In India, the classification for trademarks is based on the international Nice Classification, which divides goods (classes 1–34) and services (35–45) into 45 distinct classes. A trademark (unique name or logo, symbol, etc.) is a symbol that identifies and discloses the product of a brand. This is of critical importance for many startups (especially if they are producing metal goods, hardware or construction materials)Class 6. This class includes materials used in construction, industry, infrastructure and packaging (non-precious) metals and metal based goods By registering in Class 6, these businesses have exclusive legal rights to their brand in this domain, thus preventing imitators and helping build credentials to win consumer trust. It also means when customers spot your mark on metal products, they have trust your company made the goods.

A trademark class is a division in the Indian trademark registry that specifies the goods or services for which a mark is protected. Officially, here is what Class 6 entails:

Goods in common metal not included in other classes; common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; ironmongery, small items of metal hardware, pipes and tubes of metal; safes; ores..

Functionally, Class 6 is the category of “metals and hardware.” This covers raw and semi-manufactured metal (such as iron, steel, aluminum, copper, etc.) and a lot of items produced from them. Tata Steel-the largest steel producer globally, manufactured steel bars, sheets, nails, fasteners to name a few under Class 6. Similarly, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) which produces metal sheets, bars and rods, too are an age-old Class 6 good.

So, by the Indian system of classification (which uses), Class 5 is broadly “pharmaceuticals and medical goods”. It is necessary that products are mentioned in the trade mark application in this regard. For instance, an antibiotic syrup or a vitamin supplement could be a Class 5 category product while a general or ordinary soap or cosmetic would come in Class 3 (cosmetic and cleaning) and would not be protected by Class 5.

That is why it is important to apply under the right class because, if you don’t, you may be refused or have restrictions on your protection.

• Common metals & alloys: Metals, steel, iron, copper, aluminum and alloys This can be in an unwrought or semi-finished form (For e.g. steel billets, rods, or iron plates.) For nails, screws, bolts, wires, metal pipes (for constructions and manufacturing )
• Metal construction materials: core materials and boards – steel beams, roof coverings, fencing, metal laths, gutter systems. 
• Portable metal buildings: Premade metal buildings, warehouses, or cabins used for easy construction of warehouses, sites, or portable offices. (Class 6: A few Indian firms build prefabricated metal warehouses.)
• Materials of metal for railway tracks: Metal rails, components of rails and ties for rail tracks are included here.
• Metal cables and wires (non-electric): Includes steel cables, wire ropes, chains, and other related non-electrical wiring for industrial use. Say for example KEI Industries present as a main stainless-steel wire manufacturer in India its products would be Class six.
• Ironmongery and small metal hardware: Locks, hinges, bolts, nuts, screws, nails, brackets, fasteners, casters, window fittings, and small hand tools (if sold as goods). For instance, Godrej & Boyce is an Indian brand, well known for its metal safes and locks.
• Metal containers: barrels, tanks, cans, or other metal containers to hold or transport materials; Class 6 — The classification for packaging that contains steels, such as JSW Steel, which makes steel drum containers for liquids
• Safes and strongboxes: Metal safes for securing valuables and papers. For [e.g. in the case of Godrej, safes]
• Ores & Raw Metal : Goods Ores and basic metal shapes (ingots, sheets, pipes, tubes) in the raw state. Same applies to metals in powder or foil form for 3D printers, class 6 of the recent Nice Classification speaks explicitly of metal powders for 3D printing.

Examples of goods in Class 6 Metal hardware such as nuts and bolts Metal hardware such as nuts and bolts are key examples of goods in Class 6, and highlighting the common hardware and fasteners covered in this category.

Class 6 is mostly defined not with a broad industry nor function, but rather by the material (common metal) or use (construction/hardware). Metals construction items fall in Class 6, for instance, a steel railway bridge and a steel pipe. Keep in mind that if the function is purely utilitarian, then most metal artifacts are literally classified elsewhere (see “Misconceptions” below). 

