Which Trademark Class Should You Choose? Class 23 or Class 24 for Textile Products
Introduction
If you are running a textile business—whether it’s yarn, thread, fabrics, or finished textile products—you might be wondering under which trademark class your brand should be registered. This is one of the most common confusions for textile businesses: Class 23 vs. Class 24.
Both of these trademark classes deal with textile-related goods, but they are not the same. Class 23 covers yarns and threads used for making textiles, while Class 24 covers finished textile goods and fabrics.
In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between the two classes, explain what products are covered under each, and guide you on how to choose the correct class for your business. By the end, you’ll clearly understand where your product belongs—Class 23 or Class 24.
What Is a Trademark Class?
Before diving into Class 23 and Class 24, let’s quickly understand what a trademark class is.
Trademarks are categorized into 45 different classes under the NICE Classification system (an international classification system). Each class groups similar goods or services together. When you register a trademark, you must pick the correct class to ensure your brand is legally protected in your industry.
Choosing the wrong class can leave your trademark vulnerable, as someone else in the right class may still use a similar brand name legally. That’s why it’s very important to know whether your product falls under Class 23 or Class 24.
What Is Trademark Class 23?
Class 23 covers yarns and threads used for making textiles.
This class is specifically for businesses that manufacture, sell, or brand raw materials (yarns and threads) that are used to create fabrics and textile products.
Examples of Products Covered Under Class 23
- Cotton yarns
- Wool yarns
- Silk threads
- Linen threads
- Sewing threads
- Embroidery threads
- Synthetic yarns
- Elastic threads for textile use
- Metallic threads for embroidery or decoration
- Fancy yarns (decorative types used in weaving or knitting)
Who Should Register in Class 23?
- Yarn manufacturers
- Thread producers (sewing, embroidery, or weaving)
- Companies selling branded yarns for knitting or crochet
- Textile raw material exporters/importers
If your main product is yarn or thread that goes into making textiles, then Class 23 is where you need to file your trademark.
What Is Trademark Class 24?
Class 24 covers fabrics and finished textile goods (not clothing).
This class is for businesses that sell textile products that are ready for use, but not actual garments or clothing (those are covered under Class 25).
Examples of Products Covered Under Class 24
- Fabrics made of cotton, wool, silk, jute, or synthetic fibers
- Bed linen (bedsheets, pillow covers, etc.)
- Table covers, tablecloths
- Curtains, draperies, and blinds
- Towels and napkins (textile, not paper)
- Blankets, quilts, and duvets
- Upholstery fabrics for furniture
- Textile wall hangings
- Mattress covers and cushion covers
- Fabric for tailoring and decoration
Who Should Register in Class 24?
- Textile mills producing fabrics
- Brands selling bedsheets, towels, or curtains
- Home furnishing companies (sofa covers, cushion covers, upholstery)
- Exporters of textile goods (not garments)
If your business focuses on fabrics or finished textiles for home or industrial use, then Class 24 is the right choice.
Key Difference Between Class 23 and Class 24
Here’s a simple breakdown of the differences:
| Feature | Class 23 | Class 24 |
| Products | Yarns and threads | Fabrics and textile products (not clothing) |
| Stage in Production | Raw material (used to make textiles) | Semi-finished or finished textile goods |
| Examples | Cotton yarn, embroidery thread, silk thread | Bedsheets, curtains, towels, upholstery |
| Users | Textile manufacturers, weavers, knitters, embroiderers | Home furnishing brands, fabric sellers, interior textile companies |
| Excludes | Fabrics, garments | Yarn, thread, clothing |
In short:
- If you’re selling the raw material → Class 23.
- If you’re selling the finished textile product → Class 24.
Why Choosing the Right Class Matters
Many business owners make the mistake of filing under the wrong class, which can cause big problems later.
Here’s why choosing between Class 23 and Class 24 correctly is so important:
- Legal Protection
- If you register in the wrong class, your trademark won’t protect your actual products.
- Example: If you sell bedsheets but register in Class 23 (yarn), your bedsheet brand name is not protected.
- Avoiding Conflicts
- Trademark authorities may reject your application if your class does not match your product.
- This saves you from objections and office actions.
- Brand Reputation
- A properly registered trademark gives you exclusive rights, preventing competitors from copying your brand in the correct category.
- Expansion Opportunities
- If you plan to expand from yarn to fabrics later, you might need protection in both classes (multi-class registration).
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
- Registering only in one class when both are needed
- Example: A company producing yarn (Class 23) and fabrics (Class 24) files only in Class 23. Competitors can then register in Class 24 and block their brand expansion.
- Confusing textile goods with clothing
- Many think bedsheets or curtains fall under clothing (Class 25), but they actually belong to Class 24.
- Not doing a trademark search before filing
- You should always search existing trademarks in Class 23 or 24 before applying, to avoid rejection.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trademark in Class 23 or Class 24
If you’ve figured out your correct class, here’s how to file your trademark in India:
Step 1: Trademark Search
- Search the IP India public database to check if your brand name is available in Class 23 or 24.
- This ensures you don’t pick a name already registered by someone else.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Provide details such as brand name, logo, goods description, applicant’s name, and address.
Step 3: File the Application
- File online through the IP India portal or seek professional help.
- Choose Form TM-A for new applications.
Step 4: Examination by Registry
- The trademark office examines your application.
- If they find errors, you’ll receive an Examination Report.
Step 5: Publication in Journal
- If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
- Others can oppose your trademark during this period.
Step 6: Registration Certificate
- If no opposition arises, your trademark is registered, and you receive a certificate.
Multi-Class Registration: When You Need Both Class 23 and Class 24
Some businesses operate across both yarn/thread and fabrics/textiles. In that case, you should consider multi-class registration.
For example:
- A company that manufactures cotton yarn (Class 23) and also sells bedsheets and towels (Class 24).
- In such cases, filing in both classes ensures your brand is completely protected.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say your brand “CottonWeave” produces:
- Cotton yarn for sale to tailors (Class 23)
- Bedsheets and curtains under the same brand (Class 24)
If you register only in Class 23, your competitor can launch “CottonWeave Bedsheets” under Class 24. But if you protect your brand in both classes, you secure your rights across the textile chain.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 23 and Class 24 may seem similar, but they serve different parts of the textile industry.
- Class 23 is for yarns and threads (raw materials).
- Class 24 is for fabrics and finished textile products (not clothing).
Choosing the right class ensures that your brand is legally protected, avoids disputes, and builds a strong foundation for growth. If your textile business covers both yarns and fabrics, you should go for multi-class registration to cover both Class 23 and Class 24.
Call to Action
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in guiding businesses through trademark registration, objections, renewals, and brand protection. Whether your textile brand belongs in Class 23, Class 24, or both, our experts ensure smooth and hassle-free registration.
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