Trademark Class 38 for Protecting News Channel, Podcast & Communication Service Brands
If your business involves broadcasting, streaming, telecom, or audio content, your brand belongs under Trademark Class 38. This class is crucial for protecting media and communication service providers, especially in today’s digital-first ecosystem.
Whether you run a news channel, host a podcast, or operate a telecom platform, Class 38 trademark registration ensures your brand identity is legally safeguarded in the media and communications space.
From live TV and radio transmission to internet-based messaging and streaming platforms, Class 38 supports protection for communication-based services in a highly competitive and fast-evolving sector.
Let’s explore what falls under Trademark Class 38, what doesn’t, and how to start your online trademark registration the right way today.
Understanding Trademark Classification in India
Trademark registration in India is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and is aligned with the Nice Classification system, a globally accepted framework that categorizes goods and services into 45 trademark classes:
- Classes 1 to 34 cover goods
- Classes 35 to 45 cover services
Each trademark class defines a specific category of offerings. Registering your brand under the correct class, such as Class 38 for media and communication services, is essential to secure complete legal protection.
What Services Can You Trademark Under Class 38?
Trademark Class 38 includes a wide range of telecommunications and broadcast services. If your offerings involve transmitting data, voice, video, or digital content to the public, they most likely fall under this class.
Here’s what you can trademark under Class 38
- News channel services – Satellite, digital, or regional TV news platforms offering live or recorded content.
- Podcast hosting and streaming – Platforms or apps that publish and distribute audio content, talk shows, or interviews.
- Telecom and mobile operators – Brands offering voice, messaging, or internet services through cellular or broadband.
- Radio and television broadcasting – Traditional or online broadcast networks, including FM radio and IPTV channels.
- Live streaming and webcasting – Real-time transmission of events, gaming content, webinars, and more.
- VoIP and messaging services – Apps that allow audio/video calls or instant messaging over the internet.
- Video-on-demand platforms – OTT services like movie streaming apps and subscription-based media channels.
- Network and data transmission – Services enabling wired or wireless data sharing and connectivity.
These services are commonly offered by broadcasters, telecom companies, podcast platforms, digital streaming providers, and media tech startups.
Explore the Complete List of Services Classified Under Trademark Class 38
Class 38 is a broad category that includes communication services across various platforms and technologies.
To get the full scope, explore the detailed list published under Class 38. You can use the search function to quickly find specific services such as “news broadcasting,” “podcast transmission,” or “streaming media delivery.”
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Looking for the right trademark class for your services? Check out our detailed article on choosing the appropriate class for trademark registration to identify the best fit for your business.
What Is Not Included in Trademark Class 38?
While Trademark Class 38 covers a wide spectrum of communication services certain related offerings fall outside its scope due to their functional nature.
Here’s what is not included—and where those services should be classified instead:
- Media production and content creation—such as video editing, filmmaking, or scriptwriting—are creative services, not transmission services. These fall under thetrademark class for entertainment services (Class 41).
- Software or app development for communication platforms does not belong here. These services involve designing or maintaining digital tools, which are classified under the trademark class for IT and software services (Class 42).
- Marketing or advertising through digital or broadcast platforms, such as sponsored podcasts or YouTube ad slots, is not part of Class 38. These services are categorized under the trademark class for advertising and marketing services (Class 35).
- Telecommunication equipment manufacturing, including routers, microphones, or cameras, involves physical goods, not services. These are classified under the trademark class for electronics and hardware goods (Class 9).
- News reporting and journalism, though delivered via communication channels, fall under the trademark class for media and publishing services (Class 41), as they involve content delivery rather than transmission infrastructure.
Determining the exact trademark class for your services can be tricky, especially when items overlap in function. If you’re unsure where your goods fit, use our Trademark Class Search Tool to find the right match and avoid rejection or delays.
Intellectual Properties You Should Trademark Under Class 38
In today’s connected world, communication services are the backbone of how businesses share content, reach audiences, and stay competitive. Whether you’re operating a news channel, podcasting platform, telecom service, or streaming brand, securing your assets under Trademark Class 38 is essential for long-term brand protection and recognition.
Here’s what you should consider trademarking under this class
- Company or Communication Brand Name – Names like Airtel, Jio, or All India Radio are registered trademarks that signify authority and trust in the communications space.
- Service Brand Name – Offerings like StreamCast Audio, Voiceline FM, or NextWave TV can be trademarked independently if they function as distinct service lines.
- Program or Show Titles – If you run branded content such as “LegalTalks Weekly” or “Startup Radar” as regular podcasts or radio programs, you can trademark the show names for protection.
- App Logos and UI Icons – Visual assets used in communication apps (e.g., signal icons, streaming player logos) are powerful identifiers that benefit from trademark security.
- Taglines and Slogans – Catchy phrases like “Connect More, Talk Freely” or “Voices That Matter” create strong audience recall and can be registered under Class 38.
By trademarking these brand assets under Class 38, you ensure legal exclusivity, establish credibility in digital communication, and prevent unauthorized use across media platforms.
List of Popular Brands Registered Under Class 38
Many well-known communication and broadcasting service providers have registered their trademarks under Trademark Class 38 to protect their brand identity in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry.
