Trademark Registration for Paint & Coating Brands in India (2026)

📅 Updated: May 2, 2026 • 🕐 9 min read • ✍ IP India Research Desk

✅ Quick Answer: Paint, varnish, lacquer, and coating brands register under Class 2. Industrial coatings used in manufacturing processes may also need Class 1. Painting services (contractors) register under Class 37. Government fee: ₹4,500 (MSME) or ₹9,000 (company) per class.

Classes for Paint Industry Businesses

Product/Service	Class
Decorative paints (wall, wood, metal)	Class 2
Industrial coatings, anti-corrosion paints	Class 2
Varnishes, lacquers, enamels, primers	Class 2
Putty, cement primer, waterproofing	Class 2 or Class 1
Painting contractor services	Class 37
Pigments, dyes for industrial use	Class 2
Rust preventives / anti-rust coatings	Class 2

India's Paint Market: ₹60,000 Crore & Growing

India's paint industry is dominated by Asian Paints, Berger, Nerolac, and Akzo Nobel — all of whom hold extensive Class 2 trademark portfolios. Regional and specialty paint brands that skip trademark registration face:

Brand name hijacking by distributors in new markets
Counterfeit paint sold under legitimate brand names (a major quality and safety concern)
Inability to access modern retail chains that require brand documentation
Difficulty in franchising dealer networks without trademark-backed agreements

Decorative vs Industrial Paint: Same Class, Different Strategy

Both decorative and industrial paints file in Class 2, but trademark strategy differs:

Decorative paint brands — file brand name + shade names as word marks; protect the dealer network through trademark licence; protect trade dress (colour of tins, distinctive packaging)
Industrial coating brands — B2B trademark strategy; protection against competing manufacturers using similar technical brand names; important for ISO certification documentation

Waterproofing & Construction Chemical Brands

Waterproofing, tile adhesives, and construction chemicals may straddle Class 1 (chemicals) and Class 2 (protective coatings). Consult a trademark attorney for exact classification — misclassification means protection gaps. Most waterproofing brands file in both Class 1 and Class 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which class for a paint brand?

Class 2 covers all paints, varnishes, lacquers, coatings, colorants, inks, and preservatives against rust. It is the mandatory class for any paint brand.

Do painting contractors need a trademark?

Painting contractor services fall under Class 37. If you brand your painting contractor business and want to prevent competitors from using a similar name, register in Class 37.

Can I trademark a shade name for my paint brand?

Yes — if the shade name is distinctive (not just a colour description). 'Caribbean Coral' or 'Midnight Storm' can be registered. 'Dark Blue' cannot (descriptive). Premium paint brands trademark multiple shade names as part of their brand portfolio.

My paint brand name was copied by a competitor — what do I do?

With a registered trademark: send a formal cease and desist letter citing your Class 2 registration number and Section 29 of the Trade Marks Act. File a court application for interim injunction to immediately stop their use while litigation is pending.

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