More List

• advertisement columns of metal
• alloys of common metal
• aluminium
• aluminium wire
• aluminium foil
• anchor plates / tie plates
• anchors
• angle irons
• anti-friction metal
• anvils
• anvils [portable]
• arbours [structures of metal]
• armour-plating / armor-plating
• armoured doors of metal / armored doors of metal
• aviaries of metal [structures]
• badges of metal for vehicles
• balls of steel
• bands of metal for tying-up purposes / wrapping or binding bands of metal
• barbed wire
• barrel hoops of metal
• barrels of metal
• bars for metal railings
• baskets of metal
• bathtub grab bars of metal
• beacons of metal, non-luminous
• beak-irons [bick-irons]
• bed casters of metal
• bells for animals
• bells
• machine belt fasteners of metal
• belt stretchers of metal
• beryllium [glucinium] / glucinium [beryllium]
• bicycle parking installations of metal
• binding screws of metal for cables
• binding thread of metal for agricultural purposes
• bindings of metal
• bird baths [structures of metal]
• blooms [metallurgy]
• bolts of metal
• bolts, flat
• bottle caps of metal / capsules of metal for bottles / sealing caps of metal for bottles
• bottle closures of metal / bottle fasteners of metal
• bottles [metal containers] for compressed gas or liquid air
• box fasteners of metal
• boxes of common metal
• braces of metal for handling loads / braces of metal for load handling / harness of metal for handling loads / harness of metal for load handling
• brackets of metal for building
• branching pipes of metal
• brass, unwrought or semi-wrought
• brazing alloys
• bronze
• bronzes for tombstones / monuments of bronze for tombs
• bronzes [works of art]
• broom handles of metal
• buckles of common metal [hardware]
• building or furniture fittings of nickel-silver
• building materials of metal
• building boards of metal / building panels of metal
• buildings, transportable, of metal
• buildings of metal
• busts of common metal
• cabanas of metal
• cable joints of metal, non-electric / cable linkages of metal, non-electric
• cables of metal, non-electric
• cadmium
• metal cages for wild animals
• casement windows of metal
• cashboxes of metal
• casings of metal for oilwells
• cask stands of metal
• casks of metal
• cast steel
• cast iron, unwrought or semi-wrought
• cattle chains
• ceilings of metal
• celtium [hafnium] / hafnium [celtium]
• cermets
• chains of metal
• chests of metal for food / meat safes of metal
• chests of metal / bins of metal
• chicken-houses of metal
• chill-moulds [foundry] / chill-molds [foundry]
• chimney cowls of metal
• chimney pots of metal
• chimney shafts of metal
• chimneys of metal
• chrome iron
• chrome ores
• chromium
• clips of metal for cables and pipes
• closures of metal for containers
• clothes hooks of metal
• cobalt, raw
• collars of metal for fastening pipes
• common metals, unwrought or semi-wrought
• containers of metal for storing acids
• containers of metal [storage, transport]
• containers of metal for compressed gas or liquid air
• containers of metal for liquid fuel
• copper, unwrought or semi-wrought
• copper rings
• copper wire, not insulated
• cornices of metal
• cotter pins of metal
• couplings of metal for chains
• crampons [climbing irons]
• cramps of metal [crampons] / crampons of metal [cramps]
• crash barriers of metal for roads
• diving boards of metal
• door stops of metal / gate stops of metal
• door scrapers / foot scrapers
• door bells of metal, non-electric
• door closers, non-electric / door springs, non-electric
• door knockers of metal
• door handles of metal
• door panels of metal
• door bolts of metal
• door openers, non-electric
• door frames of metal / door casings of metal
• door fittings of metal
• doors of metal
• drain pipes of metal
• drain traps [valves] of metal
• duckboards of metal
• ducts of metal, for central heating installations / ducts and pipes of metal for central heating installations / pipes of metal, for central heating installations
• ducts of metal for ventilating and air conditioning installations
• elbows of metal for pipes
• enclosures of metal for tombs
• eye bolts / screw rings
• fences of metal
• ferrules of metal for walking sticks
• ferrules of metal for handles
• ferrules of metal
• figurines [statuettes] of common metal / statuettes of common metal
• filings of metal
• firedogs [andirons]
• fish plates [rails]
• fittings of metal for windows
• fittings of metal for building
• fittings of metal for compressed air ducts
• fittings of metal for coffins
• fittings of metal for furniture
• fittings of metal for beds
• flanges of metal [collars]
• flashing of metal, for building
• floating docks of metal, for mooring boats
• floating containers of metal
• floor tiles of metal
• floors of metal
• foils of metal for wrapping and packaging
• foundry molds [moulds] of metal
• frames of metal for building
• framework of metal for building
• materials of metal for funicular railway permanent ways
• furnace fireguards of metal
• furniture casters of metal
• galena [ore]
• gates of metal
• German silver
• germanium
• girders of metal
• gold solder
• gratings of metal / grilles of metal
• grave slabs of metal / tomb slabs of metal
• grease nipples
• greenhouse frames of metal
• greenhouses of metal, transportable
• guard rails of metal
• gutter pipes of metal
• handcuffs
• handling pallets of metal
• hinges of metal
• hooks [metal hardware]
• hooks for slate [metal hardware]
• hooks of metal for clothes rails
• hoppers of metal, non-mechanical
• horseshoe nails
• house numbers of metal, non-luminous
• ice moulds of metal
• identification bracelets of metal
• identity plates of metal
• indium
• ingots of common metal
• insect screens of metal
• iron slabs
• iron, unwrought or semi-wrought
• iron strip / hoop iron
• iron wire
• iron ores
• ironmongery* / hardware* of metal, small
• ironwork for windows
• ironwork for doors
• jalousies of metal
• jets of metal
• joists of metal
• junctions of metal for pipes
• keys
• knife handles of metal
• knobs of metal
• ladders of metal
• latch bars of metal
• latches of metal
• laths of metal
• latticework of metal / trellis of metal
• lead seals
