Complete Guide to Trademark Class 23 for Industrial and Specialty Yarn Products
Introduction
In today’s competitive textile and manufacturing industries, brands are not only built on quality but also on recognition. Whether you manufacture industrial yarns for machinery or specialty threads for embroidery, sewing, or technical uses, your brand identity is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting this identity is where trademarks play a crucial role.
For businesses dealing in yarns and threads, Trademark Class 23 is the classification you need to understand. This class specifically covers yarns and threads used for textile purposes and helps businesses safeguard their brand name, logo, or tagline against misuse or imitation.
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at Trademark Class 23 for industrial yarns and specialty threads—what it covers, why it’s important, and how you can register your brand under it to ensure long-term protection.
What Is Trademark Class 23?
Trademark Class 23 is part of the Nice Classification (NCL) system, an international classification that organizes goods and services into 45 classes. Each class groups together similar goods or services, making trademark searches and registrations easier and more systematic.
- Class 23 covers:
- Yarns
- Threads
- Industrial threads
- Specialty threads used in textiles, embroidery, and other manufacturing processes
This class is highly relevant for industries such as:
- Textile manufacturing
- Garment production
- Carpet and upholstery manufacturing
- Embroidery and decorative stitching
- Industrial applications like ropes, safety gear, and automotive textiles
By filing under Class 23, you ensure that your brand name or logo is protected specifically for yarns and threads, preventing competitors from using a similar identity in this niche industry.
Why Class 23 Matters for Industrial Yarns and Specialty Threads
1. Brand Recognition in a Competitive Industry
The yarn and thread industry has both domestic manufacturers and international players. Having a unique trademark ensures that your customers recognize and trust your brand.
2. Protection Against Infringement
Without trademark protection, competitors could launch similar-sounding brands or use look-alike logos. Registering under Class 23 provides exclusive legal rights to use your brand identity for yarns and threads.
3. Builds Customer Trust
A registered trademark adds credibility. When buyers—whether bulk manufacturers or end-users—see the ® symbol, they associate it with authenticity and quality.
4. Expands Business Opportunities
If you plan to export industrial yarns or specialty threads, trademark protection is a must. Many international buyers prefer working with legally protected brands, as it reduces risks of disputes.
5. Legal Advantage in Disputes
In case of infringement, a registered trademark under Class 23 gives you a strong legal position to take action against counterfeiters or copycats.
Types of Products Covered Under Trademark Class 23
To better understand how Class 23 applies, here’s a breakdown of the main products it includes:
- Industrial Yarns
- High-strength yarns for machinery
- Yarns used in automotive parts and upholstery
- Technical yarns used in industrial fabrics
- Specialty Threads
- Embroidery threads
- Metallic threads for decorative textiles
- Sewing threads for fashion and garments
- General Textile Yarns
- Cotton yarns
- Woolen yarns
- Synthetic and blended yarns
- Other Threads for Textile Use
- Threads for lace-making
- Threads for weaving and knitting
- Threads for carpets, curtains, and upholstery
💡 Note: Threads and yarns that are not for textile purposes (e.g., surgical threads) fall under different classes, so it’s important to classify correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration in Class 23
Registering your brand under Class 23 involves a few structured steps. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, perform a comprehensive trademark search to ensure your desired name/logo is not already registered by another yarn or thread manufacturer.
- Search can be done on the Indian Trademark Registry website or through a professional consultant.
- Check for phonetic similarities, not just exact matches.
Step 2: Select the Correct Trademark Class
Make sure to choose Class 23 when filing for yarns and threads. If you also manufacture fabrics or finished garments, you may need to file in Class 24 (textiles) or Class 25 (clothing) in addition to Class 23.
Step 3: File the Application
You can file your application:
- Online through the IP India portal
- Offline at the trademark registry office
Details required include:
- Applicant’s name and address
- Type of trademark (wordmark, logo, device mark, etc.)
- Description of goods (e.g., “industrial yarns and specialty threads”)
- Class number (23)
Step 4: Examination by Trademark Authority
Once filed, the application is examined. The authority may raise objections if:
- The mark is too similar to an existing one
- The mark is descriptive rather than distinctive
- Incorrect class selection
If objections are raised, you’ll need to submit a written reply or attend a hearing.
Step 5: Publication in Trademark Journal
If approved, the trademark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. During this period, any third party can oppose your mark.
Step 6: Registration and Certificate
If no opposition arises, your trademark gets registered, and you’ll receive a certificate of registration. From here, you have exclusive rights to use the trademark for yarns and threads under Class 23.
Tips for a Strong Trademark for Yarn and Thread Brands
- Choose a Unique Name
Avoid generic names like “Cotton Thread Co.” Instead, opt for something creative, distinctive, and easy to remember. - Design a Recognizable Logo
In industries like textiles, logos play a huge role in product recognition, especially when selling in bulk. - Avoid Descriptive Trademarks
Names that directly describe the product (e.g., “Strong Yarn”) may face objections. Distinctive names are easier to register and protect. - Consider International Protection
If you plan to export, file under the Madrid Protocol for global trademark protection. - Monitor Your Trademark
After registration, keep an eye out for infringements and take quick legal action if someone copies your brand identity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing in the wrong class – Yarns and threads belong in Class 23, not Class 24 (which is for fabrics).
- Not checking existing marks – Overlooking similar marks can lead to objections and delays.
- Using weak trademarks – Generic or descriptive names are hard to protect.
- Ignoring renewals – Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years to stay valid.
Benefits of Registering Your Yarn and Thread Brand
- Exclusive ownership over your brand identity
- Prevents competitors from copying your name or logo
- Enhances reputation in domestic and international markets
- Legal protection against counterfeiters
- Business growth through trust and credibility
Conclusion
The yarn and thread industry is vast, with applications ranging from fashion and embroidery to industrial textiles and upholstery. In such a diverse and competitive market, protecting your brand is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
By registering your industrial yarn or specialty thread brand under Trademark Class 23, you gain exclusive rights, build long-term recognition, and secure your place in the global textile industry.
If you are in the yarn or thread business, now is the time to protect your brand before someone else does. A strong trademark strategy ensures your hard work, innovation, and reputation remain safeguarded for years to come.
About VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping textile and manufacturing businesses register and protect their trademarks across India. From trademark searches and filing to handling objections and oppositions, our experts ensure a smooth process tailored to your needs.
📞 Contact us today to protect your yarn and thread brand under Class 23 and take the first step toward building a secure and recognized business identity.
