Trademark Class 29: Meat, Dairy, and Processed Food Products

Trademark Class 29 covers meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and other processed food items. This class includes a variety of food products, mainly those that are preserved, dried, frozen, or otherwise processed for consumption. It is important for businesses in the food industry to register under the correct class to ensure exclusive rights over their brand.

Here is the list of trademark class 29. Before registering your trademark, notice the product list and select the correct category for your trademark.

Complete List of Goods Covered Under Class 29

Below is a detailed categorization of the goods included in Class 29:

1. Meat and Meat Products

• Meat (including beef, pork, lamb, goat, etc.)
• Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck, etc.)
• Game meat (venison, rabbit, wild boar, etc.)
• Meat extracts and concentrates
• Charcuterie (cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo, etc.)
• Sausages, hot dogs, and other processed meat products
• Preserved and dried meats (e.g., beef jerky, biltong)
• Canned meats (spam, corned beef, canned chicken)
• Frozen and cooked meat products (e.g., meatballs, patties)

2. Fish, Seafood, and Related Products

• Fish (cooked, canned, or preserved)
• Dried fish (e.g., stockfish, dried cod, salted fish)
• Smoked fish (e.g., smoked salmon, mackerel, haddock)
• Fish-based food preparations (e.g., fish fingers, fish pâté)
• Shellfish (cooked, frozen, canned)
• Caviar and fish roe
• Crustaceans and mollusks (shrimp, crab, lobster, squid)
• Fish meal for human consumption

3. Dairy Products and Dairy Substitutes

• Milk (excluding beverages made from milk, which fall under Class 32)
• Dairy-based desserts (e.g., yogurt, cream-based puddings)
• Butter and margarine
• Cheese (all types, including processed cheese)
• Cream (whipping cream, sour cream, clotted cream)
• Curd and paneer
• Milk powder and condensed milk
• Dairy substitutes (e.g., almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk)

4. Eggs and Egg Products

• Fresh, preserved, and powdered eggs
• Egg substitutes and liquid egg products

5. Oils and Fats for Cooking

• Edible oils (olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
• Animal fats and lard
• Margarine and vegetable-based fats
• Ghee and butter oil

6. Preserved Fruits and Vegetables

• Canned and jarred fruits (peaches, pineapples, pears, etc.)
• Canned vegetables (corn, peas, beans, tomatoes, etc.)
• Pickled vegetables and fruits (pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi)
• Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, dates, prunes)
• Dried vegetables (dried mushrooms, dried peppers, etc.)
• Fruit preserves, jams, and jellies (except when classified as confectionery in Class 30)
• Compotes and stewed fruits

7. Nuts and Seeds

• Processed nuts (roasted, salted, or flavored)
• Nut-based spreads (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
• Trail mixes containing processed nuts
• Nut pastes and creams (hazelnut paste, cashew cream)

8. Ready-to-Eat and Convenience Foods

• Prepared dishes consisting mainly of meat, fish, or vegetables
• Frozen meals with a primary base of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables
• Meat-based and fish-based snacks (e.g., beef jerky, fish chips)
• Plant-based meat substitutes (tofu, tempeh, seitan)
• Vegetarian and vegan prepared meals (with a base of soy, pea protein, etc.)

9. Soup, Broths, and Bouillon

• Packaged and canned soups (vegetable soup, chicken soup, etc.)
• Instant soup mixes
• Meat, fish, and vegetable broths and bouillon cubes
• Stock concentrates and soup bases

10. Miscellaneous Edible Products

• Tofu and soy-based food products
• Hummus and other legume-based dips
• Coconut-based food preparations (coconut cream, shredded coconut)
• Seaweed-based food preparations (e.g., nori, dried seaweed snacks)

Important Notes on Class 29

• Beverages made from dairy (e.g., flavored milk drinks) are generally classified in Class 32, not Class 29.
• Unprocessed food products (like fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw seafood) belong to Class 31.
• Staple foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and cereals are classified under Class 30.
• Meat substitutes (such as tofu and plant-based burgers) are included in Class 29.