• lead, unwrought or semi-wrought
• letter boxes of metal
• letters and numerals of common metal, except type
• limonite
• linings of metal [building] / cladding of metal for construction and building
• lintels of metal
• loading pallets of metal
• loading gauge rods, of metal, for railway waggons / loading gauge rods, of metal, for railway wagons
• lock bolts
• locks of metal, other than electric
• locks of metal for vehicles
• locks of metal for bags
• magnesium
• manganese
• manhole covers of metal
• manifolds of metal for pipelines
• masts of metal
• memorial plates of metal / memorial plaques of metal
• metals in powder form*
• mobile boarding stairs of metal for passengers
• molybdenum iron
• molybdenum
• monuments of metal
• monuments of metal for tombs
• mooring bollards of metal
• mooring buoys of metal
• mouldings of metal for cornices / moldings of metal for cornices
• nails
• nickel
• nickel-silver
• niobium
• nozzles of metal
• nuts of metal
• ores of metal
• outdoor blinds of metal
• packaging containers of metal
• padlocks
• paint spraying booths of metal / booths of metal for spraying paint
• palings of metal
• partitions of metal
• paving blocks of metal
• paving slabs of metal
• pegs of metal
• penstock pipes of metal
• pigsties of metal
• pillars of metal for buildings
• pins [hardware]
• pipe muffs of metal
• pipework of metal
• pitons of metal
• platforms, prefabricated, of metal
• plugs of metal / bungs of metal
• poles of metal
• porches of metal [building]
• posts of metal
• posts of metal for power lines / poles of metal for power lines
• pot hooks of metal
• prefabricated houses [kits] of metal
• preserving boxes of metal / preserve tins / tin cans
• props of metal
• pulleys of metal, other than for machines
• pyrophoric metals
• rails of metal
• railway points / railway switches
• railway material of metal
• railway sleepers of metal / railroad ties of metal
• reels of metal, non-mechanical, for flexible hoses
• refractory construction materials of metal
• registration plates of metal / numberplates of metal
• reinforcing materials, of metal, for concrete
• reinforcing materials of metal for pipes
• reinforcing materials of metal for building
• reinforcing materials of metal for machine belts
• rings of metal / stop collars of metal
• rings of common metal for keys
• rivets of metal
• rocket launching platforms of metal
• rods of metal for brazing
• rods of metal for brazing and welding
• rods of metal for welding
• roller blinds of steel
• roof flashing of metal
• roof gutters of metal
• roof coverings of metal
• roofing tiles of metal
• roofing of metal
• roofing of metal, incorporating solar cells
• rope thimbles of metal
• ropes of metal
• runners of metal for sliding doors
• safes [strong boxes]
• safety cashboxes
• safety chains of metal
• scaffolding of metal
• screw tops of metal for bottles
• screws of metal
• scythe handles of metal
• sealing caps of metal
• sheaf binders of metal
• sheet piles of metal / pilings of metal
• sheets and plates of metal
• shims
• shuttering of metal for concrete
• shutters of metal
• signalling panels, non-luminous and non-mechanical, of metal
• signboards of metal
• signs, non-luminous and non-mechanical, of metal, for roads
• signs, non-luminous and non-mechanical, of metal
• silicon iron
• sills of metal
• silos of metal
• silver solder
• silver-plated tin alloys
• skating rinks [structures of metal]
• slabs of metal for building
• sleeves [metal hardware]
• slings of metal for handling loads
• soldering wire of metal
• spring locks
• springs [metal hardware]
• spurs
• stables of metal
• stair treads [steps] of metal
• staircases of metal
• statues of common metal
• steel, unwrought or semi-wrought
• steel alloys
• steel strip / hoop steel
• steel wire
• steel masts
• steel sheets
• steel tubes / steel pipes
• steel buildings
• step stools of metal
• steps [ladders] of metal
• stops of metal
• strap-hinges of metal
• straps of metal for handling loads / belts of metal for handling loads / straps of metal for load handling
• street gutters of metal
• stretchers for iron bands [tension links]
• stretchers for metal bands [tension links]
• stringers [parts of staircases] of metal
• swimming pools [metal structures]
• tacks [nails] / brads
• tanks of metal / reservoirs of metal
• tantalum [metal]
• taps for casks of metal
• telegraph posts of metal
• telephone booths of metal / telephone boxes of metal
• telpher cables
• tension links
• tent pegs of metal
• thread of metal for tying-up purposes
• tile floorings of metal
• tiles of metal for building
• tin
• tinfoil
• tinplate packings
• tinplate
• titanium iron / ferrotitanium
• titanium
• tombac
• tombs of metal
• tombstone plaques of metal
• tombstone stelae of metal
• tool handles of metal
• tool boxes of metal, empty
• tool chests of metal, empty
• towel dispensers, fixed, of metal
• transport pallets of metal
• traps for wild animals
• trays of metal
• tree protectors of metal
• troughs of metal for mixing mortar
• tubbing of metal
• tubes of metal / pipes of metal
• tungsten iron
• tungsten
• turnstiles of metal
• turntables [railways]
• valves of metal, other than parts of machines
• vanadium
• vats of metal
• vaults of metal [burial]
• vice claws of metal
• vice benches of metal
• wainscotting of metal
• wall plugs of metal
• wall claddings of metal [building]
• wall linings of metal [building]
• wall tiles of metal
• washers of metal
• water-pipe valves of metal
• water-pipes of metal
• weather- or wind-vanes of metal / weather vanes of metal / wind vanes of metal
• wheel clamps [boots]
• white metal
• wind-driven bird-repelling devices made of metal
• winding spools of metal, non-mechanical, for flexible hoses
• window stops of metal / sash fasteners of metal for windows
• window pulleys / sash pulleys
• window casement bolts
• window fasteners of metal
• window frames of metal
• window openers, non-electri
• window closers, non-electric
• windows of metal
• wire of common metal
• wire cloth / wire gauze
• wire stretchers [tension links]
• wire of common metal alloys, except fuse wire
• wire rope
• works of art of common metal
• zinc
• zirconium

