Akshat (Unbroken Rice) – Sacred Offering for Puja & Religious Use

#Trademark Class 16 – Complete Guide for Applicants

Trademark Class 16 under the NICE Classification covers paper goods, stationery, printed matter, packaging materials, and certain processed religious articles supplied as puja samagri (non-agricultural, non-edible presentation).

Akshat, also known as unbroken rice, holds deep religious significance in Hindu puja, havan, temples, weddings, festivals, and daily worship. It is offered to deities, used in tilak, kalash sthapana, sankalp, and sacred rituals as a symbol of prosperity, purity, and auspiciousness.

When Akshat is processed, purified, colored (often with kumkum/chandan), packed, and sold strictly as puja samagri (non-edible presentation), it is appropriately filed under Trademark Class 16.

If your business manufactures or sells Akshat for religious or ritual purposes (as puja samagri), your brand should be registered under Class 16 for trademark protection.

This class is essential for puja samagri brands, temple suppliers, religious product manufacturers, and spiritual goods companies.

#🧾 Detailed List of Goods Covered Under Class 16 (Relevant to Akshat)

#A. Religious & Puja Use Articles (Processed)

Akshat (unbroken rice) for puja
Temple-use akshat
Ritual rice offerings (processed, non-edible presentation)
Sacred puja samagri items

#B. Packaged & Prepared Puja Materials

Colored akshat (kumkum/chandan treated)
Puja-ready akshat packets
Ritual offering kits containing akshat

#C. Stationery & Paper-Linked Puja Items

Puja samagri packets and labels
Printed religious kits including akshat
Packaging for religious offerings

#D. Ceremonial & Ritual Supplies

Akshat for kalash and sankalp
Wedding and festival ritual akshat
Temple ceremonial supplies

#🚫 What’s NOT Included in Class 16

❌ Item	✅ Goes To
Raw or agricultural rice (unprocessed)	Class 31
Edible rice or food grains	Class 29
Medicinal or ayurvedic preparations	Class 5
Puja or priest services	Class 45
Retail puja samagri store services	Class 35
Religious books or scriptures	Class 16 (separate item)

#💡 Practical Tips for Trademark Applicants

#✅ Clearly mention product description:

“Akshat (unbroken rice) for puja,”
“Processed akshat for religious use,”
“Non-edible puja samagri – akshat,”
“Ritual offering rice (packed for puja).”

#✅ Use strong legal wording:

“Religious puja samagri; akshat (unbroken rice) for ritual and ceremonial use; packaged religious offering materials.”

#Additional Class Suggestions

If you sell raw agricultural rice → Add Class 31
If you run a puja samagri shop or sell online → Add Class 35
If akshat is part of religious services → Add Class 45

#🧠 Summary

Trademark Class 16 covers Akshat when sold as a processed, packaged religious offering strictly for puja and ritual use (non-agricultural, non-edible presentation).
If your business deals in akshat as puja samagri, Class 16 is appropriate for trademark protection.

#❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Akshat covered under Trademark Class 16?
✅ Yes, when sold as processed and packaged puja samagri, it falls under Class 16.

Q2. What if akshat is sold as raw rice?
❌ Raw or agricultural rice falls under Class 31.

Q3. Can akshat be trademarked?
✅ Yes, puja samagri products including akshat can be trademarked.

Q4. Is edible rice included here?
❌ No, edible food grains fall under Class 29.

Q5. Should I add Class 35 if I sell akshat online?
✅ Yes, Class 35 is strongly recommended for retail and e-commerce activities.