Exclusions from Class 29

The following items do not fall under Class 29 and are classified under other classes:

1. Unprocessed Agricultural Products

• Fresh fruits and vegetables → Class 31
• Fresh nuts → Class 31
• Fresh mushrooms → Class 31

2. Live Animals and Seafood

• Live animals (not for food) → Class 31
• Live fish and seafood → Class 31
• Live shellfish, crustaceans, and mollusks → Class 31

3. Dairy and Milk-Based Beverages

• Beverages made from milk (except milk itself) → Class 32 (e.g., milk-based energy drinks)
• Dairy substitutes (like almond milk, soy milk) → Class 29 (but some may be classified under Class 32 if primarily a beverage)

4. Plant-Based and Non-Meat Substitutes

• Plant-based milk and nut-based milk substitutes → Class 29 (but some fall under Class 32)
• Protein-based meal substitutes (excluding meat substitutes) → Class 5
• Raw plant-based foods (e.g., raw coconut, raw olives) → Class 31

5. Staple Foods and Prepared Meals

• Rice, pasta, and noodles → Class 30
• Bread, cakes, pastries, and confectionery → Class 30
• Chocolates and sweets → Class 30
• Sauces, condiments, and spices → Class 30
• Coffee, tea, cocoa → Class 30

6. Specific Processed Foods

• Processed cereals and cereal-based snacks → Class 30
• Ready-to-eat meals primarily consisting of pasta or rice → Class 30
• Jams and fruit spreads (if considered a confectionery) → Class 30
• Ice cream and frozen desserts → Class 30

7. Beverages and Juices

• Vegetable juices and fruit juices → Class 32
• Non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks → Class 32
• Alcoholic beverages (except beer) → Class 33

Importance of Trademark Registration under Class 29

1. Protection against Brand Infringement

Trademark registration ensures exclusive rights over the brand name, logo, or packaging related to processed food products, preventing competitors from using similar branding.

2. Competitive Edge

A strong brand identity under Class 29 helps establish consumer trust and differentiate a company from competitors in the food industry.

3. Legal Advantage

If a competitor tries to use a similar trademark, having a registered trademark provides strong legal grounds for taking action against infringement.

4. Business Expansion

Once a brand is registered under Class 29, it gains market credibility, making it easier to expand into international markets.

How to Register a Trademark under Class 29

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

• Use the Indian Trademark Database or WIPO Global Brand Database to check for existing trademarks.
• Ensure your brand name or logo does not conflict with registered trademarks.

Step 2: Prepare the Application

• Choose the appropriate TM Form (e.g., Form TM-A for new applications).
• Provide brand name, logo, and description of goods under Class 29.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• File online via the IP India website or through a trademark attorney.
• Pay the official fees (?4,500 for individuals/startups, ?9,000 for companies; for offline filing, it costs Rs. 5,000/- and 10,000 respectively).

Step 4: Trademark Examination

• The Registrar reviews the application for compliance and potential conflicts.
• If objections arise, respond within the given timeframe.

Step 5: Trademark Publication

• If approved, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for opposition.
• If no objections are raised within four months, the trademark proceeds to registration.

Step 6: Trademark Registration

• After clearance, the Trademark Certificate is issued.
• The trademark is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Top Brands Registered Under Class 29

Some well-known trademarks in this category include:
? Amul (Dairy Products)
? Nestlé (Milk and Processed Foods)
? McCain (Frozen Foods)
? Britannia Cheese (Cheese and Dairy Products)
? Mother Dairy (Milk and Dairy Products)

Conclusion

Trademark Class 29 is essential for businesses dealing with meat, dairy, and processed food products. Proper classification ensures strong brand protection, legal security, and market credibility. If you are planning to register a trademark under this class, conducting a thorough trademark search and following the correct registration steps is crucial.

For expert guidance, you can consult Online Legal India, which specializes in trademark registration filing and compliance for food businesses.