Registering a Class 6 trademark is necessary for brands (and particularly for those startups that produce metal products or hardware) to be well protected. A registered mark provides exclusive legal ownership of the brand name or logo in that particular class. That gives it the exclusive right to prevent any other company from using a similar sounding mark of goods made of metal. Key benefits include:

Right & Legal Protection: By registering, you own the trademark associated with Class 6 goods. You can stop others from using or copying your mark in this class. But if someone cracks your code, you are legally allowed to send cease-and-desist letters or sue.

Brand Remember: A trademark can differentiate your brand. In competitive industries, a registered mark helps build trust in consumers as it indicates consistency and source. For instance, a contractor or welder will instantly identify the “Tata Steel” brand mark on wires or beams and will connect it with quality.

Brand Protection: Your Class 6 locks your slice of the market. This means no competitor can use a similar name on metal so your startup identity stays yours. This exclusivity helps also with business growth, as having a strong trademark is a gateway to new metal product and/or geographical lines of business without needing to rebrand.

For Creation of an Intangible Asset:

A registered trademark is an asset by itself. You can license or franchise the brand, making it even more valuable to your brand. Not just that, over time as your brand creates goodwill, this trademark can even appear on your company’s balance sheet.

In short, Trademark Class 6 is relevant for your brand as it legally ties your brand to your metal goods. If your rival copied your mark and did away with your brand presence from it, you would have no recourse. The Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999 clearly states that a registered trademark “provides a shield against infringement” and should be renewed every 10 years.

