In India’s fast-growing food and beverage industry, hundreds of new products appear each month - from Mumbai’s spice blends to Delhi’s cold-pressed juices and Chennai’s café chains. Names sound alike, logos look similar, and bottle shapes get copied overnight. That’s why trademark registration in India isn’t just paperwork - it’s your shield. It protects your food and beverage brand name, logo, and packaging from imitators and keeps your identity secure in a market that never sleeps.
Why trademarks matter in the food industry
Every bite tells a story. From Hyderabadi biryani spice mixes to Goan cashew feni and Ahmedabad’s handcrafted chocolates. But stories can be stolen. Your brand name, your logo, and even your packaging colors are what customers remember. And in India’s crowded market, where one new snack brand appears every hour, that memory is gold. In short, a food and beverage trademark in India turns your unique brand elements into legal property - giving you the right to stop others from using similar names or trade dress.
A trademark makes sure your story stays yours. It protects your brand name so no one else can ride on it. It keeps your logo unique and your trade dress - those bottles, wrappers, and labels - out of reach for imitators. Think about it. When someone spots your bottle on a shelf and instantly says, “That’s yours!” - that’s brand power. A trademark keeps that recognition safe.
Choosing the right trademark class in India
When you trademark a food brand in India, the first step is choosing the right trademark class. Filing under the wrong one is like serving tea in a coffee mug; it just doesn’t fit. The Nice Classification system divides everything you can trademark into 45 neat categories. Pick the wrong one, and your protection won’t cover what you actually sell. For food and beverage trademarks in India, most brands fall into just a few key zones.
If you’re selling dairy, meat, or snacks - that’s Class 29. Think of butter, ghee, chips, and ready-to-eat foods. If your magic lies in coffee, tea, spices, or bakery goods - welcome to Class 30. Selling fresh fruits, vegetables, or nuts? You belong to Class 31.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If your business deals in juices, soft drinks, or energy beverages, you’ll need Class 32. And if you run a restaurant, café, or catering service, that’s Class 43 - the home of India’s food and drink entrepreneurs. The Nice Classification 13th Edition (2025) made a few quiet updates, especially for beverage products. So before you file, it’s smart to double-check the latest version on the IP India portal. One small correction today can save you a big headache tomorrow. Many entrepreneurs also forget that trademark classes for food and beverages in India can overlap - so it’s smart to file under more than one class if your business covers both packaged foods and drinks.
Can packaging and labels be trademarked?
Absolutely - and you should. Registering your packaging and label design under trademark law helps you secure trade dress protection in India, keeping copycat products off the shelves. Your packaging is your identity. The shape of your bottle, the colors on your label, or even a unique wrapper pattern - all of these form your trade dress. Indian law recognizes trade dress protection under trademark law. So, if someone copies your label or packaging design to mislead customers, you can take them to court for infringement or passing off. A classic example is the Marico coconut oil case, where similar packaging misled buyers. The court sided with the original brand, proving that trade dress is just as valuable as a logo.
Can you trademark a recipe?
No - recipes aren’t trademarks. A trademark protects your brand identity, not your ingredients or cooking process. You can’t trademark “Grandma’s Secret Chutney Recipe,” but you can trademark the brand name “Grandma’s Secret” if it’s unique. For a truly special recipe, think trade secret protection or patent filing - not trademark registration. So, while recipes themselves can’t be trademarked, food business trademarks in India can still protect the name, logo, and branding that make your product stand out.
Filing fees and process in 2025
Good news first - trademark registration in India isn’t costly. The real expense comes from not doing it right. In 2025, the trademark filing fees depend on who you are. If you’re an individual or MSME, you pay just ₹4,500 per class. If you’re a company, it’s ₹9,000 per class - still a small price for owning your brand name legally.
The trademark registration process is simple, but every step matters. Start with a trademark search on a reliable trademark checker tool. It’s your safety net - ensuring your name or logo isn’t already taken. Next, file Form TM-A under the correct trademark class - whether that’s for your snacks, drinks, or restaurant services. Then, wait for examination and publication. The IP India Office will review your application and make it public for objections. Once approved, your trademark becomes official - valid for 10 years, and you can renew it forever. That’s right. One smart filing today can protect your brand name, logo, and packaging for a lifetime. It’s also wise to use a trademark attorney in India to guide your filing - ensuring your application covers every class your business truly needs.
FSSAI naming rules: What’s new in 2025
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) now enforces tighter naming and labeling rules for food trademarks in India, especially for drinks or products with health claims. If your drink label includes terms like “ORS”, “Protein Cure”, or anything with medical connotations, it may be banned - even if it’s trademarked. Before you finalize a name, make sure it meets both trademark and FSSAI requirements. It’s not just about creativity anymore; it’s about compliance too.
Famous trademarks and what they teach Indian brands
When Nutella earned well-known trademark status in India, it set an important example. The courts recognized that Indian consumers already associated the name with a specific product, giving it protection across multiple categories. This proves that consistent branding builds recognition - and recognition builds legal strength. Even small brands can aim for that. Start local, stay consistent, and keep your trademark alive through use and renewal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong class: If your trademark isn’t filed under the correct class, it won’t protect your actual products.
- Ignoring trade dress: Your packaging deserves registration too.
- Skipping a trademark search: This one step can save months of rejection and disputes.
- Overlooking FSSAI naming rules: A banned label can ruin your launch.
Trademarks are simple to file - but only if you file them correctly. A quick trademark search in India before filing can help you avoid all four - saving time, money, and your brand reputation.
Protect your brand the smart way
Your food or beverage brand isn’t just about taste - it’s about trust. And trust begins with protection. A registered trademark in India keeps your name, logo, and packaging safe from copycats. Whether it’s your café, juice label, or spice blend - your brand deserves legal strength. And if you’d rather skip the paperwork, Trademarkia’s experienced trademark lawyers in India make it effortless. From trademark search to filing and protection, they handle every step - ensuring your brand name, logo, and packaging stay legally yours.
**Trademarkia keeps your flavor truly yours.**
FAQs
1. What trademark class covers food and beverages in India?
Food brands usually fall under Classes 29, 30, and 31, covering snacks, spices, and fresh produce. Beverages come under Class 32, while restaurants and cafés fall in Class 43. Choosing the right trademark class in India protects your food or drink brand fully. If you’re unsure which class fits best, Trademarkia’s experienced trademark attorneys in India can help you file it right.
2. Can I trademark my packaging design in India?
Yes. You can register your packaging design and trade dress under trademark law in India. Protecting your label, color, or bottle shape stops look-alike brands from confusing customers. Trademarkia’s experts help food and beverage businesses include packaging protection as part of their trademark registration.
3. How much does it cost to trademark a food brand in India in 2025?
In 2025, the trademark filing fees in India are ₹4,500 per class for individuals or MSMEs and ₹9,000 for companies. These are government charges for trademark registration. Working with professionals like Trademarkia India ensures your filing covers the right class and avoids costly rejections later.
4. What’s new for food trademarks and FSSAI naming rules in 2025?
The Nice 13th Edition refined beverage classes, and FSSAI now bans misleading names like “ORS” or “Protein Cure.” When you trademark a food brand in India, your name and label must follow both trademark law and FSSAI naming guidelines.
Trademarkia keeps your filing compliant and your brand legally safe.
