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✅ Last Updated: March 2026 — NICE 13th Edition · AI Software, EV Chargers & IoT Devices Included
📱 Overview

What is Trademark Class 9 in India?

TM Class 9 (Trademark Class 9) is India’s largest and most-filed technology trademark class, covering electronic and scientific apparatus; computers and software; smartphones, tablets and wearables; earphones and audio devices; cameras and CCTV; downloadable apps and AI tools; electric vehicle chargers; semiconductors; fire alarm and safety equipment; measuring instruments; and all electronic devices — under the NICE Classification 13th Edition used by IP India.

With 60,000+ annual trademark applications, Class 9 is the go-to class for India’s booming technology sector. Every tech startup, electronics brand, software company, gadget maker, AI company and EV brand in India must file under Class 9 to protect their brand.

India’s technology market exceeds ₹18 lakh Crore — spanning IT exports, consumer electronics, semiconductor manufacturing and the world’s second-largest smartphone market. Brands like Samsung India, boAt, Noise, TCS, Infosys, Lava, OnePlus and Hikvision India all anchor their trademark portfolios in Class 9.

NICE 13th Edition (Jan 2026) — What’s New in Class 9: Artificial intelligence software, machine learning tools and neural network software are now explicitly listed. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and EV charging cables are included. Smart home IoT devices, voice assistants sold as hardware, autonomous drone control systems and digital health monitoring wearables are all explicitly covered. If your tech product launched in the last 3 years, check this class first.
📱
Class 9
NICE Classification
🤖
AI ✓
AI Software Included
📅
10 Years
Trademark Validity
🔞
60K+
Annual Filings
🇮🇳
Pan-India
Valid All States
3–6 Mo
Examination Time
🤖

Simple AI Explanation — Class 9 in Plain Language

📱 The Golden Rule for Class 9

If your product is an electronic device or a downloadable software/app — it is Class 9.
If it is a service (not a product you download or hold), check Class 38 or Class 42 instead.

💭 Fast Product Test

✔ Smartphone = Class 9
✔ Downloadable app = Class 9
✔ AI tool you download = Class 9
✔ CCTV camera = Class 9
✔ EV charger hardware = Class 9
✖ Mobile network service = Class 38
✖ SaaS cloud platform = Class 42

⚠️ The SaaS Trap

This is the most common mistake among Indian tech startups: filing only in Class 9 when the core product is a SaaS subscription service. A cloud-hosted platform you don’t download = needs Class 42. A mobile app users download = Class 9. If you do both, register in both.


📋 Full Goods List

Complete List of Goods Under Trademark Class 9

Official NICE 13th Edition goods covered under TM Class 9 in India, organised by product category for easy identification.

📱

Smartphones, Phones & Wearables

  • Smartphones, feature phones and basic mobile handsets
  • Tablets, iPad-style devices and e-readers
  • Smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart bands
  • True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds and earphones
  • Smart glasses and augmented reality headsets
  • GPS trackers and personal location devices
💻

Computers, Laptops & Servers

  • Laptops, ultrabooks and Chromebooks
  • Desktop computers, all-in-one PCs and mini PCs
  • Servers, workstations and rack-mount computers
  • Single-board computers (Raspberry Pi, Arduino)
  • Network-attached storage (NAS) devices
  • Computer peripherals: keyboards, mice, monitors
💾

Software, Apps & AI Tools

  • Downloadable mobile apps (Android & iOS)
  • Computer software and operating systems
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) software and tools
  • Machine learning and deep learning software
  • Video games and game software (downloadable)
  • Antivirus software and cybersecurity tools (downloadable)
🎧

Audio Devices & Home Electronics

  • Wired and wireless headphones and earphones
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speakers
  • Smart TVs and streaming media devices
  • Home theatre systems and soundbars
  • Voice assistant hardware (smart speakers)
  • Projectors and digital display panels
📷

Cameras, CCTV & Security Electronics

  • CCTV cameras, IP cameras and security cameras
  • Digital cameras, action cameras and webcams
  • Video doorbells and smart door locks (electronic)
  • Fire alarm systems and smoke detectors
  • Burglar alarm systems and motion sensors
  • Electronic access control systems and card readers

