Trademark Class 15: Musical Instruments
Class 15 covers musical instruments, music stands and conductors' batons. Recorded music is Class 9, and music teaching or performance is Class 41.
What Class 15 covers
India follows the NICE Classification (11th edition) — 45 classes in total, 34 for goods and 11 for services. Class 15 sits in the goods group. Your trademark is only protected for the goods or services listed in the class you file, which is why picking Class 15 correctly matters more than the logo itself.
- String, wind and percussion instruments
- Indian classical instruments
- Electronic keyboards and synthesisers
- Parts and fittings for musical instruments
- Music stands and stools
- Conductors' batons and tuning devices
What Class 15 does NOT cover
| Frequently confused item | Correct class |
|---|---|
| Recorded music and audio files | Class 9 |
| Speakers and amplifiers | Class 9 |
| Music classes and concerts | Class 41 |
| Instrument cases of leather | Class 18 |
Examples of goods/services in Class 15
Who files in Class 15
- Instrument manufacturers
- Music-store private labels
- Indian classical instrument makers
- Instrument exporters
- Accessory brands
Class 15 government fees
| Applicant type | e-Filing fee | Physical filing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 per class | ₹5,000 per class | e-filing is cheaper — always file online |
| Startup (DPIIT recognised) | ₹4,500 per class | ₹5,000 per class | DPIIT certificate must be attached |
| MSME (Udyam registered) | ₹4,500 per class | ₹5,000 per class | Udyam certificate must be attached |
| Company / LLP / Partnership (non-MSME) | ₹9,000 per class | ₹10,000 per class | Register under Udyam first and save 50% |
Taxpex professional fee for a Class 15 filing starts at ₹1,999 and includes a clearance search, TM-48 drafting, filing and objection tracking until registration.
Class 15 filing timeline
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Search & class confirmation | Same day | We run a Class 15 search on the IP India database |
| Filing (TM-A) | 24-48 hours | Application number issued — ™ can be used immediately |
| Examination report | 3-8 months | Registry raises objections under Section 9/11 if any |
| Objection reply / hearing | 1-4 months | We draft and file the reply, appear at hearings |
| Journal publication | 2-4 months | 4-month opposition window opens |
| Registration certificate | 8-18 months total | ® symbol can be used, valid 10 years |
Protect your brand in Class 15
Free class check · ™ in 24-48 hours · CA & IP-attorney led.
Class 15 (Musical Instruments) — questions answered
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Content refreshed against the latest CBIC / CBDT / MCA notifications and portal changes.
Chartered Accountant · ICAI Member · 12+ years in Indian tax & compliance
- 15 September 2026Reviewed rates, forms and portal workflow for Trademark Class 15. Verified against latest CBIC/CBDT notifications.
- 10 January 2026Refreshed FAQ set, added new penalty examples and jurisdiction notes.
- 05 October 2025Structural rewrite for EEAT — added expert commentary, playbooks and process timeline.