Trademark Class 9: Electronics, Software & Scientific Apparatus
Class 9 is the single most filed class by Indian startups. It covers scientific, electronic and measuring apparatus, computer hardware, downloadable software and mobile apps, recorded content, safety equipment, eyewear, batteries and electric cables. Note the sharp line between a downloadable app (Class 9) and SaaS delivered online (Class 42).
What Class 9 covers
India follows the NICE Classification (11th edition) — 45 classes in total, 34 for goods and 11 for services. Class 9 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 9 correctly matters more than the logo itself.
- Computers, tablets, mobile phones and peripherals
- Downloadable software, mobile applications and games
- Scientific, measuring, surveying and testing apparatus
- Audio-visual devices, headphones and cameras
- Batteries, chargers, electric cables and switches
- Spectacles, sunglasses, helmets and protective safety gear
What Class 9 does NOT cover
| Frequently confused item | Correct class |
|---|---|
| Software as a Service (SaaS) / cloud platform | Class 42 |
| Telecom and internet services | Class 38 |
| Printed books and manuals | Class 16 |
| Medical devices | Class 10 |
Examples of goods/services in Class 9
Who files in Class 9
- SaaS and app startups
- Consumer-electronics brands
- EV and battery companies
- Eyewear brands
- Safety-equipment makers
Class 9 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 9 filing starts at ₹1,999 and includes a clearance search, TM-48 drafting, filing and objection tracking until registration.
Class 9 filing timeline
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Search & class confirmation | Same day | We run a Class 9 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 9
Free class check · ™ in 24-48 hours · CA & IP-attorney led.
Classes usually filed with Class 9
Class 9 (Electronics, Software & Scientific Apparatus) — 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 9. 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.