For startups, early registration in Class 6 ensures that this shield is available right from the get-go.

Class 6 spans a wide range of metal products. The main categories and examples are:

• Common metals and alloys (raw materials): Iron, steel, aluminum, copper, and the like. These are often in unwrought or semi-wrought form. Typically, nails, screws, nuts, bolts, metal wires, and cables, rods and pipes are derived from these, which are vital in construction and manufacturing. Examples: Tata Steel’s products – such as steel bars, and sheets, nails and fasteners – are prototypical Class 6 goods.

• Metal building materials: Structural and architectural metal parts. These include steel beams, metal roofing sheets, fencing, scaffolding, gutters, gratings, and railings. Used in building and construction of buildings, bridges etc. Examples: SAIL’s offerings – metal sheets, bars, rods – fit here, as these are used in industrial and construction purposes.

• Transportable metal buildings and structures: Prefabricated houses and sheds, storage containers and other things that can be moved that are wholly or partly of metal. Eg: Modular metal warehouses or metal enclosures sold to construction sites.

• Railway metal materials: Metal elements for railways, rails, sleepers (if metallic), rail fastenings, and track elements. Given that rail components are essentially steel structures, they are classified as Class 6 (not a machinery class).

• Non-electric metal conductor cables and ropes: Metal wire ropes, steel cables, chains, and related non-electric conductive wires for use in lifting and rigging applications, as well as in construction. These are essential in logistics and heavy industries. Class 6 products: KEI Industries’ stainless steel wires

• Metal and Tools: Small hardware such as locks, hinges, brackets, catches, keys, screws, bolts and ironmongery (classed as goods). Even metal furniture casters or window fasteners are counted. Case in point: locks and safes of Godrej & Boyce – Though individual lock mechanism can be classified under a fresh class, the metal body/locks of the safes will come under Class 6.

• Metal packaging: Steel drums, barrel, jerrycans, tanks, bins and other containers (metal packaging for the storage or transport of liquids or solids) For example, steel drum containers in which one may use to ship chemicals or food grade tanks are Class 6 goods. (One such product includes JSW Steel metal drum containers.)

• Safes and strongboxes: Metal boxes designed to protect valuables. These are high-security storage units covered under Class 6

• Class 6: Other Metal Goods: Click here for class 6 Although many special metal products well fit these industry categories, there are other products not classified elsewhere. These are metal plates, metal sheets, metal frames, other metal based furniture (some heavy-duty types), ladders, fence, gates, and rails (not for railways). Also, metal sculptures, statues, art works and other metal fittings.

In Class 6, we can expect to see modern manufacturing trends here – printing of metal parts, for example. Class 6 goods to be covered include those that reference changing technologies in industry, with “metals in foil or powder form for 3D printers” being explicitly stated by the Nice Classification.

Class 6 goods cover the entire spectrum from raw metal to metal final products in construction & industry. Class 6 will likely apply if your startup manufactures or sells products “made of common metal.”

The procedure for applying for a Class 6 trademark in India is the same as the normal trademark application procedure with a few class-specific points. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Perform a Trademark Search The Indian Trademark Registry maintained database (or third-party tools) should be used to search for identical or similar marks in Class 6 before applying. This helps you avoid conflicts. For instance, Type your proposed mark on IP India portal and Class 6 and search. What is a thorough search? A thorough search can reveal existing registrations or applications that may be able to block yours. This is a very important step in order to protect your brand.

Step1: File the Form TM-A Step 5: Finalize your mark and prepare the trademark application form. Indicate:

• Name, business type, address of the applicant ( e.g. trademark (word, logo or slogan to be registered)
• TM : Class of goods (Class 6) and a comprehensive list of goods in this class Get Down to Specifics – For example, BE steel wires, metallic fasteners, metal containers, locks.
• Use begin date (if already in use, otherwise intent to use)
• Signature of applicant (may be digital or wet, depending on filing mode).

You will need documents as proof of identity, and proof of address:

• For persons: Aadhar card, PAN, deal with proof (driving license and many others.)
• For companies/LLPs: Incorporation certificate, CIN/PAN, board resolution for trademark, etc.
• For proprietorships/partnerships – GST certificate (if reg.), partnership deed etc.
• An image of the log (if it is a device)
• Gather any and all paperwork you need to provide before you file.