EV Chargers, IoT & Smart Devices

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and cables
  • Smart home hubs and IoT control devices
  • Smart meters (electricity, gas, water)
  • Industrial IoT sensors and monitoring equipment
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronics
  • Solar inverters and renewable energy electronics
🏭

Electronic Components & Semiconductors

  • Semiconductors, integrated circuits and microchips
  • Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic modules
  • Batteries, power banks and battery packs
  • LED components and lighting electronics
  • Connectors, cables and electronic wiring harnesses
  • Electronic sensors (temperature, pressure, motion)
🔢

Scientific & Measuring Instruments

  • Digital multimeters, oscilloscopes and test equipment
  • Medical diagnostic devices (non-invasive consumer type)
  • Environmental monitoring instruments
  • Surveying and geo-positioning instruments
  • Laboratory electronic instruments
  • Traffic management and signalling electronics
Class 9 Quick Test: Is it an electronic product you can touch, download, or install? = Class 9. Is it a service someone performs for you using technology? = Class 38 (telecom) or Class 42 (IT services). When in doubt: products = Class 9, services = Class 38/42.

⚖ Class Comparisons

TM Class 9 vs Class 38 vs Class 42 — Complete Guide

The three most confused trademark classes for India’s technology, software and telecom brands. Understand each clearly before you file.

☞ Class 9 vs Class 38 — The Product vs Service Divide

Trademark Class 9

Electronic Products & Downloadable Software
Smartphone handset sold to consumers
Router or modem device hardware
Downloadable app or software product
Smart TV or streaming device hardware
IoT sensor and connected device hardware
CCTV camera and video surveillance hardware
EV charging station equipment
AI software tool users download and install
VS

Trademark Class 38

Telecom & Communication Services
Mobile network service (Jio, Airtel, Vi)
Broadband internet service (ISP)
Video calling and VoIP service (Zoom, Meet)
OTT streaming service (Netflix, JioCinema)
IoT connectivity platform service
CCTV monitoring service (remote surveillance)
EV charging network service (subscription)
AI chatbot service hosted in cloud

Software - Class 9 or Class 42? The SaaS vs Download Test

App or software users download and install on their deviceClass 9 (Examples: Android app, iOS app, desktop software, AI tool)

SaaS platform, cloud software, subscription web app, no download neededClass 42 (Examples: Zoho, Freshworks, Salesforce India)

⚠️ Product with BOTH a downloadable app AND a cloud backend serviceRegister in BOTH Class 9 and Class 42

💡 Telecom brand selling both a SIM card and a network serviceClass 9 (SIM) + Class 38 (network service)


🚫 Not Included

What is NOT Included in Trademark Class 9?

Products and services commonly confused with Class 9 that belong to other NICE trademark classes in India.

Product / ServiceCorrect ClassWhy Excluded from Class 9
Mobile network, broadband & internet servicesClass 38Communication services = Class 38; electronic devices = Class 9
SaaS cloud platforms, IT consulting, software dev servicesClass 42Technology services = Class 42; downloadable software goods = Class 9
Online education platforms and e-learning servicesClass 41Educational and training services = Class 41
E-commerce platform services and online retailClass 35Business and retail services = Class 35
Electronic appliances: hair dryers, electric toothbrushesClass 11Household electrical appliances = Class 11 (not Class 9)
Power tools: electric drills, electric sawsClass 7Motor-driven industrial tools and machines = Class 7
Repair and maintenance of electronicsClass 37Repair and installation services = Class 37
Medical devices used by healthcare professionalsClass 10Professional medical apparatus = Class 10
Physical recorded music CDs, DVDs, booksClass 16Pre-recorded physical media as published goods = Class 16

📱 Who Needs Class 9?

Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 9 in India?

Any business manufacturing, selling, importing or distributing electronic products or software in India needs a TM Class 9 trademark registration.

