods are NOT included in TM Class 6?

Excluded from Class 6: non-metallic building materials like cement, bricks, tiles and wood (Class 19), plastic pipes and PVC products (Class 17), electrical wires and cables with insulation (Class 9), machinery and engines (Class 7), metal furniture (Class 20), metal tools like hammers and screwdrivers (Class 8), construction services using metal (Class 37), and metal treatment and processing services (Class 40).

Q: Can a hardware or ironmongery brand register under TM Class 6?

Yes. All types of hardware and ironmongery sold in metal including screws, nuts, bolts, nails, rivets, hinges, brackets, clamps, hooks and general metal fittings and fasteners are covered under TM Class 6. Hardware brands selling these products should register under Class 6 to protect their brand name across India.

Q: Does TM Class 6 cover metal wire and cables?

Yes. Non-electric metal cables and wires are covered under TM Class 6. This includes wire ropes, steel cables, guy wires, barbed wire, chain link fencing wire and metallic cable products. However, insulated electric cables and wires carrying electricity belong to Class 9 (electrical and scientific apparatus). The distinction is: if the wire conducts electricity and is insulated = Class 9; if it is a structural metal cable product = Class 6.

Q: How long does Class 6 trademark registration take in India?

Total timeline is typically 12 to 18 months: examination within 3 to 6 months of filing, publication in the Trade Marks Journal for a 4-month opposition window, then the registration certificate is issued. You can use the TM symbol from Day 1 of filing. The R symbol is only legal after receiving the registration certificate.

✅ Last Updated: March 2026 — NICE 13th Edition

📍 Overview

What is Trademark Class 6 in India?

TM Class 6 (Trademark Class 6) covers common metals and their alloys; metal ores; metal building and construction materials; transportable buildings of metal; non-electric cables and wires of metal; metallic pipes and tubes; safes and lockboxes; metal hardware and ironmongery; and metal containers for storage or transport — under the NICE Classification 13th Edition used by IP India.

If your business manufactures, sells, imports or exports steel, iron, aluminium, copper, zinc products; metal pipes, tubes and fittings; locks, safes and keys; metal hardware; wire and cables (non-electric); metal building materials; prefabricated metal structures; or metal containers, you need a TM Class 6 trademark to protect your brand across India for 10 years.

India’s steel and metals sector is valued at over ₹10 lakh Crore, with leading brands like Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL, Godrej Locks, Astral Pipes, Finolex, Polycab and Jindal Steel all registered under TM Class 6 with IP India.

ⓘ NICE 13th Edition (Jan 2026): Class 6 now explicitly includes 3D-printed metal components, metal powder for additive manufacturing, and recycled metal alloy products. Green steel and low-carbon steel products are also Class 6 when sold as finished metal goods. Metal nanoparticles for industrial use remain Class 1 (chemical/industrial preparations).

⚙️

Class 6

NICE Classification

🏳️

Goods

Class Type (not services)

📅

10 Years

Trademark Validity

🔞

20K+

Annual Filings

🇮🇳

Pan-India

Valid All States

⚡

3–6 Mo

Examination Time

🤖

Simple AI Explanation — Class 6 in Plain Language

⚙ The Simple Rule

If your product is made of metal and you sell it as a physical product — it is almost certainly Class 6. The exception: metal tools with cutting edges (Class 8), electrical metal products (Class 9), and metal machinery (Class 7).

💭 Real Examples

✔ Iron gate = Class 6
✔ Steel TMT bar = Class 6
✔ Metal pipe = Class 6
✔ Padlock and safe = Class 6
✔ Steel building/shed = Class 6
✔ PVC pipe = Class 17 (not Class 6)

⚠️ Most Common Mistake

Many hardware brands file only in Class 7 (machinery) and miss Class 6 (metal products). If you sell both metal goods and machines, you need both Class 6 and Class 7. Filing in only one = incomplete brand protection.

📋 Full Goods List

Complete List of Goods Under Trademark Class 6

Official NICE 13th Edition goods covered under TM Class 6 in India — organised by category for quick identification.

