Tea is one of the largest beverage categories in India, covering a wide range of products like black tea, green tea, herbal tea, chai blends, organic tea, masala tea, iced tea mixes, and flavored tea.
With thousands of local and branded tea sellers, trademark registration becomes essential to protect your tea brand from imitation and misuse.
This blog covers:
✔ Trademark class for tea
✔ Important rules for filing
✔ Benefits of registering your tea brand
✔ 7–8 useful FAQs
#1. Trademark Class for Tea
Tea falls under Trademark Class 30, which includes:
Black tea
Green tea
Herbal tea (non-medicated)
Masala tea
Iced tea (powder or concentrate)
Tea leaves (processed)
Tea blends
Tea bags & sachets
Instant tea mixes
Flavoured tea
Organic tea (non-medicinal)
Class 30 covers tea, coffee, sugar, spices, bakery items and all processed foods.
#2. Why Choosing the Right Trademark Class Matters
Choosing the wrong class may lead to:
Trademark rejection
Section 9 or Section 11 objections
No legal protection for your tea brand
Waste of time & money
To protect your tea business, Class 30 is the ONLY correct class.
#3. Rules for Filing a Trademark for Tea
Follow these important rules to ensure smooth registration:
#✔ Select the Correct Class – Class 30
All tea and tea-based products fall under this class.
#✔ Choose a Unique & Original Brand Name
Avoid generic names like:
“Tea House,” “Fresh Tea,” “Organic Chai,” “Desi Tea,” etc.
These often get objections for being descriptive.
Choose a distinctive, creative brand name.
#✔ Decide the Type of Trademark
You may apply for:
Word Mark → Brand name only
Logo/Device Mark
Label Mark → Full packet design
#✔ Write a Clear Goods Description
Recommended wording:
“Tea, green tea, herbal tea, flavoured tea, processed tea leaves and tea blends included in Class 30.”
#✔ Submit Required Documents
Applicant’s ID proof
Logo (if filing device mark)
TM-48 authorization
#✔ Respond to Objections on Time
If Trademark Registry raises objections, reply within 30 days to avoid abandonment.
#4. Benefits of Registering Your Tea Brand
#1. Exclusive Rights to Your Brand Name & Logo
No other brand can legally use your tea brand identity.
#2. Protection Against Imitation
Tea packets are commonly copied in local markets — trademark prevents misuse.
#3. Required for E-Commerce Platforms
Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Blinkit, Zepto, etc. prefer trademark-verified brands.
#4. Builds Customer Trust
A registered tea brand looks more premium and reliable.
#5. Protects Packaging & Branding
Trademark helps secure your label design, brand identity, and logo.
#6. Valuable Business Asset
You can license, franchise, or sell your brand in the future.
#7. Pan-India Legal Protection
Protects your brand anywhere in India.
#8. Valid for Lifetime
Trademark is valid for 10 years, and can be renewed forever.
#5. FAQs: Trademark for Tea
#1. Which trademark class includes tea?
Trademark Class 30.
#2. Is herbal tea included in Class 30?
Yes — all non-medicated herbal teas fall in Class 30.
#3. Are tea leaves included?
Yes — processed tea leaves and tea blends are part of Class 30.
#4. Can I trademark my tea packet design?
Trademark protects your logo & name.
For packet design/shape, you need design registration.
#5. Do I need a trademark to sell tea online?
Yes, required for Amazon Brand Registry and other online platforms.
#6. How long does the trademark process take?
Around 12–18 months, depending on objections.
#7. What is the government filing fee?
₹4,500 for individuals/startups
₹9,000 for companies
#8. Can one trademark protect all tea variants?
Yes — green tea, black tea, masala tea, organic tea, iced tea mixes, etc.