📱

Smartphone & Gadget Brands

Mobile phone brands, tablet makers, wearable brands, TWS earphone brands, smartwatch companies and consumer electronics retailers

💾

Software & App Companies

Mobile app developers, desktop software companies, game developers, AI tool builders and any brand with downloadable software products

🤖

AI & Machine Learning Startups

Generative AI product companies, ML tools, computer vision software brands, NLP tools and AI-powered app developers building for the Indian market

📷

CCTV & Security Electronics

Surveillance camera brands, smart doorbell companies, fire alarm manufacturers, access control system brands and electronic security equipment sellers

EV & Clean Tech Brands

Electric vehicle charger brands, EV charging station manufacturers, solar inverter companies, smart meter brands and renewable energy electronics

🏭

Semiconductor & Component Brands

Chip designers, PCB manufacturers, battery brands, electronic component distributors and semiconductor companies operating in India

🔢

Scientific Instrument Companies

Digital multimeter brands, laboratory instrument makers, environmental monitoring equipment, surveying instrument and industrial measurement brands

🏠

IoT & Smart Home Brands

Smart home device makers, IoT sensor companies, voice assistant hardware brands, smart lock manufacturers and connected device startups


🏆 Indian Brand Examples

Famous Brands Registered Under TM Class 9 in India

Leading Indian and global technology companies selling electronic products and software in India with TM Class 9 trademark protection.

SA

Samsung India

TM Class 9 + Class 11 + Class 38

Samsung Galaxy smartphones, tablets, QLED TVs and home appliances — extensive multi-class trademark portfolio in India

bO

boAt Lifestyle

TM Class 9

India’s #1 wearable and audio brand — TWS earbuds, smartwatches, neckbands and speakers registered under Class 9

NO

Noise

TM Class 9

ColorFit smartwatches and Buds earphones — India’s top smartwatch brand by volume, fully registered under Class 9

TC

TCS

TM Class 9 + Class 42

Tata Consultancy Services software products and IT tools — Class 9 for software goods; Class 42 for IT services

IN

Infosys

TM Class 9 + Class 42

Infosys software products, Finacle banking software — one of India’s most valuable tech brand trademark portfolios

LA

Lava International

TM Class 9 + Class 38

Lava smartphones — India’s homegrown mobile phone brand, one of the first to register in Class 9 and Class 38

OP

OnePlus India

TM Class 9 + Class 11

OnePlus smartphones and OnePlus TV — premium tech brand with strong Class 9 and Class 11 trademark protection

HK

Hikvision India

TM Class 9

World’s largest CCTV brand operating in India — surveillance cameras, NVRs and security electronics all in Class 9


🔗 Coordinated Classes

Coordinated Classes for Tech & Electronics Brands

Tech companies typically need multiple trademark classes. Class 9 alone is rarely enough for a complete brand protection strategy.

⚠️
Critical for Tech Startups: Class 9 protects your electronic products and downloadable software. If you also provide cloud services (Class 42), telecom services (Class 38), repair services (Class 37) or retail services (Class 35), each needs a separate trademark. Missing one class = brand exposure in that activity.

📝 Registration Guide

How to Register a Trademark Under Class 9 in India

Step-by-step guide to registering your electronics, software or tech brand under TM Class 9 with IP India in 2026.

1

Conduct a Comprehensive Trademark Search

Search tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in for identical or similar marks in Class 9. With 60,000+ annual filings, Class 9 is the most crowded trademark class in India. Check for: exact name matches, phonetically similar names, similar logos, and names in related tech product categories. A generic name like “SmartPhone” or “DigiApp” will be refused as descriptive. Also search Class 38 and Class 42 for related conflicts from telecom and software service brands.

⏰ Time: 2–3 days due to high volume
2

Define Your Class 9 Goods Precisely

Be specific with your NICE 13th Edition goods description. Examples: “smartphones; downloadable mobile applications; wireless earphones; smartwatches; CCTV cameras”; “computer software for data analytics; artificial intelligence software”; “electric vehicle charging stations; IoT sensors”. A precise description avoids unnecessary examination objections and prevents over-broad claims that could be challenged.

