Under the globally recognised Nice Classification system, trademarks are categorised into 45 distinct classes, in which each class represents specific goods or services. Trademark Class 32 pertains to non-alcoholic beverages and beers, including soft drinks, mineral waters, fruit juices, syrups, energy drinks, and malt-based beverages. Understanding this classification is essential for businesses that operate in the beverage industry, especially those involved in manufacturing, bottling, or distributing non-alcoholic and beer-based products, because it.
This blog offers a comprehensive overview of Trademark Class 32 in India, including the goods covered, exclusions, examples of registered marks, overlapping classifications, and the registration procedure.
What is Trademark Class 32?
Trademark Class 32 includes non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and preparations for making beverages. It covers drinks that do not contain alcohol, as well as malt-based beverages, mineral waters, and carbonated drinks.
Whether you are producing soda, bottled water, fruit juice, or craft beer, registering under Class 32 ensures that your brand identity is protected in the competitive and highly consumer-facing beverage industry.
Goods Covered under Trademark Class 32
Class 32 includes the following drinks:
1. Beers and malt beverages
- Beer (lager, pilsner, ale, stout, porter)
- Craft beer
- Flavoured beer
- Malt beer (non-alcoholic and alcoholic ≤0.5% ABV)
- Wheat beer
- Ginger beer (non-alcoholic and fermented)
- Non-alcoholic beer (zero-alcohol variants)
- Beer-based cocktails (radlers, shandies)
2. Mineral and aerated waters
- Still water (natural or purified)
- Mineral water (with or without carbonation)
- Aerated water (carbonated soda water)
- Sparkling water
- Spring water
- Alkaline water
3. Non-alcoholic soft drinks
- Carbonated soft drinks (cola, lemon, orange, tonic, etc.)
- Flavoured sodas
- Club soda
- Root beer (non-alcoholic)
- Non-alcoholic mojitos and mocktails
4. Fruit and vegetable juices
- 100% fruit juice (apple, orange, pomegranate, etc.)
- Blended fruit juices
- Vegetable juices (carrot, beetroot, mixed)
- Cold-pressed juices
- Frozen juice concentrates
- smoothies
5. Syrups and preparations for beverages
- Fruit syrups for drinks
- Soft drink concentrates
- Squashes and cordials
- Drink powders and powders for effervescent drinks
- Essences for beverage preparation (non-alcoholic)
- Sharbat, thandai and indigenous Indian drink concentrates
6. Energy drinks
- Energy drinks (caffeine- or taurine-based)
- Electrolyte drinks
- Isotonic and hypotonic beverages
- Protein-infused water (non-medicinal)
- Vitamin-enriched beverages
7. Frozen and aerated beverages
- Slushies and ice-based drinks
- Iced tea and iced coffee (non-alcoholic)
Examples of Trademarks in Class 32
- PepsiCo – Pepsi, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Tropicana
- The Coca-Cola Company – Coca-Cola, Fanta, Limca, Minute Maid
- Parle Agro – Frooti, Appy, Appy Fizz, Bailley
- Bisleri International – Bisleri, Vedica
- Red Bull GmbH – Red Bull
- Monster Beverage Corp. – Monster Energy
- Hector Beverages – Paper Boat (traditional Indian drinks)
- Kingfisher Radler – Beer-based carbonated drink
- Amul – Amul Kool (flavoured milk, though milk-based drinks generally fall under Class 29 unless carbonated)
What does Class 32 not cover?
Trademark Class 32 does not cover the following categories:
- Alcoholic beverages (except beer)
- Medicinal beverages and nutraceutical drinks
- Milk-based beverages and dairy drinks
- Milk shakes
- Coffee, tea, cocoa, and hot beverages
- Soda-making machines and beverage dispensers
- Retail and promotional services related to beverages
- Bar and café services
- Lemon juice for culinary purposes, tomato juice for cooking
Who Should Register under Trademark Class 32?
You should register your trademark under Class 32 if your business is involved in any of the following activities:
- Manufacturing and bottling of soft drinks
- Water purification, bottling, and sales
- Production of fruit juices and nectars
- Development and marketing of energy drinks and sports beverages
- Manufacturing of syrups and beverage concentrates
- Operation of craft or commercial breweries (non-alcoholic beer)
- Production of herbal drinks and functional (health-oriented) beverages
- Ready-to-drink iced tea, kombucha, or similar non-alcoholic beverages
- Supermarket or retail chains selling proprietary branded non-alcoholic drinks
How to Register a Trademark under Class 32 in India?
Step 1: Trademark Search
Visit the IP India Public Search Portal and verify if your brand name or logo is already registered under Class 32.
Step 2: File the application (Form TM-A)
Prepare and submit Form TM-A, selecting the correct class and sub-category of goods (e.g., “mineral water,” “fruit juices,” “non-alcoholic beverages”). The form can be filed online or manually at the Trademark Office.
Step 3: Examination
After you file your trademark application, the Registrar of Trademarks will examine it to check whether it complies with the established requirements.
If the Registrar raises any objections (either absolute or relative grounds), an Examination Report will be issued.
- You must file a written reply to the objections within 30 days from the date of receipt of the report.
- If the Registrar finds the reply satisfactory, the application proceeds to publication.
- If not, the Registrar may schedule a show-cause hearing for further clarification before deciding on acceptance or rejection.
Step 5: Publication in the Trademark Journal
Once your application is accepted, the mark is advertised in the Trademark Journal. The trademark remains published for 4 months, allowing third parties to file opposition.
Step 6: Opposition and issuance of registration certificate
If someone opposes the registration, the case may go into a hearing. If it is resolved in your favour or if unopposed, the registrar issues a registration certificate.
Validity and Renewal
- A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of registration
- The registration can be renewed from time to time for successive periods of ten years each.
Conclusion
With the rise of counterfeit soft drinks in India, registering your trademark under class 32 plays an important role in securing brand protection for companies in the non-alcoholic beverage and beer sector. Whether you operate in traditional carbonated beverages or modern health-focused drinks, Class 32 registration is an essential legal investment for long-term business sustainability and consumer recognition.
