Trademark Class 39: Transportation and Storage Services

In India and internationally, trademarks are categorized into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification (NCL) system, established by the Nice Agreement (1957). Out of these, Classes 1 to 34 cover goods, while Classes 35 to 45 are designated for services. This classification helps ensure that trademarks are properly grouped, avoiding confusion among similar or identical marks used in different sectors.

What is Trademark Class 39?

Trademark Class 39 pertains specifically to transportation, travel arrangements, packaging, storage, and delivery services. This class is crucial for businesses operating in the logistics, courier, freight forwarding, warehousing, transport, and travel sectors.

When filing a trademark, choosing the right class is critical to secure protection for the intended services. If your services fall within the logistics or transport domain, then Class 39 is the appropriate classification.

Scope of Trademark Class 39

Class 39 covers a wide range of services that involve the physical movement of goods or people and storage services. It includes everything from freight shipping and logistics planning to warehousing, car rentals, and even travel bookings.

Detailed List of Services Covered Under Trademark Class 39

1. Transport Services

These services involve moving goods or people by various modes:

• Road transport (trucking, buses, cars, etc.)
• Railway transport
• Air transport (passenger airlines, cargo airlines)
• Sea and inland water transport (shipping, ferries, boats)
• Pipeline transport (e.g., oil and gas)
• Freight forwarding and cargo handling
• Urban and intercity transport (e.g., metro, taxis, buses)
• Transportation logistics planning
• Transport brokerage and coordination

Example: A logistics company like Blue Dart or Delhivery falls into this category.

2. Storage and Warehousing Services

This includes services where goods are kept or managed before delivery:

• Cold storage and refrigerated warehousing
• General storage of goods and materials
• Container storage services
• Safe-deposit storage
• Agricultural storage (grain, produce)
• Bonded warehousing
• Temperature-controlled storage
• Fulfillment centers for e-commerce

Example: A company offering cold-chain warehousing for pharmaceuticals is covered under Class 39.

3. Vehicle Rental and Leasing

Class 39 also covers rental and leasing services for transport:

• Car rental and car-sharing services
• Truck and commercial vehicle rental
• Bicycle and scooter rental (including electric)
• Boat and yacht chartering
• Aircraft and helicopter leasing
• Chauffeur services
• Limousine and luxury car rental

Example: Zoomcar, Ola Electric, or Yulu bike rentals belong in this category.

4. Travel Arrangement and Tour Services

Includes services that organize and manage travel plans:

• Travel agency services (planning, booking)
• Tour operator services
• Reservation and ticketing (air, rail, bus)
• Travel itinerary preparation
• Cruise booking
• Travel escort services
• Holiday package planning

Example: MakeMyTrip or Yatra.com offering travel booking and tours falls under this class.

5. Courier and Delivery Services

Services delivering documents, packages, or freight:

• Courier companies (express or standard)
• Parcel delivery and distribution
• Same-day delivery services
• Last-mile delivery
• Door-to-door delivery
• Drone-based delivery (emerging tech)
• B2B and B2C logistics

Example: DHL, FedEx, or Shiprocket are Class 39 businesses.

6. Shipping and Freight Services

These services are focused on large-scale movement of goods, often international:

• Cargo shipping by air, sea, or land
• Freight consolidation and forwarding
• Customs clearance and cargo documentation
• Container loading and unloading
• Port services and harbor facilities
• Chartering freight vessels

Example: International shipping lines like Maersk or freight handlers like Gati belong here.

7. Rescue, Recovery, and Towing Services

For vehicles or goods in distress or needing recovery:

• Vehicle towing and roadside assistance
• Emergency vehicle recovery
• Salvage and rescue operations
• Maritime rescue services

Example: Roadside assistance services like Automobile Association of India (AAI) fit this segment.

8. Parking and Vehicle Storage Services

Includes businesses offering vehicle accommodations:

• Car parking garages and valet services
• Bike parking spaces
• Storage of boats, aircraft, or luxury cars
• Park & ride facilities
• Smart parking platforms and apps

9. Packaging and Handling Services

Handling and preparing goods for storage or transport:

• Packing of goods for transportation
• Wrapping, labeling, and crating
• Palletizing and loading operations
• Fragile goods packing and insurance packing
• Industrial and commercial packaging

Example: A business providing packaging services for e-commerce sellers falls under Class 39.

10. Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Managing the entire movement of goods:

• Inventory and freight management
• Multimodal transport coordination
• Reverse logistics (returns management)
• Last-mile logistics
• Logistics consulting and route optimization

Example: Shadowfax or Rivigo offering B2B logistics services.

Services NOT Covered Under Class 39

Some transport-related services are covered in other classes. Here’s what does NOT belong in Class 39:

Examples of Services Falling Under Trademark Class 39

To better understand what fits under Class 39, here are examples of common businesses or services that should register under this class:

• Courier companies like DHL, Blue Dart, and FedEx
• Logistics and freight companies like Delhivery, GATI, Maersk
• Transportation booking platforms like Uber, Ola, RedBus
• Car rental companies like Zoomcar, Avis, Hertz
• E-commerce delivery services like Ekart, Amazon Transportation Services
• Warehousing companies offering cold storage or dry storage
• Moving and relocation services
• Cruise or ferry services
• Flight or train ticket booking agencies
• Bike taxi services like Rapido

If your business offers any of these services, registering a trademark in Class 39 is not just recommended—it’s essential.

Importance of Trademark Registration under Class 39

Registering your trademark in Class 39 offers multiple benefits for businesses in the transportation and logistics sectors:

1. Legal Protection

Prevents competitors from using similar names, logos, or slogans within the same service domain.

2. Brand Recognition

A registered trademark enhances your brand's visibility and trust in the highly competitive logistics market.

3. Exclusive Rights

You gain exclusive usage rights for your mark in the specific class across India (or globally, if filed internationally).

4. Asset Creation

Your trademark becomes a business asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold.

5. Infringement Action

It gives you the legal power to take action against unauthorized users or counterfeit service providers.

How to Register a Trademark under Class 39

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing your trademark under Class 39:

1. Trademark Search

Before applying, conduct a thorough Class 39 trademark search using the IP India Public Search Tool. This helps you identify if your proposed mark is already in use or registered.

2. Prepare the Application

The trademark application (Form TM-A in India) should include:

• Applicant details
• Trademark/logo
• Description of services
• Class number (in this case, 39)
• Power of Attorney (if applied via an agent)

3. File the Application

You can file the trademark:

• Online via IP India website
• Through a trademark agent or attorney

4. Examination & Publication

The Registrar examines the application for compliance and potential objections. If accepted, it is published in the Trademark Journal for public opposition.

5. Registration

If no opposition is filed within 4 months, or if the opposition is resolved in your favor, the trademark is registered, and a Registration Certificate is issued.

International Trademark Class 39

If your services span across borders, you may want to consider international trademark registration via the Madrid Protocol. Most countries recognize Class 39 under the same structure through the Nice Classification system.

Countries like the USA, UK, Australia, EU members, and others also follow the same classification, making it easier to expand your brand protection globally under Class 39.

Trademark Class 39: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a business register in multiple trademark classes?

Yes. If your services span across different categories (e.g., transportation and software), you can file for multiple classes like Class 39 and Class 9.

2. Is Class 39 relevant for e-commerce businesses?

Yes, if the e-commerce platform has its own logistics/delivery arm, like Amazon Transportation Services or Flipkart's Ekart.

3. What happens if I file in the wrong class?

Your application can be rejected or may not provide you legal protection. Always ensure the correct class is selected.

4. How long is the trademark valid?

Trademark registration in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application and is renewable indefinitely every 10 years.

Trademark Class 39 plays a vital role for businesses offering transportation, packaging, storage, and travel-related services. In today's competitive logistics and travel industry, securing your brand under the appropriate trademark class is not just a formality—it's a strategic necessity.

Whether you're a courier startup, a national warehousing provider, or a global logistics enterprise, registering your trademark in Class 39 ensures legal protection, business credibility, and market edge.

Need Help Filing Your Trademark in Class 39?

We offer expert assistance for hassle-free trademark registration, from name search to documentation and filing. Contact Online Legal India to get flawless trademark registration filing. Let’s secure your brand the right way!