File the Application. Filing could be through electronic mode on the IP India e-filing portal ( ipindiaonline. at www.ipindia.gov.in or in-person at a Trademark Office) Faster, cheaper online filing of petitions. For e-filing you need to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (Class II/III DSC). Please visit IP India website in India and fill the application for registration of a trade mark (Form TM-A).

Pay the official fee:

• ₹4,500 (e-filing) per class of goods for Individuals, Startups and Small Enterprises.
• ₹9,000 (e-filing) per class for other applicants (corporates etc.).
• (Offline filing fees are marginally higher: ₹5,000/₹10,000 per class.)

Examined by the Trademark Office After filing, the application is examined by the Controller of Trademarks (usually 1–2 months). This orange book is what they call an Examination Report. It will either take the mark through, or issue objections (absolute or relative) if the mark is in conflict with a prior or is otherwise defective (non-distinctive, deceptive, etc). In case of objections, the applicant will be notified to respond in a period of one month, with counterarguments or amendments.

Posting in the Trademark Journal Once the examiner passes the mark, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal to invite opposition (which takes about 3–6 months after filing). For the next 4 months, any third parties may oppose registration if they believe the mark conflicts with their pre-existing marks.

RC (Registration Certificate) In the absence of opposition (or in case of any opposition being disposed of in your favour), the Trademark Registry grants a registration certificate. Class 6 applications generally take on average 12–18 months despite the absence of significant hurdles from filing to registration. YOUR TRADEMARK IS PROTECTED FOR 10 YEARS AFTER REGISTRATION.

Renewal. Renew every 10 years to keep the trademark active The renewal fee is ₹9,000 (e-filing) or ₹10,000 (paper) for each class Additional charges will be applied for late renewal.

During the whole process make sure that you quote your Class 6 goods correctly. Vague or overly broad descriptions can snowball into office objections. When in doubt, speak to a trademark attorney, or look at some of the online guides (see Additional Resources below)

1. Formality check: The first you will hear is if the Registrar’s office have found no formality problems with your application. This means making sure all fields are completed and that paperwork is all in place. In the event that there are any deficiencies in the procedure, the office will issue a Formality Check Report (FRC) (usually known as examination report) and you will be requested to correct the deficiencies within a period of 30 days. Most frequent problems in this step are missing signatures, wrong enclosures, unclear Seal/Signature images.
2. Substantive examination: If your trade mark application meets the formality check (or once your trade mark application does), it then proceeds to substantive examination which is done by a Trademark Examiner 18. The office looks to see if the mark complies legally. Key considerations include:
3. Descriptiveness -Genericness: The mark must not be merely descriptive or generic. When it comes to medical commodities, more generic terms (such as “HEALTHY”, “PAIN GONE”, etc.) are refused quite frequently. The examiner “evaluate[s] the distinctiveness of the mark” .
4. No prior mark has precedence: The registry check by the examiner ensures that no identical or very similar mark exists in the same or similar class. If a clash exists, then a challenge is made.
5. Office action (Examination Report) Where there is a problem (either an absolute or relative issue because of an earlier mark) the Registrar will issue an Examination Report. You will receive this through the portal. It summarizes the protests and provides a timeline for you to respond. You typically have 30 days (with a potential 30-day extension) to provide a written response and any accompanying evidence. For instance, you may have to argue that your mark is unique, or distinguish your products from the cited mark, and you may have to do that at a hearing.
6. Objections: Respond to each objection specifically. In other words the examiner says its too generic, and you can argue against that through acquired distinctiveness, by proving years of use/ branding. If the problem is resemblance to an earlier mark, you could restrict the range of goods or point to dissimilarities in the mark itself / its meaning. A late response (or an insufficient reply) results in the abandonment of the application. The law, for instance, says that if the applicant “does not reply to the office action within the period set in the notice, then the application will be regarded as abandoned”.
7. Hearing (where applicable): If the written response is not satisfactory to the examiner, you may be given a hearing by the Registrar. Arguments from both sides (you & the Examiner/opponent) are made. The Registrar will issue the decision of whether or not to grant the application after the hearing (perhaps with amendments).

