Class 42 is one of the 11 service classes in the Nice Classification, which India follows under the Trade Marks Act. It covers scientific and technological services and research; industrial analysis, research and design; quality control and authentication; design and development of computer hardware and software. Technology delivered as a service, and professional design and research. Software as a service, cloud platforms and IT consulting file here.
Government fee ₹4,500 per class (₹9,000 for non-MSME companies); our professional fee ₹10,000, search to certificate. Fees page.
What Class 42 covers
Official heading: Scientific and technological services and research; industrial analysis, research and design; quality control and authentication; design and development of computer hardware and software.
Typical services filed in Class 42 in India:
- Software as a service and cloud platforms
- Custom software and app development
- IT consulting and system integration
- Web design and hosting
- Artificial-intelligence and data-analytics platforms
- Cybersecurity services
- Architecture and engineering design
- Product, graphic and interior design
- Scientific research and laboratory testing
- Quality certification and inspection
- Blockchain and smart-contract platforms
- Weather forecasting and surveying
Who files in Class 42
- SaaS companies and start-ups
- IT services and consulting firms
- Design studios and architects
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies
- AI and data companies
Classes often filed alongside Class 42
A trademark protects the mark only for the services it is registered for. These are the classes that Class 42 applicants most often need as well, and why:
- Class 9, Electronics and software: downloadable software and apps.
- Class 35, Advertising, business and retail: business consultancy and online marketplaces.
- Class 38, Telecommunications: hosting as telecommunications and communication platforms.
- Class 41, Education and entertainment: technology training.
What to watch in Class 42
Filing in Class 42
Describe the specific services you deal in rather than the whole class; the class cannot be changed after filing. We search Class 42 and its companions free of charge before you file. See the process, objection and status guides for what follows.
← Class 41 · All 45 classes · Class 43 →
Frequently asked questions
What is Class 42 in trademark registration?
Class 42 is the Nice Classification class for scientific and technological services and research; industrial analysis, research and design; quality control and authentication; design and development of computer hardware and software. In India a trademark is registered class by class, so a Class 42 registration protects the mark for those services only.
What is the difference between Class 42 and Class 35?
Class 42 covers software, IT and design services; Class 35 covers advertising, business and retail. Class 35 is the one for business consultancy and online marketplaces.
Should I file in Class 42 and Class 9 together?
Often, yes. Class 9 is the one for downloadable software and apps. A mark registered in one class does not stop a competitor using it in another, and we advise on the class set before filing so you pay only for the classes you need.
Are software as a service and cloud platforms in Class 42?
Yes. Software as a service and cloud platforms are among the typical services filed in Class 42, along with custom software and app development and it consulting and system integration.
Which businesses usually register in Class 42?
Typically saaS companies and start-ups, IT services and consulting firms, design studios and architects, testing laboratories and certification bodies and AI and data companies. Each files for the specific services it deals in, often alongside Class 9.
Information only. This guide explains a legal process in general terms; it is not legal advice and not a solicitation. Wording of statuses is as shown on IP India's public portal at the date above and may change.