Here are some examples of brands operating within this class
- Airtel – A leading Indian telecom operator offering mobile, broadband, and voice communication services.
- Jio – Reliance’s telecommunications arm, known for digital streaming, mobile networks, and broadband services.
- All India Radio (AIR) – India’s national public radio broadcaster, delivering audio content and news.
- Hotstar – Originally registered for video streaming and live broadcasting services.
- Gaana – A music streaming platform providing digital audio content and podcasts.
- Spotify – Registered globally for streaming and distributing digital music and audio content.
- Clubhouse – A drop-in audio chat platform offering real-time communication services.
- Doordarshan – The national television broadcaster in India, providing public TV services across regions.
These brands use Class 38 trademark registration to secure their identity in the domains of telecom, audio/video broadcasting, podcasting, and online communication.
Why Register Your Trademark Under Class 38?
If your business involves transmitting content, whether as a news channel, podcast platform, or other communication services, registering your trademark under Trademark Class 38 is essential to protect your brand identity and market position.
Key Benefits of Class 38 Trademark Registration
- Secure Your Communication Brand Legally – Obtain exclusive rights to your channel name, podcast title, or broadcasting platform and prevent others from using confusingly similar marks.
- Establish a Strong Market Presence – Differentiate your media or telecom services in the competitive broadcast and communication sector.
- Protect Your Digital and Traditional Transmission Channels – Safeguard your rights across all communication methods, including radio, TV, satellite, internet streaming, and podcast distribution.
- Build Trust with Your Audience and Partners – A registered trademark signals professionalism and strengthens partnerships with advertisers, sponsors, and networks.
- Prevent Unauthorized Use of Your Content Delivery Services – Stop competitors or imitators from exploiting your communication channels or brand identity.
If you’ve read this far, you likely know if your service falls under Class 38. If it does, now’s the perfect time to take the next step—apply for trademark registration today with expert guidance from LegalWiz.
Still evaluating your next steps? These resources will help you make an informed decision:
- When and why you should trademark a name
- What can be registered as a trademark
- Different types of trademarks in India
- Trademark registration fees and costs in India
- Documents Required for Trademark Registration in India
10,000+ Brands Trust LegalWiz.in for Trademark Protection
LegalWiz.in has helped thousands of broadcasters, podcasters, and communication service providers protect their intellectual property through precise and efficient trademark registration.
Why Choose LegalWiz.in for Your Trademark Registration?
Whether you operate a news channel, a podcast platform, or a telecom service, LegalWiz.in makes trademark protection simple, fast, and reliable.
Here’s why businesses in broadcasting and communication prefer us:
- Accurate Class Filing – Avoid costly rejections with expert guidance on the correct trademark class 38 classification for news broadcasting, podcasting, and communication services.
- 100% Online Process – Register your trademark hassle-free from anywhere in India without any physical paperwork.
- Transparent Pricing – Flat-fee packages with no hidden charges—ideal for startups, media houses, and established communication providers.
- End-to-End Legal Support – From application submission to handling objections and renewals, our experts guide you throughout.
- Trusted by Broadcast and Communication Professionals Nationwide – We’ve supported thousands of businesses across media, telecom, and digital content industries.
Get Your Trademark Registered Today!
Protect your brand identity and stand out confidently in the competitive news, podcasting, and communication market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can news channels and podcast platforms be registered under Class 38?
Yes. Trademark Class 38 covers services such as broadcasting, news channels, podcast transmission, and all forms of communication services.
Should I register my podcast or show names under Class 38?
Absolutely. Unique names for your podcasts, news shows, or streaming channels can be trademarked under Class 38 to protect your brand identity.
Are digital media platforms covered under Class 38?
Yes. Services involving digital content transmission, internet broadcasting, and streaming fall under this class.
What if I offer both communication services and content production?
You may need to register under multiple classes—Class 38 for transmission and communication, and Class 41 for content creation or production services.
How can I check if a similar trademark already exists in Class 38?
You can perform a trademark class 38 search to identify existing marks and avoid potential conflicts.
Can I register a trademark for my communication services before launching?
Yes, you can file based on intended use, but you must demonstrate a bona fide intent to use the trademark commercially.
What happens if I file under the wrong trademark class?
If you choose the wrong trademark class, your application may still get processed, but your trademark won’t be legally protected for the relevant services. This means others could legally use a similar mark in that correct class, and you wouldn’t have grounds to stop them. Moreover, trademark fees are non-refundable, so you’d have to file a new application in the correct class and pay the fees again.
How long does trademark registration take for Class 38?
Trademark registration in India typically takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on any objections or third-party opposition. For a detailed overview of the process, read our complete guide on trademark registration process in India.
How long is a trademark valid under Class 38, and when should I renew it?
In India, a registered trademark is valid for 10 years. You must renew it every 10 years—either within 6 months before or after expiry—to maintain your rights.
Amisha Shah
Amisha Shah heads content at LegalWiz.in, where she transforms complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. With extensive experience in legal, fintech, and business services, she helps startups and enterprises navigate regulatory challenges through engaging, accurate content that empowers informed business decisions.