🔞

Common Metals & Alloys

Unwrought and semi-wrought metals (iron, steel, aluminium, copper, zinc, lead)
Alloys and metal alloy products
Metal castings, forgings and ingots
Metal powder and metal granules
Precious metal alloys (silver, gold alloys)
Recycled metal and scrap metal (as commodity)

🏛

Metal Building Materials

Steel TMT bars, rods and rebars for construction
Structural steel sections (I-beams, H-beams, angles)
Metal sheets, plates and coils (HR/CR/GI)
Metal roofing sheets and roofing tiles
Metal doors, windows, frames and shutters
Metal staircases, railings and balustrades

🔧

Ironmongery & Hardware

Screws, nuts, bolts, nails and rivets
Hinges, brackets, clamps and hooks (metal)
Door handles, knobs and pulls (metal)
Metal fasteners and connectors
Anchors, wall plugs and expansion bolts
Metal chains and chain products

🔒

Locks, Keys & Safes

Padlocks, deadbolts and door locks
Keys and key blanks
Safes, strongboxes and lockboxes
Bank vault doors and security containers
Metal lockers and storage cabinets (metal)
Electronic door locks (hardware component)

🔌

Metallic Pipes, Tubes & Fittings

Steel pipes and iron pipes for water/gas/oil
Copper pipes and stainless steel tubes
Metal pipe fittings (elbows, tees, reducers)
GI pipes and MS pipes for construction
Metal conduit pipes for electrical wiring
Seamless and ERW steel tubes

🚮

Metal Wire, Cables & Fencing

Wire ropes and steel cables (non-electric)
Barbed wire, razor wire and concertina coil
Chain link fencing and welded wire mesh
Metal wire for fencing and binding
Galvanised iron (GI) wire
Steel strapping and banding material

🚗

Metal Containers & Tanks

Metal storage tanks and vessels
Steel drums, barrels and canisters
Metal transport containers (non-insulated)
Metal cans and tins for storage
Metal bins, hoppers and silos
Metallic boxes and cases for storage

🏛

Prefabricated & Modular Metal Structures

Prefabricated buildings of metal
Metal sheds, shelters and cabins
Steel warehouses and industrial structures
Modular steel containers adapted as buildings
Metal scaffolding and support structures
Metal bridges, towers and pylons

ⓘ

Key Rule: Class 6 covers metal products as physical goods. If your product is non-metallic (plastic, rubber, wood, composite) it likely belongs in a different class. If it is metal but has an electrical function = Class 9. Metal tool with cutting edge = Class 8. Metal machine or engine = Class 7.

⚖ Class 6 vs Class 7

Trademark Class 6 vs Class 7 — Critical Differences

The most confused trademark class pair in India’s manufacturing and engineering sector. Here is the exact distinction.

Metal Goods, Hardware & Building Materials

■Steel rods, TMT bars, metal sheets — raw metal products

■Metal pipes, tubes and pipe fittings

■Locks, padlocks, keys and safes

■Metal hardware: screws, bolts, hinges

■Metal containers, tanks and storage drums

■Prefabricated metal buildings and structures

■Wire ropes, barbed wire and metal fencing

■Metal doors, windows and roofing sheets

Trademark Class 7

Machines, Motors & Mechanical Apparatus

■Industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment

■Motors, engines and power transmission equipment

■Machine tools for cutting, drilling, welding

■Pumps, compressors and fluid handling equipment

■Agricultural machinery and tractors

■Robots and automated manufacturing equipment

■CNC machines and metalworking machines

■Metal press tools, dies and industrial moulds

⚠️

Simple Test: If your metal product is something you use (a static object) = Class 6. If it is a machine that does work = Class 7. An iron gate = Class 6. The welding machine used to make that gate = Class 7. Many engineering companies need both Class 6 and Class 7 for full protection.

Other Classes Commonly Confused with Class 6

If You Make / Sell	Class 6 or Other?	Reason
Steel TMT bars & construction rods	Class 6 ✓	Metal building material = Class 6
PVC / CPVC pipes	Class 17	Plastic products = Class 17, not Class 6
Electrical wires & insulated cables	Class 9	Electrical apparatus = Class 9 even if metal
Hammers, spanners & hand tools	Class 8	Hand tools with cutting/gripping edge = Class 8
Metal furniture (chairs, tables)	Class 20	Furniture = Class 20 regardless of material
Cement, bricks & ceramic tiles	Class 19	Non-metallic building materials = Class 19
Metal wire rope (non-electric)	Class 6 ✓	Non-electric metal cable = Class 6
Steel pipes for plumbing	Class 6 ✓	Metallic pipes = Class 6; plastic pipes = Class 17

🚫 Not Included

What is NOT Included in Trademark Class 6?

Products frequently confused with Class 6 that belong to other NICE classes in India.

