In India, trademark registration is granted only for specific goods and services, which are systematically categorized under 45 different classes as per the Nice Classification (NCL). Class 30 of this classification pertains to a wide array of food products, primarily those that are processed, packaged, or ready-to-eat. These include everyday items such as tea, coffee, spices, bakery goods, chocolates, ice creams, confectionery, and various convenience foods. Registering a trademark under Class 30 is essential for businesses involved in food production, distribution, or retail, as it grants exclusive legal rights over their brand name in this category.
The blog also outlines the registration steps, related overlapping classes (29, 35, and 43), and highlights the long-term benefits of registration.
What is Trademark Class 30?
Class 30 under the NICE Classification (NCL), adopted by India, covers food products that are ready for human consumption without any significant further processing. This class is relevant to manufacturers, retailers, and traders involved in the processing and distribution of food and confectionery items.
List of Goods Covered Under Trademark Class 30
Class 30 broadly covers processed, ready-to-eat food products, particularly those made from cereals, confectionery, spices, sauces, and beverages (non-alcoholic), mainly for human consumption. It includes the following:
1. Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)
- Coffee, tea, cocoa, and coffee substitutes like chicory
- Instant and flavored versions
- Cocoa and chocolate-based beverages
2. Cereals & Flours
- Wheat flour, rye, oat flakes, corn flour/meal, semolina
- Buckwheat flour, barley, and bean meals
- Cereal-based snack foods like popcorn and cereal bars
3. Bakery Products & Pastries
- Bread, buns, rolls, rusks, waffles
- Cakes, pastries, tarts, pancakes, croissants
- Dough, batter, breadcrumbs
4. Confectionery & Frozen Desserts
- Chocolate, caramels, candy, marzipan
- Chewing gum, lozenges, fondants
- Ice cream, frozen yogurt, edible ices, and mousses
- Chocolate-coated nuts
5. Sauces, Spices & Condiments
- Mustard, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, chutneys, relishes
- Spices such as cinnamon, pepper, turmeric, and garlic powder
- Salad dressings, marinades, and pickles
6. Sugars, Sweeteners & Related
- Sugar, honey, molasses, syrup, treacle, agave syrup
- Artificial sweeteners (except medicinal dietetics)
7. Leavening Agents & Seasonings
- Yeast, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda
- Salts (table salt), seasonings, flavorings (excluding essential oils)
- Binding agents for ice cream, starches
8. Staple Prepared Foods & Snacks
- Pasta, noodles, ravioli, pizzas, quiches, sandwiches
- Meat pies, burgers (prepared), burritos, spring rolls, tacos
- Cornflakes, savoury snacks, chips
Examples of Trademarks in Class 30
- “Tata Tea” – Tea products
- “Amul Ice Cream” – Ice cream
- “MTR” – Ready-to-eat mixes and spices
- “Cadbury” – Chocolates
- “Maggi” – Instant noodles and sauces
What Class 30 Does Not Cover
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) → Class 29
- Meat, fish, poultry products → Class 29
- Beverages with alcohol → Class 32/33
- Raw grains & herbs → Class 31
- Medicinal/dietetic foods → Class 5
- Salt for industrial use → Class 1
- Baby foods & nutritional supplements → Class 5
Who Should Register under Class 30?
Businesses engaged in the following industries should apply under Trademark Class 30:
- Food manufacturers producing packaged or ready-to-eat products
- Bakeries and confectionery makers
- Ice cream brands and frozen dessert producers
- Spices and seasoning exporters
- Coffee and tea brands
- Restaurants and cloud kitchens selling packaged food items
Why is Class 30 Trademark Registration Important?
Registering under the appropriate trademark class is crucial because:
- Exclusive Rights Over Brand: Grants the owner exclusive legal rights to use the registered trademark for Class 30 goods like tea, coffee, spices, chocolates, etc.
- Legal Protection Against Infringement: It allows the trademark owner to take legal action against others who infringe on their exclusive rights over the trademark, i.e., use an identical or deceptively similar mark in the same class.
- Essential for Export & Retail Expansion: Helps businesses secure their brand name in international markets and list products with retail giants such as BigBasket, Amazon, and Flipkart.
- Facilitates Franchising and Licensing: A registered mark allows the brand owner to license or franchise their products legally.
- Boosts Consumer Trust: Trademarked products appear more reliable and professionally managed, which increases consumer confidence in their quality and, in turn, ultimately boosts sales.
- Valuable Business Asset: A registered trademark can be sold, licensed, or assigned, making it a monetizable asset for long-term growth.
Overlapping Classes
While filing for trademark registration in Class 30, businesses may also need to consider registration in related classes:
- Class 29- for dairy-based desserts, meat-based ingredients
- Class 35- for retail and online marketing of food products
- Class 43- for restaurant and food service activities
How to Register a Trademark Under Class 30
Step 1: Trademark Search
Conduct a thorough search on IP India’s portal to ensure that your desired mark is unique and not already in use within Class 30.
Step 2: Prepare the Application
Gather all the details for the application, including the details of the applicant, brand/logo, class of goods (Class 30), and usage date.
Step 3: File the Application
File the application either online via the IP India official website or offline at the appropriate Trademark Registry Office. A government fee is applicable based on the applicant’s type (individual, startup, or others).
Step 4: Examination & Objection (if any)
After filing, the Registrar examines the application.
- If objections are raised, you’ll receive an examination report.
- Submit a response with supporting documents and clarifications, if required.
Step 5: Publication & Opposition
A trademark is published in the journal for 4 months for opposition. During this time, third parties may oppose the registration.
Step 6: Registration Certificate
If no opposition is filed (or successfully defended), the Registrar issues a Registration Certificate. Your trademark is now officially registered under Class 30. If unopposed, the mark gets registered, and a certificate is issued.
Validity and Renewal
- A registered trademark is valid for 10 years.
- Can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.
- Renewal should be done within 6 months before expiration to avoid a penalty.
Conclusion
As consumer preferences evolve and market competition intensifies, securing your brand under Class 30 can protect your business from copycats, foster consumer trust, and pave the way for national and global expansion. Whether you are launching a new chocolate brand, selling organic noodles, or exporting masalas, a registered trademark under Class 30 sends a clear message: your brand is original, protected, and here to stay.