📋 Specific NICE 13th Ed wording required
3

Gather Your Documents

Required: PAN + Aadhaar (individuals) or Certificate of Incorporation + PAN (companies), registered address proof, brand logo JPG (300×300 px minimum), Form TM-48 Power of Attorney if using an agent, and DPIIT startup recognition certificate or Udyam Registration for 50% fee concession. For tech startups: DPIIT recognition is straightforward and saves ₹4,500–₹9,000+ across your multi-class filings.

📄 Full documents list in section below
4

File Form TM-A on IP India Portal

File at ipindia.gov.in. Pay ₹4,500 (individuals/DPIIT startups/MSMEs) or ₹9,000 (companies/LLPs). Use ™ from Day 1. For tech brands in competitive categories — especially AI, fintech and consumer electronics — use Priority Examination (Form TM-63) at ₹2,700–₹5,400 extra to get examined in 1–2 months. This is strongly recommended for funded startups and pre-launch product brands.

⚡ E-filing: ₹500 cheaper than physical
5

Examination by IP India

Examination within 3–6 months. Class 9 common objections: similarity to established tech brands (Apple, Samsung, Google have active India IP teams); descriptive or generic names (“SmartCam”, “AI Assistant”); similarity with Class 38 or Class 42 marks for tech brands. If an Examination Report is issued, respond within 30 days with distinctiveness arguments, screenshots of product listings, investor documents and other evidence of brand use and recognition.

⏰ 3–6 months from filing
6

Publication & Opposition Window

After clearing examination, your mark is published in the Trade Marks Journal. Third parties have 4 months to oppose. Class 9 sees the highest number of oppositions in India — major tech multinationals (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung) all have active IP monitoring for India. Keep prior use evidence including app store listings, product launch screenshots, sales invoices, press coverage and social media reach.

📰 4-month opposition window
7

Registration Certificate Issued

Your Trademark Registration Certificate is issued, valid for 10 years across all of India. Use ® legally. For tech companies: Class 9 registration enables Amazon Brand Registry, Flipkart Brand Registry and app store brand protection. It also supports anti-counterfeiting actions for physical electronics and helps with customs recordal to stop import of infringing electronics. Renew with Form TM-R 6 months before expiry.

🏆 Total: approx. 12–18 months

📄 Documents Required

Documents Required for Class 9 Trademark Registration

👤

Identity Proof

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

🌌

Address Proof

Utility bill, GST registration, lease agreement or registered office certificate showing applicant’s current address

🖼️

Brand Logo / Wordmark

JPG format, min 300×300 px. B&W filing gives broadest colour protection. For tech brands: avoid logos that only depict generic device shapes

📋

Power of Attorney (TM-48)

Required if filing through a trademark agent. Highly recommended for Class 9 given the complexity of opposition proceedings by multinational tech brands

💻

DPIIT / MSME Certificate

DPIIT startup recognition or Udyam Registration for 50% fee concession (₹4,500 vs ₹9,000). Most tech startups can get DPIIT recognition even pre-revenue

📝

Goods Description (Class 9)

Precise NICE 13th Ed list. Example: “smartphones; downloadable software; computer programs; wireless earphones; CCTV cameras; artificial intelligence software”


💰 Fees 2026

Trademark Class 9 Registration Fees India 2026

Official IP India government fee schedule for Class 9, effective January 2026.

✅ Individual / DPIIT Startup / MSME

50% Concession

₹4,500 per class
For individuals, DPIIT-recognised startups and Udyam MSMEs. Most Indian tech startups qualify. Getting DPIIT recognition first saves ₹4,500+ on every class you file.
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, LLPs and large tech brands. Multinational brands like Samsung, Apple and Google pay per class per mark. Larger brands maintain dozens of Class 9 registrations.
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 at least 6 months before expiry. Late renewal = +50% surcharge. A tech brand name built over years is worth protecting indefinitely. boAt, Noise and Lava all maintain renewed Class 9 registrations.
Individual / MSME₹4,500
Company / LLP₹9,000
Late Surcharge+50%

⏰ Timeline

Class 9 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 Tech Startups: Class 9 has the highest filing volume in India, meaning examination queues are longer. Always use Priority Examination (Form TM-63) if you are in a competitive tech niche, launching a product soon, or seeking investor funding. Investors increasingly ask for trademark status during due diligence. Getting examined in 1–2 months vs 6 months can make a real difference to fundraising timelines.