Product / Service	Correct Class	Why Excluded from Class 6
Machines, motors & industrial equipment	Class 7	Mechanical apparatus that performs work = Class 7
Hand tools (hammers, spanners, chisels)	Class 8	Hand tools with cutting/working edge = Class 8
Insulated electrical wires & cables	Class 9	Electrical conductors = Class 9 even if made of metal
Metal furniture (chairs, shelving units)	Class 20	All furniture regardless of material = Class 20
Plastic and PVC pipes, tubes & fittings	Class 17	Rubber, plastic and composite materials = Class 17
Cement, bricks, tiles & non-metallic building materials	Class 19	Non-metallic construction materials = Class 19
Metal construction and installation services	Class 37	Construction and repair services = Class 37; metal goods = Class 6
Metal treatment, processing & forging services	Class 40	Material processing services = Class 40
Wholesale & retail distribution of metal goods	Class 35	Trade and commercial services = Class 35

🔞 Who Needs Class 6?

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 6 in India?

Any business manufacturing, selling, importing or exporting the following types of goods should register under TM Class 6 to protect their brand name across India.

🔞

Steel & Iron Manufacturers

TMT bars, structural steel, steel sheets, iron castings and metal alloy product companies

🏛

Metal Building Material Brands

Metal doors, windows, roofing sheets, metal facades and architectural metal products

🔧

Hardware & Ironmongery Brands

Screws, bolts, hinges, brackets, fasteners and general metal hardware retailers

🔒

Locks, Safes & Security Products

Padlocks, deadbolts, safes, strongboxes, bank vault doors and security hardware brands

🔌

Pipe & Tube Manufacturers

Steel pipes, GI pipes, copper tubes, ERW tubes and metal pipe fitting brands

🚮

Wire, Mesh & Fencing Brands

Wire ropes, barbed wire, chain link fencing, GI wire, welded mesh products

🚗

Metal Container & Tank Brands

Steel drums, metal storage tanks, metal cans, industrial silos and metal containers

🏛

Prefab & Modular Metal Structures

Prefabricated metal buildings, steel warehouses, modular cabins, metal scaffolding brands

🏆 Indian Brand Examples

Famous Indian Brands Registered Under TM Class 6

These leading Indian steel, hardware and building material companies have protected their brand under TM Class 6 with IP India.

Tata Steel

TM Class 6 + Class 7 + Class 35

Tata Tiscon TMT bars, Tata Steelium, Tata Shaktee — India’s largest private steel company

JSW Steel

TM Class 6 + Class 40

JSW Neosteel, JSW Vishwas — India’s largest steel producer by capacity with 28+ MTPA

Godrej Locks

TM Class 6 + Class 9

Godrej Locks, Godrej Safes — India’s most trusted lock brand with 100+ year heritage

SAIL — Steel Authority of India

TM Class 6

SAIL TMT, SAIL sections — India’s largest public sector steel company (Maharatna)

Astral Pipes

TM Class 6 + Class 17

Astral metal pipes & fittings, Astral CPVC — leading pipe brand across metal and plastic

Finolex Industries

TM Class 6 + Class 17

Finolex metal pipes and fittings — trusted brand for plumbing and agriculture piping systems

Jindal Steel & Power

TM Class 6 + Class 40

Jindal Panther TMT, Jindal sections — major integrated steel manufacturer in India

ERA Locks (ASSA ABLOY)

TM Class 6

ERA, Dorset and Yale brands — premium door hardware, locks and security products in India

🔗 Coordinated Classes

Coordinated Classes for Metal & Hardware Brands

Metal goods companies typically need multiple trademark classes to fully protect their brand across all products and services.

⚠️

Important: Class 6 covers your metal products only. If you also sell machinery (Class 7), hand tools (Class 8), offer metal installation services (Class 37), or process metals for others (Class 40), those need separate filings at ₹4,500–₹9,000 each.

Machinery

Industrial machines & metal-working equipment

Hand Tools

Spanners, hammers, chisels & hand implements

Appliances

Heating, plumbing & sanitary installations

Non-Metal Build

Cement, bricks, tiles & non-metallic materials

Retail

Hardware retail & wholesale distribution services

Construction

Metal installation & construction services

📝 Registration Guide

How to Register a Trademark Under Class 6 in India

Step-by-step guide to registering your metal, hardware or building material brand under TM Class 6 with IP India in 2026.

Trademark Search — Start Here

Search IP India’s portal at tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in for identical or similar marks in Class 6. The steel and hardware sector has strong regional brands — a brand popular in Gujarat may already be registered nationally. Check your brand name, logo and any phonetic variations. Brand names that are descriptive of metal (e.g. “SteelMax”) may face objections for being non-distinctive.