Myths and mistakes made by businesses in Class 6 We need to clear these up:

• “Class 6: All metal articles go” Not true. Objects of bullion metal or that serve specific purposes are categorized elsewhere. Class 14 — Jewelry, watches and goods in precious metals (even if metal) In the same way, utensils and vessels made out of metal fall under Class 21 (household goods), while metal furniture ( cabinets, chairs, etc.) goes under Class 20. Hence a gold ring would be Class 14 and a steel cooking pot would be Class 21 but they are not within Class 6.
• “Class 6: Surgical instruments Irrespective of metallic or non-metallic medical and surgical instruments are covered under the land Class 10 Class 10 instead of Class 6 – in the case of stainless steel scalpels or forceps.
• “Class 6: — “Hand tools” Regular metal hand tools (hammers, wrenches, spanners, pliers) are in Class 8 (Hand tools and implements) Instead, they are classified by use (tools) instead of material.
• Trademark Class based on type of company No — its all about products/services. Even if your startup is called MetalWorks Pvt Ltd, you do fill under Class 6 for metal goods and not, say Class 37 (construction services) until you do provide you services.
• A single trademark applies to every product. When a company manufactures products in different classes, each class must be addressed. A hardware company may sell metallic pipes (Class 6) but also may provide installation services (Class 37), therefore it will require the registration of both classes in the same application or in different applications. Filing limited to Class 6 and selling on other classes exposes the brand outside that class.

So in other words just because something is metal does not mean you should Class 6 it everywhere. And this is where you always verify the principal function of the goods and the Nice Classification rules. Being misclassified can cause the application to be denied or protection to be restricted. (When drafting the application, to ease yourself of this trouble, use WIPO Nice Classification list or use the class search tools options like IndiaFilings Class Search)

Trademark Class 6 – Getting Real (Case studies)

There are few examples of trademarks for class 6 which are famous today:

1. Tata Steel: This international steel company is registering their brand and product names under Class 6. They trademark steel products such as bars, sheets, nails and also fasteners. This enables Tata Steel to use “TATA Steel” (and logos) on such goods, and therefore, no competitor may use the mark in relation to metal goods of the same description, which would be similar goods under the Act leading to brand dilution. Large B2B contracts are easier to close because the strength of their trademark guarantees the identity of Tata in construction or manufacturing.
2. JSW Steel: Trademarks applied for its Class 6 industrial metal goods (e.g. metal drums, structural steel, and steel tubes) This allows JSW to reserve names such as “JSW” or any proprietary product marks for piping and storage containers, thereby strengthening its infrastructure presence,
3. Jindal Stainless: Jindal Stainless being a leader in stainless steel has registered their brand for stainless steel products (sheets, coils etc, bathroom fittings covered in class 6) As a result, it has extended into overseas markets with an established identity, confident its brand is protected from knock-offs.
4. Apollo Pipes & Tubes: Apollo has Class 6 trademarks for its metal pipes, tubes, and plumbing fittings. Registering helped Apollo gain credibility in the construction supply chain while builders using Apollo pipes say that they pay for quality because they know the brand is registered.
5. Godrej & Boyce (Locks): Godrej’s locks and safes division has applied to trademark its lock designs and brand in Class 6. And as previously stated their higher-up safes and high-security locks belong in this class. Godrej has earned the reliability now associated with its products, thanks in part to the fact that “Godrej” on the door means “only Godrej” since they have the door adequately registered.

THE ANALYSIS: Cemetery authorities say the Class 6 registration, in each case, provides these companies exclusive rights to sell the metal goods. They can stop copycat brands using similar names or logos on similar products. In fact, this protection has helped solidify their market positions: these trademarked brands are instantaneously identifiable by customers and stakeholders, resulting in long-term goodwill. These examples highlight for startups that even technical or industrial products benefit from the added value of a trademark brand. The benefits of registration well outweighs the cost involved.

Choosing the right class is very important, and startups should keep these following practical pointers in mind:

Start with a Trademark Search: Always start with the Indian Trade Marks database (IP India e-Filing site) to see what has already been protected or applied for. Class 6 : Same and Similar Marks Prevention of costly disputes A detailed search will prevent the above.

Classification Tools: Classification Tools like the IndiaFilings Class Finder or WIPO’s Nice Classification Search can help identify various classes under which your goods can be mapped. Experts say there is ultimately no overstating the importance of a trademark class search to the protection of a business’ intellectual property and brand. Correct classification minimises objections and re-filing.

Specification of Goods: Do not simply write hardware items; write specific goods (e.g. steel rods; metal bolts; metal safety helmets etc) under Class 6; More accurate descriptions that conform to classification rules make search results better.

