TRADEMARK CLASS 32: Water and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

If you’re running a beverage business in the Philippines, one of the smartest moves you can make is to protect your brand. Whether you’re selling bottled water, juices, energy drinks, or sodas, your trademark is what sets you apart. And when it comes to filing your mark, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) uses a system that groups goods and services into categories called trademark classes.

For drink makers, the most important one is Class 32.

What Exactly is Trademark Class 32?

Class 32 is all about non-alcoholic beverages. It covers:

• Beers
• Bottled, mineral, and sparkling waters
• Soft drinks and energy drinks
• Fruit juices and other natural beverages
• Syrups and concentrates used to prepare drinks

So, if your business involves refreshing people with something other than coffee, milk, or alcohol, chances are your brand belongs in Class 32.

Local Examples of Class 32 Trademarks

You probably already know some of the brands that have secured protection under Class 32 in the Philippines:

• Wilkins – a trusted bottled water brand, especially for families.
• Cobra Energy Drink – the country’s leading energy drink.
• San Miguel Pale Pilsen – while beer is often tied to alcoholic categories, it’s also protected under Class 32.

These registrations help brands stop copycats and keep their identities safe in the marketplace.

Drinks That Don’t Fall Under Class 32

Not every beverage is covered here. For example:

• Medicinal drinks are classified under Class 5 (Pharmaceuticals).
• Milk-based beverages are filed under Class 29 (Dairy products).
• Coffee, cocoa, or chocolate-based drinks go to Class 30 (Coffee, Tea, Flour, Rice).

Knowing the difference can save you time and money when filing.

Coordinated Classes to Consider

Sometimes, brands don’t just stop at one class. They apply for protection in related categories to cover more ground. For beverage businesses, those could include:

• Class 5 – medicinal or health-focused drinks
• Class 29 – milk and dairy-based beverages
• Class 30 – coffee and tea products
• Class 31 – raw agricultural goods
• Class 33 – alcoholic beverages
• Class 35 – marketing and retail services
• Class 43 – restaurants, bars, and cafés

For example, if you sell bottled juices but also run a smoothie shop, you may want to register in both Class 32 and Class 43.

What IPOPHL Needs: Specimens for Class 32

To get your application approved, IPOPHL requires proof of how your mark is used. For beverages, acceptable specimens include:

• Labels on bottles or cans
• Retail packaging like boxes or multipacks
• Product photos showing your brand on the goods
• Point-of-sale displays, such as branded coolers or dispensers

Think of it this way: if a customer can see your brand on it when buying the drink, that’s the kind of specimen IPOPHL wants.

Why Proper Classification Matters

There have been real disputes in the Philippines that show why filing under the correct class is so important.

• PepsiCo vs. Pepsi Cola Products Philippines dealt with overlapping uses of “Pepsi” in the local market, a clear example of how brands in Class 32 can clash.
• San Miguel Brewery has also defended its trademarks like “San Mig Light” against smaller companies trying to ride on its reputation.

These cases prove that getting your classification right isn’t just a formality—it’s your first line of defense in protecting your brand.

Final Thoughts

For anyone in the beverage business, Trademark Class 32 is non-negotiable. It’s where you register if you want protection for bottled water, juices, soft drinks, or energy drinks. By filing under the right class—and considering related classes—you give your brand the legal shield it needs to grow without worrying about imitators.

In today’s competitive market, registering your mark under Class 32 isn’t just about compliance with IPOPHL. It’s about securing your brand’s future.

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