⏰ Time: 1–2 hours search + legal review

Define Your Class 6 Goods Precisely

Identify your exact products using NICE 13th Edition terminology. Be specific: “steel pipes and tubes; metallic pipe fittings; TMT steel bars; padlocks and door locks” is stronger than a vague description. If you also sell PVC or plastic products, add a Class 17 application. If you offer installation services, add Class 37.

📋 Specific descriptions = stronger protection

Prepare Required Documents

Gather: applicant identity proof (PAN + Aadhaar or incorporation certificate), business address proof, brand logo in JPG (minimum 300×300 px), Form TM-48 Power of Attorney if using an agent, and Udyam/DPIIT certificate to claim 50% fee concession. For regional hardware brands, prior use evidence like sales invoices boosts distinctiveness claims.

📄 Documents list in section below

File Form TM-A on IP India Portal

File at ipindia.gov.in. Pay: ₹4,500 (individuals/MSMEs) or ₹9,000 (companies) per class. Receive your application number immediately. Start using ™ from this date. Consider filing simultaneously in Class 7 (machinery) and Class 35 (distribution) if you need complete coverage.

⚡ E-filing saves ₹500 vs physical

Examination by IP India

An Examiner reviews your application within 3–6 months. Common Class 6 objections include: similarity to existing steel or hardware brand names, descriptive marks (e.g. “IronStrong”, “SteelGuard”), and geographic terms. Respond within 30 days with distinctiveness arguments and prior use evidence if an Examination Report is issued.

⏰ 3–6 months from filing date

Publication in Trade Marks Journal

Your mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal after passing examination. Third parties including large steel companies and hardware conglomerates have 4 months to oppose. Keep sales records, advertising materials and market presence evidence ready to counter opposition if needed.

📰 4-month opposition window

Registration Certificate Issued

Your Trademark Registration Certificate is issued, valid for 10 years across all of India. Use ® legally from this date. Download from IP India portal. File Form TM-R 6 months before expiry for renewal. Trademark registration is increasingly required by infrastructure tenders, government contracts and large retail chains dealing in metal goods.

🏆 Total: approx. 12–18 months

📄 Documents Required

Documents Required for Class 6 Trademark Registration

👤

Identity Proof

PAN Card + Aadhaar for individuals; Certificate of Incorporation + PAN for companies and LLPs; Partnership deed for firms

🌌

Address Proof

Latest electricity bill, rental agreement or GST certificate showing registered business or factory address

🖼️

Brand Logo / Wordmark

JPG, minimum 300×300 px. B&W filing provides broader colour protection. Steel brands with geometric logos should file both colour and B&W versions

📋

Power of Attorney (TM-48)

Required if filing through a trademark agent, IP lawyer or authorised representative

🏭

MSME / Startup Certificate

Udyam Registration or DPIIT certificate — saves 50% on government fees (₹4,500 vs ₹9,000). Most small and medium hardware manufacturers qualify

📝

Goods Description (Class 6)

Precise NICE 13th Ed goods list: e.g. “metallic pipes and pipe fittings; padlocks and keys; steel rods; metal building materials; wire ropes”

💰 Fees 2026

Trademark Class 6 Registration Fees India 2026

Official IP India government fee schedule for TM Class 6 — current as of January 2026.

✅ Individual / Startup / MSME

50% Concession

₹4,500 per class

For individuals, DPIIT startups and Udyam MSMEs. Most small metal fabricators & hardware manufacturers qualify.

E-Filing₹4,500

Physical Filing₹5,000

Priority Exam (TM-63)₹2,700

🏭 Company / LLP / Partnership

Standard Corporate Rate

₹9,000 per class

For companies, LLPs, partnerships and non-MSME entities. Large steel and hardware companies file multiple Class 6 marks.

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 within 6 months before expiry. Late renewal = +50% surcharge. Metal brand names are worth protecting permanently.

Individual / MSME₹4,500

Company / LLP₹9,000

Late Surcharge+50%

⏰ Timeline

Class 6 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

💡 Pro Tip for Hardware & Steel Brands: Regional metal brands often have strong prior use in one state but face opposition from larger national brands who file early. File your trademark as soon as you launch your brand — even before full production begins. A “proposed to be used” application gives you priority from the filing date.

❓ FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions — TM Class 6 India

What is TM Class 6 in India?

TM Class 6 in India covers common metals and their alloys, metal ores, metal building and construction materials, transportable metal buildings, non-electric metal cables and wires, metallic pipes and tubes, safes, metal hardware and ironmongery, and metal containers for storage or transport. It follows the NICE Classification 13th Edition used by IP India with over 20,000 annual filings.

