Under the globally recognised Nice Classification system, trademarks are categorised into 45 different classes to facilitate the registration and protection of various goods and services. Trademark Class 4 pertains to industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels, and illuminants. It covers explicitly goods used for lubrication, heating, lighting, and power generation. This class plays a significant role in the registration of marks used by manufacturers and suppliers in the petroleum, chemical, and energy sectors.
This blog offers a comprehensive overview of Trademark Class 4 in India, explaining the types of goods it covers, what is excluded, who should register under it, key benefits of trademark registration, and related trademark classes.
What is Trademark Class 4?
Trademark Class 4 includes a broad range of goods that serve lubricating, fueling, and illuminating purposes. It is essential for businesses that manufacture or deal in oils, greases, fuels, and similar products. The scope of goods also extends to renewable energy sources like biofuels and industrial oils used in manufacturing or mechanical operations.
Goods Covered under Trademark Class 4
Class 4 includes a wide range of products that are primarily used for lubrication, combustion, lighting, and industrial maintenance. Below is a detailed list of all goods typically covered:
1. Lubricants and Greases
- Solid lubricants and greases for mechanical purposes
- Cutting fluids and metalworking oils
- Lubricants for air compressors and hydraulic systems
- Industrial gear oils, chain oils, and bearing greases
- Industrial lubricants and synthetic oils
- Lubricating oils for engines, machines, and automotive parts
- Non-chemical additives for lubricants
2. Industrial and Transformer Oils
- Mineral oils for machinery and electrical applications
- Synthetic oils for industrial operations
- Transformer oils used in electrical equipment
- Hydraulic fluids and compressor oils
- Turbine oils and heat transfer fluids
- Insulating oils for cables and high-voltage machines
3. Fuels
- Petrol and diesel fuel
- Kerosene and aviation fuel
- Biodiesel and ethanol-based fuels
- Fuel gas and gas mixtures
- Coal and coke for industrial combustion
- Charcoal and solid biomass fuels
- Liquid and gaseous fuels for engines or power generation
4. Illuminants and Lighting Products
- Lighting fuels such as paraffin and lamp oils
- Candles and wax for illumination purposes
- Firewood and combustible lighting materials
- Tapers, wicks, and fuel tablets for lighting use
- Torches and flares for illumination or safety
5. Dust Binding and Absorbing Compositions
- Compositions used for dust control in construction and mining
- Absorbent oils and greases used in mechanical or road maintenance
- Settling compositions for industrial cleaning
6. Renewable and Alternative Fuels
- Biofuels derived from plant or waste materials
- Biomass pellets and briquettes are used as solid fuel
- Waste-based oils used in incineration or heating
- Greener fuel alternatives are used in hybrid systems
Examples of Trademarks in Class 4
- Castrol
- Indian Oil
- Shell
- Servo
- Bharat Petroleum
- Chevron
- Petronas Primax
- Bath & Body Works
- 3-IN-ONE
Who Should Register under Trademark Class 4?
Businesses engaged in the following activities should register under Class 4:
- Manufacturers of lubricants, greases, and oils
- Companies producing petrol, diesel, biofuel, and other fuels
- Dealers and distributors of petroleum and fuel products
- Renewable energy producers (biofuel, ethanol, biomass fuels)
- Suppliers of firewood, lighting oils, and candles
- Automotive product companies dealing in engine or motor oils
- Import-export companies dealing in fuel and oil products
Benefits of Registering a Trademark under Class 4
Registering your trademark under class 4 is beneficial for your business as it:
- Grants legal exclusivity for the use of the brand on fuel and lubricant products
- Prevents competitors from using similar marks in the same product space
- Enhances consumer trust and market credibility
- Strengthens position in product licensing and distribution deals
- Helps in brand valuation and goodwill during business transactions
- Ensures protection against counterfeit oil and fuel products
- Facilitates expansion across jurisdictions with a registered identity
Overlapping Classes
Depending on the nature of the product, Class 4 may overlap with:
- Class 1: It is used for chemical additives or compositions for fuels and oils
- Class 3: It is used for oils and greases used in personal care and cleaning
- Class 5: It is used for Medicinal and therapeutic oils
- Class 7: It is used for machines or engines using lubricants and fuel
- Class 11: It is used for the Apparatus for heating and lighting
- Class 39: It is used for the Transportation or storage of oil, fuel, and energy products
How to Register a Trademark under Class 4 in India?
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Use the IP India Trademark Public Search Tool to ensure your mark is not already registered.
Step 2: File Trademark Application (Form TM-A)
Draft the application using Form TM-A. Use correct terminology based on the official classification. You can file the application either online via the IP India website or manually at the Trademark Registry office.
Step 3: Examination and Reply
After you file your trademark application, the Registrar of Trademarks will examine 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 an 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.
Trademark 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
In conclusion, Trademark Class 4 is important for the category of businesses operating in the energy, lubricant, and fuel industries. It ensures legal protection for products such as oils, greases, fuels, and illuminants. Companies can improve their reputation in the marketplace, prevent infringement, and protect their brand identification by obtaining registration under this class. Whether a company deals in cutting-edge renewable fuels or traditional petroleum goods, registering under Class 4 improves its competitiveness and builds customer confidence. In the end, it is a calculated investment in sustained brand expansion and legal security.
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