Think about Multiple Classes (if applicable): Depending on whether you sell other non-metal associated goods or services, you may need more than Class 6. A construction startup that produces metal beams and also provides building services should also apply under the applicable services class (failure of contractor in ABSTRACT) (class 37 for construction services). Filing in each and every possible class at once ensures you will have full coverage.

Hire a Professional: Trademark laws are complicated. Hire an IP lawyer, or if you are looking for a relatively simpler answer, then a trademark adviser. They can provide guidance on the fine line (i.e. if something is really Class 6) and deal with the actual filing process. It also says that incorporating professional search tools and expert advice “will streamline the process and help you find the perfect classification you need”.

File Promptly: Once the class has been decided and searches conducted, file promptly. Trademark protection is based on the principle of “first to file” in India, so obtaining your mark ahead of others is crucial. Plus, keep in mind the more you delay someone else could apply to register the same/similar mark in Class 6 before you do.

Quick Checklist:

• Choose plans that suit Class 6 (not Class 8, 10, 14, etc.)
• Trademark search online for Class 6
• Clearly disclose your metal goodson the application.
•  Pay correct fee (e-filing fee of ₹4,500 for startup) and use of supporting docs.
• If your brand has a scope wider than metal products, file in more classes too.

This will save you headaches down the line if you are thorough now. The registration of a comfortably searched and well-classified application is facilitated more than often.

With the advancement in technology and materials, Class 6 goods are also changing. Here are some emerging trends for startups to watch out for:

• Manufacturing (3D Metal 3D printing: More Metal Metal Metal Acknowledging this, the Nice Classification provides a new entry under Class 6 for the 2025 edition adding: “metals in foil or powder form for 3D printers. It therefore follows that class 6 obviously includes components produced by a metal 3D printer (industrial prototypes, custom parts, etc. If a startup is using the 3D printing of metals, then they should file an application for their trademark accordingly.
• Green and Reuse Alloys: Sustainability is top of mind. We might see items that use recycled steel or “green” metal alloys. These are still metal goods (Class 6), but some eco-material brand-thingy may now be saleable. Like merchandise containing new metal, companies must protect trademarks regarding metal products that may be recycled.
• Smart and Connected Metal Products: High prevalence of “smart” metals (i.e. metal products integrated with sensors or IoT-capabilities). Class 9 may, for example, be needed for electronics in a smart lock (where Class 6 is used for the metal lock). So, in these scenarios, startups would have to cover their mark in two classes: metal class + tech class. Fingerprint on all Nice Classification announcement on electronic-integrated hardware.
• Materials and Composites: Hybrid materials (metal-plastic composites, etc.) may blur the lines. They may still be Class 6, depending on your primary material (metal predominantly, for example). Nice Classification changes: the USPTO and WIPO update class lists on a regular basis ( Nice 12-2025 just released).
• Number 6 Industry 4.0 Manufacturing: With industry automation on the rise, robots and AI will be implemented in metal factories. Now, robots might not themselves be Class 6, but anything made out of metal by a robot, or any metal that a robot holds (gears, frames, tools) are still Class 6. However, even startups in the automated metal fabrication space should seek trademark protection in Class 6 for their brand.

In the future, Class 6 will continue to address the core metal goods but in new settings. The Nice Classification, for instance, now includes explicit mention of 3D printing, showing that future technologies are already being factored in.

Closely track the wave changes in manufacturing (i.e. digital fabrication, sustainable processes) and make sure their marks fit. Any newly-produced item consisting “primarily of metal” will almost certainly remain a Class 6 good, but clever marketing around these features (e.g. a characterization emphasizing sustainability or “intelligent metal” attributes) can provide a competitive advantage.

Assertion Class six is a must for any Indian startup which works in steel merchandise, hardware, containers or building materials. Familiarizing yourself with the goods that fall within this category, and registering your trademark accordingly, secures your exclusive right and legal protection in the market for metal goods. This protects your innovation, helps you gain customers’ trust, and establishes your presence as a player in the market.

Class 6 encompasses a wide range of categories from semi-finished (iron, steel, aluminum) to finished goods (e.g. nails, beams, metal buildings, safes). If you register your mark in this class, no competitor can use a confusingly similar name forthat good. For instance, Tata Steel and JSW Steel get their trademark under Class 6 for steel (products).