What is the fee for Class 6 trademark registration in India 2026?

The government fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and MSMEs via e-filing, and ₹9,000 per class for companies and LLPs. Physical filing costs ₹500 more. Priority examination via Form TM-63 costs ₹2,700 extra for MSMEs and ₹5,400 for companies. These are the official IP India fees effective January 2026 and apply equally to all 45 trademark classes.

What is the difference between Trademark Class 6 and Class 7?

Class 6 covers metal goods, hardware, metal pipes, metal containers and metal building materials as physical products. Class 7 covers machines, motors, engines, industrial tools and mechanical apparatus. An iron gate or metal pipe = Class 6. The machine used to fabricate that gate = Class 7. Metal hinges, bolts and fasteners sold as hardware = Class 6. Industrial welding machine or press tool = Class 7. Many engineering companies register in both classes.

Does TM Class 6 cover pipes, tubes and metal fittings?

Yes. Metallic pipes and tubes including steel pipes, iron pipes, copper pipes and all metal pipe fittings are Class 6. However, plastic pipes, PVC pipes and CPVC pipes belong to Class 17. Metal conduit pipes for electrical wiring are Class 6 as a metal product. The plumbing installation service using those pipes is Class 37. Brands like Astral (metal pipes) and Finolex register in both Class 6 and Class 17.

Are locks, keys and safes covered under TM Class 6?

Yes. Locks, padlocks, keys, deadbolts, safes, strongboxes, lockboxes and security boxes of metal are all Class 6. Brands like Godrej Locks, ERA Locks, Harrison Locks and Dorset (ASSA ABLOY India) are registered under TM Class 6 with IP India. Smart locks and electronic door locks may also qualify here as physical hardware products even if they include electronic components.

Does TM Class 6 cover steel and iron building materials?

Yes. Steel TMT bars, structural steel sections, iron sheets, galvanised steel sheets, metal roofing, metal doors and windows, metal staircases, metal railings and all metal construction materials belong to TM Class 6. Major brands including Tata Steel (Tiscon, Steelium), JSW Steel (Neosteel), SAIL, Jindal Steel (Panther) and RINL all protect their trademarks under Class 6 with IP India.

What goods are NOT included in TM Class 6?

Excluded from Class 6: machines and motors (Class 7), hand tools like hammers and spanners (Class 8), insulated electrical cables (Class 9), metal furniture (Class 20), plastic and PVC pipes (Class 17), cement and non-metallic building materials (Class 19), metal construction and installation services (Class 37), metal treatment and processing services (Class 40), and hardware retail and wholesale services (Class 35).

Can a hardware or ironmongery brand register under TM Class 6?

Yes. All metal hardware and ironmongery sold in metal — screws, nuts, bolts, nails, rivets, hinges, brackets, clamps, hooks and general metal fittings — are Class 6. Hardware brands selling these products should register under Class 6 to protect their brand name. If you also sell non-metal hardware, you may need Class 17 (rubber/plastic) or Class 20 (non-metal furniture/hardware) as well.

Does TM Class 6 cover metal wire and cables?

Yes, but only non-electric metal cables and wires. Wire ropes, steel cables, barbed wire, chain link fencing wire, GI wire, welded wire mesh and metallic structural cable products are Class 6. Insulated electric cables and wires that carry electricity belong to Class 9 (electrical apparatus). The rule: structural metal cable product = Class 6; electrical conductor cable = Class 9.

How long does Class 6 trademark registration take in India?

Total timeline is 12 to 18 months: examination within 3 to 6 months of filing, 4-month Trade Marks Journal opposition window, then registration certificate issued. Use the ™ symbol from Day 1 of filing. The ® symbol is only legal after the registration certificate is received. Priority Examination via Form TM-63 can reduce the examination wait to 1–2 months.

What coordinated trademark classes does a metal goods company need?

A metal goods company typically needs: Class 6 for all metal products and hardware, Class 7 for machinery and equipment, Class 8 for hand tools, Class 11 for heating and plumbing metal installations, Class 17 if also selling plastic products, Class 19 for non-metallic building materials, Class 35 for wholesale and retail distribution, and Class 37 for metal construction and installation services.

Can an MSME or startup register TM Class 6 at reduced fee?

Yes. DPIIT-recognised startups and Udyam-registered MSMEs pay ₹4,500 per Class 6 application instead of ₹9,000. Individual applicants also get this rate. Small metal fabricators, pipe manufacturers, hardware brands, lock makers and construction material startups can all use this concession. Apply for Udyam Registration first to claim the 50% saving before filing your trademark.