Trademark Class 24 vs. Class 25: Key Differences for Textile and Clothing Brands
When you are planning to build a strong fashion or textile brand, one of the first and most important steps is protecting your intellectual property with a trademark. A trademark ensures that your brand name, logo, or slogan remains uniquely yours and prevents competitors from using confusingly similar branding.
But here’s where many entrepreneurs face confusion: Should you file your trademark under Class 24 or Class 25?
Both classes cover textile and fashion-related goods, yet they serve very different purposes. Filing under the wrong class can leave parts of your business unprotected, which could expose your brand to risks of infringement.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down Trademark Class 24 vs. Class 25, highlight the differences, explain which one applies to your products, and help you make the right choice for your brand.
🌐 What Are Trademark Classes?
Before we compare Classes 24 and 25, it’s important to understand the concept of trademark classes.
Trademarks are organized into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification (NCL) system:
- Classes 1–34 → Goods (physical products).
- Classes 35–45 → Services.
When you file a trademark, you must specify the correct class that covers your products or services. If your brand deals in multiple categories, you may even need to register in more than one class.
Now let’s explore Classes 24 and 25, which are especially important for textile, fabric, and apparel businesses.
🧵 What Is Trademark Class 24?
Trademark Class 24 is all about textiles and fabrics. It covers:
- Textile goods not included in other classes
- Fabrics and fabric substitutes
- Bed and table covers
✅ Examples of Products in Class 24:
- Cotton, silk, linen, and wool fabrics
- Textile materials for household use
- Curtains, draperies, and upholstery fabric
- Bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets
- Table covers and table linen
- Wall hangings made of textiles
- Quilts, comforters, and duvet covers
❌ What Class 24 Does Not Cover:
- Clothing, footwear, and headgear (Class 25)
- Textile yarn and thread (Class 23)
- Carpets, rugs, and mats (Class 27)
👉 In short, Class 24 protects the fabric and textile base material before it’s turned into finished clothing.
👕 What Is Trademark Class 25?
Trademark Class 25 is for clothing, footwear, and headgear. It is one of the most popular trademark classes because almost every apparel brand needs protection here.
✅ Examples of Products in Class 25:
- Clothing for men, women, and children (shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, skirts, etc.)
- Sportswear and activewear
- Footwear of all types (shoes, sandals, boots, sneakers)
- Headgear (caps, hats, helmets not for protective use)
- Socks, stockings, and hosiery
- Uniforms and workwear
- Outerwear (coats, hoodies, sweaters)
❌ What Class 25 Does Not Cover:
- Fabrics and raw textile material (Class 24)
- Protective clothing or shoes for safety (Class 9 or Class 10, depending on use)
- Carpets or floor coverings (Class 27)
👉 In short, Class 25 protects finished clothing and accessories that consumers wear.
🔑 Key Difference Between Class 24 and Class 25
Let’s simplify:
| Aspect | Class 24 | Class 25 |
| Category | Fabrics and household textiles | Clothing, footwear, and headgear |
| Stage of Product | Raw or semi-finished materials (fabrics, bed linen) | Finished goods (clothes, shoes, hats) |
| Examples | Cotton fabric, curtains, bedsheets, table covers | Shirts, jeans, sneakers, caps |
| Best For | Fabric manufacturers, textile mills, home furnishing brands | Apparel brands, fashion labels, shoe companies |
👉 Think of Class 24 as the “material stage” and Class 25 as the “fashion stage.”
📌 Case Example: Choosing the Right Class
Example 1: A Fabric Manufacturer
If your business produces cotton fabrics or upholstery material, you must file under Class 24. Even if your fabrics are later used to make clothes, your protection is for the fabric itself, not the clothing.
Example 2: A Fashion Brand
If you design and sell ready-made clothing like dresses, jeans, or sportswear, you must file under Class 25.
Example 3: A Home Furnishing Brand
If your business sells curtains, bedsheets, and table linen, then Class 24 is the right choice.
Example 4: A Lifestyle Brand With Multiple Categories
If your brand sells both fabrics (curtains, bedsheets) and clothing (shirts, dresses), you need to file in both Class 24 and Class 25 to ensure complete protection.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing under the wrong class
Many textile startups mistakenly file under Class 24 when they are actually selling finished clothing (Class 25). This leaves their apparel brand unprotected. - Not filing in multiple classes
If your brand covers both fabrics and finished clothes, you need dual protection in Class 24 and Class 25. - Overlooking future expansion
Even if you currently sell only fabrics, but plan to launch your own clothing line, consider registering in both classes early.
📜 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Filing in Class 24 and 25
- Trademark Search
Use the official IP India trademark search tool to check if your brand name/logo is available. - Choose the Right Class
Identify whether your products belong to Class 24, Class 25, or both. - Prepare Documents
- Brand name/logo design
- Applicant details (individual or company)
- Product description
- Power of Attorney (if filing through an agent)
- File the Application
Submit your application through the IP India portal or with professional assistance. - Examination Stage
The Registrar will review your application for conflicts and compliance. - Publication in Trademark Journal
If approved, your trademark will be published for opposition. - Registration Certificate
If no objections arise, your brand will receive trademark protection valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
💡 Why Filing in the Right Class Matters
Filing your trademark in the correct class ensures:
- ✅ Brand exclusivity in your category
- ✅ Protection against counterfeiters
- ✅ Legal rights to take action against infringers
- ✅ A strong brand identity that builds customer trust
🔮 Future Trends in Textile & Fashion Trademarking
- Sustainability-focused trademarks → Eco-friendly fabrics and organic clothing brands are increasingly filing under Classes 24 & 25.
- Global expansion → Indian textile and apparel brands filing internationally under Madrid Protocol.
- Multi-class protection → Lifestyle brands protecting both raw textiles and finished apparel.
🏆 Conclusion
When it comes to textile and fashion branding, understanding the difference between Trademark Class 24 and Class 25 is crucial.
- Choose Class 24 if you deal in fabrics, textiles, and home furnishings.
- Choose Class 25 if you sell clothing, footwear, or headgear.
- If your business covers both, file in both classes for complete protection.
Filing in the right class ensures your brand is legally protected, future-proofed, and ready to grow without the risk of infringement.
🚀 Protect Your Textile or Apparel Brand With VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping textile, fashion, and home furnishing brands secure their trademarks in the correct classes. Whether you need a Class 24 filing for fabrics or a Class 25 filing for apparel, our experts handle the process seamlessly—ensuring your brand stays safe and compliant.
👉 Contact us today to protect your textile or fashion brand under the right trademark class.
