Trademark Class 9 —
Electronics, Software,
AI & Technology India
Complete guide to TM Class 9: official goods list, Class 9 vs Class 38 vs Class 42, registration fees, top Indian tech brands — including smartphones, software, AI tools, earphones, CCTV, EV chargers & wearables, updated 2026.
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.
TM Class 9 covers all electronics, software, apps, AI tools, cameras, earphones, computers and digital devices — the most-filed technology class in India 2026.
Simple AI Explanation — Class 9 in Plain Language
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.
✔ 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
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.
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.
TM Class 9 is India’s broadest technology class — covering hardware, software, AI, IoT, audio, cameras, EVs and all electronic goods under NICE 13th Edition 2026.
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
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.
Key distinction: Class 9 protects your physical or downloadable electronic products. Class 38 = communication services. Class 42 = IT and software development services. Tech brands typically need all three.
☞ Class 9 vs Class 38 — The Product vs Service Divide
Trademark Class 9
Trademark Class 38
Software - Class 9 or Class 42? The SaaS vs Download Test
✅ App or software users download and install on their device → Class 9 (Examples: Android app, iOS app, desktop software, AI tool)
✅ SaaS platform, cloud software, subscription web app, no download needed → Class 42 (Examples: Zoho, Freshworks, Salesforce India)
⚠️ Product with BOTH a downloadable app AND a cloud backend service → Register in BOTH Class 9 and Class 42
💡 Telecom brand selling both a SIM card and a network service → Class 9 (SIM) + Class 38 (network service)
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 / Service | Correct Class | Why Excluded from Class 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile network, broadband & internet services | Class 38 | Communication services = Class 38; electronic devices = Class 9 |
| SaaS cloud platforms, IT consulting, software dev services | Class 42 | Technology services = Class 42; downloadable software goods = Class 9 |
| Online education platforms and e-learning services | Class 41 | Educational and training services = Class 41 |
| E-commerce platform services and online retail | Class 35 | Business and retail services = Class 35 |
| Electronic appliances: hair dryers, electric toothbrushes | Class 11 | Household electrical appliances = Class 11 (not Class 9) |
| Power tools: electric drills, electric saws | Class 7 | Motor-driven industrial tools and machines = Class 7 |
| Repair and maintenance of electronics | Class 37 | Repair and installation services = Class 37 |
| Medical devices used by healthcare professionals | Class 10 | Professional medical apparatus = Class 10 |
| Physical recorded music CDs, DVDs, books | Class 16 | Pre-recorded physical media as published goods = Class 16 |
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
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.
Samsung India
Samsung Galaxy smartphones, tablets, QLED TVs and home appliances — extensive multi-class trademark portfolio in India
boAt Lifestyle
India’s #1 wearable and audio brand — TWS earbuds, smartwatches, neckbands and speakers registered under Class 9
Noise
ColorFit smartwatches and Buds earphones — India’s top smartwatch brand by volume, fully registered under Class 9
TCS
Tata Consultancy Services software products and IT tools — Class 9 for software goods; Class 42 for IT services
Infosys
Infosys software products, Finacle banking software — one of India’s most valuable tech brand trademark portfolios
Lava International
Lava smartphones — India’s homegrown mobile phone brand, one of the first to register in Class 9 and Class 38
OnePlus India
OnePlus smartphones and OnePlus TV — premium tech brand with strong Class 9 and Class 11 trademark protection
Hikvision India
World’s largest CCTV brand operating in India — surveillance cameras, NVRs and security electronics all in Class 9
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.
Control systems, industrial machines and power tools
11Household electrical appliances (hair dryers, LED lights)
35Retail, e-commerce platform and advertising services
37Electronic repair, installation and maintenance services
38Internet, broadband and mobile network services
42SaaS, software development, AI consulting and cloud
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.
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 volumeDefine 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 requiredGather 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 belowFile 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 physicalExamination 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 filingPublication & 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 windowRegistration 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 monthsDocuments 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”
Trademark Class 9 Registration Fees India 2026
Official IP India government fee schedule for Class 9, effective January 2026.
50% Concession
Standard Rate
Unlimited Renewals
Class 9 Trademark Registration Timeline in India
Frequently Asked Questions — TM Class 9 India
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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