❓ FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions — TM Class 9 India

TM Class 9 in India covers electronic and scientific apparatus; computers; computer software; downloadable apps and programs; smartphones; tablets; wearables; earphones; CCTV cameras; fire alarm systems; semiconductors; electric vehicle chargers; IoT devices; AI software; and all electronic goods. It follows the NICE 13th Edition and is the most-filed trademark class in India with 60,000+ annual applications.
Yes. Downloadable software, mobile apps, AI tools, computer programs and game software are all Class 9 goods. SaaS cloud platforms where no download occurs = Class 42. Apps users download from app stores = Class 9. If your brand does both, register in both Class 9 and Class 42 for complete protection.
Class 9 = electronic products and downloadable software goods. Class 38 = communication and telecom services. A smartphone = Class 9. The mobile network (Jio, Airtel) = Class 38. A router = Class 9. The broadband service = Class 38. Telecom equipment brands typically register in both Class 9 and Class 38.
Class 9 = downloadable software products. Class 42 = software development services and SaaS platforms. A downloadable antivirus app = Class 9. Antivirus-as-a-service subscription = Class 42. Custom mobile app development service = Class 42. The app itself (downloadable) = Class 9. Most tech companies register in both.
Yes. All audio devices including wired earphones, TWS earbuds, over-ear headphones, wireless headphones, noise-cancelling headphones, gaming headsets and portable Bluetooth speakers are Class 9. boAt, Noise, Mivi, pTron and Boult Audio are all registered under Class 9 with IP India.
Yes. Under NICE 13th Edition 2026, artificial intelligence software, machine learning software, neural network software, AI-powered applications and generative AI tools are explicitly included in Class 9. Indian AI startups and global AI companies entering India should register their brand under Class 9.
Yes. EV charging stations, EV chargers and charging cables are explicitly in Class 9 under NICE 13th Edition 2026. EV brands like Tata Power EV Charging, ChargeZone, Statiq and Ather Energy should file under Class 9 for their charging hardware. EV charging subscription network services may additionally need Class 37 or Class 39.
Yes. CCTV cameras, IP cameras, security cameras, video doorbells, fire alarm systems, burglar alarm systems, smoke detectors and electronic access control systems are all Class 9. Hikvision, Dahua, CP Plus and Honeywell India are all registered under Class 9 for surveillance and security equipment.
Government fee: ₹4,500 for individuals, DPIIT startups and MSMEs via e-filing. ₹9,000 for companies and LLPs. Physical filing costs ₹500 more. Priority Examination (Form TM-63) costs ₹2,700 extra for MSMEs and ₹5,400 for companies. These are the official IP India fees effective January 2026.
Yes. One Class 9 registration covers both hardware products and downloadable software under the same brand name. If brand ABC registers in Class 9, it covers both the ABC smartphone and the ABC downloadable app. However, if ABC also provides SaaS services = needs Class 42. Telecom services = needs Class 38.
12 to 18 months total: examination in 3–6 months, 4-month opposition window, then certificate. Class 9 is the highest-volume class in India so queues are longer. Use Priority Examination via Form TM-63 for faster processing. Use ™ from Day 1. ® only after certificate.
Yes. DPIIT-recognised startups pay ₹4,500 vs ₹9,000 per class. Most early-stage tech startups can get DPIIT recognition even pre-revenue. Get DPIIT recognition first from startupindia.gov.in, then file your Class 9 trademark. Across multiple class filings (Class 9 + 38 + 42), the saving is ₹13,500–₹27,000+.
Yes. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart bands, health monitors, wearable heart rate monitors, GPS trackers and all wearable electronic devices are Class 9. boAt, Noise, Fire-Boltt, Fastrack and Garmin India are all registered under Class 9 for smartwatch and wearable product lines.

Protect Your Tech & Electronics Brand in India

India’s technology sector is the fastest-growing in the world. Register your Class 9 trademark before a competitor does — starting at just ₹4,500 for DPIIT startups.

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