Design Classes: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Class for Your Design Registration
Introduction To Design Classes
Design protection in India is becoming increasingly important as businesses focus on innovation, aesthetics, and brand identity. Whether you manufacture products, create packaging, or design everyday consumer articles, registering your design ensures exclusive rights and protects your creation from illegal copying.
Under the Designs Act, 2000, India follows an international classification system known as the Locarno Classification, which divides designs into different categories called Design Classes. Understanding these classes is crucial before filing a design application, because selecting the wrong class may lead to objections, delays, or even rejection.
This article explains everything you need to know about Design Classes, their structure, and how to choose the correct class for your design.
What Are Design Classes?
Design Classes are broad categories used to classify industrial designs based on the nature, purpose, or use of the product. These classes ensure uniformity across jurisdictions and help examiners categorize similar products.
The Locarno Classification contains:
- 32 main classes (01–32)
- 219 subclasses, each covering a specific type of article
Every design application in India must specify a class and subclass that correctly represents the product.
Why Are Design Classes Important?
Choosing the correct design class is not merely a formality—it directly affects the protection of your rights.
- Accurate Identification of the Product
A correct class helps examiners easily identify the product, reducing the chances of scrutiny and objections.
- Avoids Overlaps and Rejections
Incorrect classification often results in:
- Examination reports
- Refiling requirements
- Fees and timeline delays
- Protects Your Design in the Right Category
If your product fits into multiple categories, choosing the best class ensures comprehensive and enforceable protection.
Overview of Key Locarno Design Classes
Below is a simplified overview of major design classes relevant to businesses in India:
Class 01 — Foodstuffs
01-01 Baked goods, pastry, macaroni, and confectionery
01-02 Vegetables and fruits
01-03 Cheese, butter, dairy products
01-04 Meat and fish products
01-05 Eggs and egg products
01-06 Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar
01-07 Other foodstuffs
01-99 Miscellaneous
Class 02 — Articles of Clothing & Haberdashery
02-01 Undergarments
02-02 Garments
02-03 Headwear
02-04 Footwear, socks, stockings
02-05 Neckties, scarves, shawls
02-06 Gloves
02-07 Haberdashery & clothing accessories
02-99 Miscellaneous
Class 03 — Travel Goods, Cases, Parasols
03-01 Trunks and suitcases
03-02 Handbags, wallets
03-03 Umbrellas, parasols
03-04 Fans
03-99 Miscellaneous
Class 04 — Brushes, Cleaning Equipment
04-01 Brushes, brooms
04-02 Tableware and cleaning tools
04-03 Cleaning instruments
04-04 Cosmetic applicators
04-99 Miscellaneous
Class 05 — Textile Fabrics
05-01 Woven fabrics
05-02 Knitted fabrics
05-03 Lace, embroidery
05-04 Ribbons
05-05 Carpet materials
05-06 Non-woven fabrics
05-99 Miscellaneous
Class 06 — Furnishing
06-01 Beds & mattresses
06-02 Seats
06-03 Tables
06-04 Storage furniture
06-05 Other household furniture
06-06 Mirrors
06-07 Frames
06-08 Clothes hangers
06-09 Curtains/blinds
06-99 Miscellaneous
Class 07 — Household Goods, Appliances
07-01 China, glassware, ceramic goods
07-02 Vases, flower pots
07-03 Tableware, utensils
07-04 Appliances & kitchenware
07-05 Industrial containers
07-06 Ropes, tents
07-07 Hardware items
07-99 Miscellaneous
Class 08 — Tools & Hardware
08-01 Tools for hand operations
08-02 Complex hand tools
08-03 Cutting instruments
08-04 Scythes, sickles
08-05 Anvils, vices
08-06 Locks, keys
08-07 Fastening devices
08-08 Metal fittings
08-99 Miscellaneous
Class 09 — Containers & Packaging
09-01 Bottles
09-02 Cans, boxes
09-03 Barrels, drums
09-04 Hand-held containers
09-05 Bags, sachets for packaging
09-06 Carboys, demijohns
09-07 Closures/lids
09-08 Pallets
09-99 Miscellaneous
Class 10 — Clocks & Watches
10-01 Clocks
10-02 Watches
10-03 Other time-measuring instruments
10-04 Parts, watchbands
10-99 Miscellaneous
Class 11 — Articles of Adornment
11-01 Jewellery
11-02 Ornaments
11-03 Hair ornaments
11-04 Artificial flowers, decorations
11-05 Badges, insignia
11-99 Miscellaneous
Class 12 — Means of Transport
12-01 Vehicles (cars, SUVs)
12-02 Two-wheelers
12-03 Tractors & machinery
12-04 Railway equipment
12-05 Elevators, lifts
12-06 Boats, marine vessels
12-07 Aircrafts
12-08 Trolleys, carts
12-09 Wheelchairs
12-10 Vehicle parts
12-99 Miscellaneous
Class 13 — Production, Distribution of Electricity
13-01 Generators
13-02 Transformers
13-03 Switchgear
13-04 Electric meters
13-05 Battery chargers
13-99 Miscellaneous
Class 14 — Recording, Telecommunication, Data Processing
14-01 Cameras
14-02 Computers, laptops
14-03 Mobiles, smartphones
14-04 TVs, display devices
14-05 Recording devices
14-06 Telecommunication equipment
14-99 Miscellaneous
Class 15 — Machines & Appliances
15-01 Engines
15-02 Pumps
15-03 Industrial machinery
15-04 Agricultural machinery
15-05 Construction machines
15-06 Industrial robots
15-99 Miscellaneous
Class 16 — Photographic & Cinematographic Equipment
16-01 Projectors
16-02 Photographic equipment
16-03 Cinematographic devices
16-04 Accessories
16-99 Miscellaneous
Class 17 — Musical Instruments
17-01 String instruments
17-02 Wind instruments
17-03 Percussion
17-04 Electronic musical devices
17-99 Miscellaneous
Class 18 — Printing & Office Equipment
18-01 Printing machinery
18-02 Paper handling equipment
