Trademark Class 33 in India: Register Your Brand for Alcoholic Beverages

trademark class 33

India’s alcoholic beverage industry is evolving rapidly, with more businesses launching, innovating, and competing in the legal, retail, and hospitality sector. If your brand operates in spirits, wine, cocktails, or any form of distilled alcohol, Trademark Class 33 governs your intellectual property rights. 

What is Trademark Class 33?

Trademark Class 33, under the international Nice Classification and Indian trademark law, covers:

  • Alcoholic beverages (except beer)
  • Spirits, wine, liqueurs, cider, aperitifs, and pre-mixed alcohol drinks
  • Alcoholic preparations used for making drinks

Beer and medicinal beverages are not covered (see Class 32 for beer; Class 5 for medicinal drinks).

Comprehensive List: Goods in Trademark Class 33

CategoryExamples
Spirits/LiquorWhisky, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, brandy, cognac, arrack
WinesRed, white, rosé, sparkling wines, fortified wines, port
LiqueursBaileys, Kahlua, Amarula, anise liqueur, peppermint liqueur
Cider, PerryApple cider, pear cider
Pre-Mixed DrinksReady-to-serve cocktails, premixed RTD (ready-to-drink)
Aperitifs, BittersCampari, vermouth, bitters, digestifs
Rice alcoholSake (Japanese), Nira (Indian sugarcane-based)
Alcoholic syrupsAlcoholic flavour extracts for mixing
Mead/HydromelTraditional honey-based alcoholic drinks

What’s Excluded from Class 33?

  • Beer and non-alcoholic beer (Class 32)
  • De-alcoholized beverages`
  • Beverages with medicinal or therapeutic use (Class 5).

Why Register Under Trademark Class 33?

  1. Brand Protection

Alcohol industry counterfeiting, imitation, and parallel imports are rampant trademark registration gives you legal exclusivity and enforcement power.

  1. Market Compliance & Expansion

Retail chains, distributors, and international markets require trademark evidence. Major Indian spirits and wine exporters rely heavily on robust IP protection.

  1. Consumer Trust & Franchise Growth

A registered trademark assures authenticity, supports franchise/brand licensing, and is often needed for digital/e-commerce partners.

Step-by-Step: How to Register in Class 33 (India)

  1. Trademark Search
  1. Application Preparation
  • Collect all documentation: brand/logo artwork, applicant details, precise product list (“whisky, rum, vodka, red wine,” etc.).
  • Decide: word mark (brand name), device mark (logo), or both.
  1. File Your Application
  • Apply online at IP India or through a legal expert .
  • Select Class 33 and mention all alcoholic beverages your brand covers.
  1. Examination & Objection Reply
  • Registry examines for conflicts. If objections arise, respond professionally.
  1. Publication & Opposition
  • Mark is published for 4 months for public scrutiny/opposition.
  1. Certificate & Renewal
  • On clearance, receive a registration certificate—protects for 10 years, trademark renewable.

Top Indian and Global Brands Registered in Class 33

Brand/ProducerFlagship Product
Sula VineyardsSula (red, white, sparkling wines)8
Old MonkRum9
Royal Stag, Imperial BlueWhisky
Officer’s ChoiceWhisky
BacardiRum
Johnnie WalkerWhisky
SmirnoffVodka
CampariAperitif, bitters
JägermeisterHerbal liqueur

These brands depend on robust Class 33 protection for global and Indian market leadership.

Distinction: Trademark Class 33 vs Related Classes

Feature/ProductClass 33Other Relevant Class
Alcoholic spirits, wines✔
Beer32
Liqueurs, aperitifs, mead✔
Medicinal oxy tinctures5
Alcoholic flavour syrups✔
Alcohol-free “mocktails”32

Who Should Register in Class 33?

  • Distilleries, wineries, breweries (non-beer alcoholic drinks)
  • Corporates and startups launching spirits or wines
  • RTD (Ready-to-Drink) and cocktail brands
  • Fruit wine, mead, sake, and local/heritage liquor producers
  • Distributors, importers, and exporters of alcoholic beverages

Best Practices and Legal Tips

  • Be Exact and Thorough: List all variants and product formats (“gin, rum, sparkling wine, ready-to-serve cocktails”).
  • Choose Strong, Distinct Names: Avoid generic phrases (e.g., “Indian Rum”).
  • Monitor for Infringement: Use ongoing trademark search to detect misuse, especially with similar sounding/looking marks.
  • Defend Your Mark: Timely renewal and opposition are essential for long-term security.
  • Expand Internationally: If you export, use the Madrid Protocol for global brand protection.
  • Consult Legal Experts: Leverage professional services (online legal services) for smooth application and defense.

Conclusion

For Indian alcoholic beverage brands whether you’re a heritage distiller, innovative startup, or major winemaker Trademark Class 33 is your essential legal shield. It grants market exclusivity, fosters consumer trust, and enables confident expansion offline and online. Ensure your brand’s future by starting with a trademark search, proceeding to trademark registration, and leveraging seamless online legal services at Kaagzaat.