18-03 Office machines (printers, copiers)
18-99 Miscellaneous
Class 19 — Stationery & Office Supplies
19-01 Writing instruments
19-02 Books, notebooks
19-03 Office accessories
19-04 Adhesive materials
19-05 Teaching materials
19-99 Miscellaneous
Class 20 — Sales & Advertising Equipment
20-01 Dispensers
20-02 Vending machines
20-03 Exhibition equipment
20-04 Advertising signs
20-99 Miscellaneous
Class 21 — Games, Toys, Sporting Goods
21-01 Games & toys
21-02 Sporting articles
21-03 Gym equipment
21-04 Amusement devices
21-99 Miscellaneous
Class 22 — Arms, Pyrotechnics
22-01 Firearms
22-02 Ammunition
22-03 Fireworks
22-04 Protective gear
22-99 Miscellaneous
Class 23 — Fluid Distribution Equipment
23-01 Pipes, tubing
23-02 Valves
23-03 Taps, faucets
23-04 Sprinklers
23-99 Miscellaneous
Class 24 — Medical & Laboratory Equipment
24-01 Medical devices
24-02 Surgical instruments
24-03 Diagnostic tools
24-04 Laboratory equipment
24-99 Miscellaneous
Class 25 — Building Units & Construction Elements
25-01 Bricks, blocks
25-02 Tiles
25-03 Panels
25-04 Doors, windows
25-05 Pipes, conduits
25-06 Building accessories
25-99 Miscellaneous
Class 26 — Lighting Apparatus
26-01 Lamps, bulbs
26-02 LED devices
26-03 Decorative lighting
26-04 Street lights
26-99 Miscellaneous
Class 27 — Tobacco & Smoking Accessories
27-01 Tobacco products
27-02 Cigarette-related items
27-03 Smoking accessories
27-99 Miscellaneous
Class 28 — Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Products
28-01 Cosmetic packaging
28-02 Toiletries
28-03 Pharmaceutical containers
28-99 Miscellaneous
Class 29 — Devices & Equipment Against Fire Hazards
29-01 Fire extinguishers
29-02 Fire safety devices
29-99 Miscellaneous
Class 30 — Articles for the Care of Animals
30-01 Pet accessories
30-02 Animal grooming items
30-03 Feeding & watering products
30-99 Miscellaneous
Class 31 — Machines for Preparing Food/Drink
31-01 Kitchen appliances
31-02 Beverage machines
31-03 Food processing equipment
31-99 Miscellaneous
Class 32 — Graphic Symbols, Logos, Ornamentation
32-01 Logos, graphic designs
32-02 Patterns, ornamentation
32-03 Iconography
32-99 Miscellaneous
How to Choose the Correct Design Class
Here are some guiding principles:
- Identify the Primary Function of the Product
Ask: What is the main use of the article?
- Focus on the Finished Article
Classes are based on final products, not raw materials.
- Examine Similar Products
Find where competitor designs are registered.
- Use the Locarno Classification Index
This is the most accurate way to match your product with a designated class and subclass.
- Seek Expert Assistance
Incorrect classification is a common reason for design objections. Consulting an IPR professional helps avoid errors and speeds up approval.
Why Design Registration Matters
A registered design grants:
✔ Exclusive rights for 10 years (extendable by 5 more years)
✔ Legal protection against copying
✔ Competitive advantage and brand differentiation
✔ Higher valuation and licensing opportunities
For businesses dealing in consumer products, packaging, home décor, appliances, toys, machinery, or fashion, design registration is not just beneficial—it is essential.
Conclusion
Design Classes play a crucial role in the design registration process in India. Correct classification ensures smooth examination, strong legal protection, and exclusive rights over the appearance of your product.
If you need help identifying the right class or filing your design application, My Trademark Guide offers expert assistance to simplify the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Locarno Classification is an international system that categorises industrial designs into 32 classes and multiple subclasses. India uses this classification while examining and registering designs under the Designs Act, 2000.
Selecting the correct design class ensures your application is examined under the right category, reduces the chances of objections, and provides accurate protection for the specific product you are registering.
Yes. If a product has multiple distinct features or serves different functions, it may fall under more than one class. In such cases, applicants can file additional representations or separate applications in the relevant classes.
Choosing an incorrect class may result in examination objections, delays, refiling requirements, or even rejection. Correct classification is essential for strong and enforceable design protection.
Yes. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) periodically updates the Locarno Classification to include new products and technological developments. India also follows these updates for design registration.
Yes. Packaging items like bottles, jars, lids, pouches, and containers are classified under Class 09 of the Locarno system, which deals specifically with containers and packaging.
Yes. Non-physical visual elements such as icons, logos, and graphic symbols fall under Class 32, which includes graphic representations, ornamentation, and logos.
No. The Locarno system is applicable only to industrial design registration. Trademarks use the Nice Classification, and patents are categorized according to the IPC (International Patent Classification).
The design class cannot be changed after filing. If the class is incorrect, the applicant must file a fresh application with the correct class. Hence, it is crucial to choose the right class before submission.
While the Locarno Classification can be accessed publicly, correctly interpreting it often requires technical expertise. Seeking assistance from an IPR professional helps ensure your application is filed accurately and avoids unnecessary objections.
