The fashion industry is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Whether you run a clothing line, footwear business, or retail fashion store, protecting your brand is crucial to building long-term success. But when it comes to trademark registration, one big question often confuses business owners:

👉 Should I register under Class 25 or Class 35?

While both classes are important for fashion businesses, they serve different purposes. In this blog, we’ll break down Trademark Class 25 vs. Class 35, explain what each class covers, and help you decide which one is right for your business.

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🧵 What Is Trademark Class 25?

Trademark Class 25 is specifically for fashion products such as:

• Clothing – shirts, dresses, pants, jeans, jackets, suits, t-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, etc.
• Footwear – shoes, sandals, boots, sneakers, slippers, etc.
• Headgear – caps, hats, scarves, beanies, helmets, etc.

👉 If you are manufacturing, designing, or selling apparel, footwear, or headgear products, then Class 25 is the correct category.

📌 Example: If you own a clothing brand like Nike, Adidas, H&M, or Levi’s, your brand needs protection under Class 25.

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🛍️ What Is Trademark Class 35?

Trademark Class 35 is for business and retail services. It does not protect the product itself but the services related to selling products.

Some of the key areas covered under Class 35 are:

• Retail and wholesale store services (fashion boutiques, online clothing stores, malls).
• E-commerce platforms selling clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• Marketing and advertising for fashion brands.
• Business management and consultancy services.

👉 If you are running a fashion retail store, online clothing shop, or fashion marketing agency, then you need Class 35 protection.

📌 Example: Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart operate fashion retail services and therefore fall under Class 35.

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⚖️ Class 25 vs. Class 35 – Key Difference

Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

Aspect	Class 25	Class 35
Covers	Products – clothing, footwear, headgear	Services – retail, wholesale, e-commerce, marketing
Who Should Register	Clothing manufacturers, designers, footwear and apparel brands	Fashion retailers, e-commerce platforms, boutiques, brand promoters
Example Brands	Nike (products), Gucci (apparel), Levi’s (denim)	Amazon Fashion (retail services), Myntra (e-commerce), Zara Stores
Purpose	Protects your brand identity on fashion goods	Protects your business operations and retail services

👉 In short:

• Class 25 protects your clothing brand name/logo on your products.
• Class 35 protects your business as a fashion retailer or service provider.

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👗 Do Fashion Businesses Need Both Classes?

Yes! In many cases, fashion businesses register in both Class 25 and Class 35.

• If you are manufacturing or selling clothing, shoes, or headgear, you need Class 25.
• If you also run a retail store, e-commerce platform, or provide fashion-related services, you need Class 35.

📌 Example:

• Zara is a clothing manufacturer → Class 25.
• Zara Stores (retail outlets & online shops) → Class 35.

By registering in both classes, your brand gets complete protection.

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🧵 Example Scenarios

Let’s make this super clear with some real-world examples:

1. Fashion Designer (Own Brand Clothes)
   • Sells original apparel like dresses and shirts under a brand name.
   • Needs: Class 25 (for clothing products).
2. Retail Store Owner
   • Runs a boutique selling multiple brands (not their own).
   • Needs: Class 35 (for retail services).
3. E-commerce Fashion Platform
   • Like Myntra or Amazon Fashion.
   • Needs: Class 35 (for online retail services).
4. Clothing Brand with Retail Outlets
   • Like H&M, Nike, or Adidas.
   • Needs: Both Class 25 (products) + Class 35 (retail stores).

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🧾 Step-by-Step Guide to Filing in Class 25 or 35

The filing process is almost the same, whether you choose Class 25 or 35.

Step 1: Trademark Search

• Visit the official IP India website (or your country’s trademark database).
• Search under Class 25 or 35 to ensure your name/logo is not already taken.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Class

• Products → Class 25
• Retail services → Class 35
• Both? → File in both classes

Step 3: Prepare Documents

• Brand name/logo
• Goods or service description
• Applicant details (name/company)
• Address & contact info

Step 4: File Application

• File online via the trademark portal.
• Pay the fee (₹4,500 – ₹9,000 per class in India).

Step 5: Examination & Objection (if any)

• The trademark office examines your application.
• If objected, you’ll need to reply or attend a hearing.

Step 6: Journal Publication

• If accepted, your trademark is published in the journal.
• If no opposition arises within 4 months, it proceeds.

Step 7: Registration

• You receive a Trademark Certificate.
• Now you can use the ® symbol with your brand name/logo.

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✅ Benefits of Registering in Class 25

• Protects your brand name/logo on clothing, footwear, and headgear.
• Prevents counterfeiting of your products.
• Builds customer trust in your fashion brand.
• Increases brand value for future investments.

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✅ Benefits of Registering in Class 35

• Secures your identity as a fashion retailer or service provider.
• Protects your e-commerce or boutique brand.
• Stops competitors from copying your retail business name.
• Strengthens your business credibility in the market.

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🔑 Which One Should You Choose?

• If you make or sell your own fashion products → Choose Class 25.
• If you sell multiple fashion brands through retail or e-commerce → Choose Class 35.
• If you do both (like Nike, H&M, Zara, Adidas) → Register in both Class 25 and Class 35 for full protection.

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📝 Final Thoughts

The fashion business isn’t just about style; it’s about identity and trust. Trademark Class 25 vs. Class 35 often confuses entrepreneurs, but the key is simple:

• Class 25 = Protects your fashion products.
• Class 35 = Protects your fashion retail/services.

If you want your brand to thrive in today’s competitive market, registering in the right class (or both) is not optional — it’s essential.

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📌 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help clothing brands, footwear businesses, and fashion retailers secure their trademarks under the correct class. Whether you need Class 25 for your clothing products or Class 35 for your retail services, our experts guide you through the process from start to finish.

👉 Contact us today to protect your fashion brand and secure your future!

In today’s competitive fashion world, clothing brands are more than just garments — they represent identity, creativity, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a startup fashion designer, a growing clothing brand, or an established apparel business, protecting your brand identity is crucial. This is where Trademark Class 25 comes into play.

In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about trademarking your clothing brand in Class 25, step by step. From understanding what Class 25 covers to the filing process and benefits, you’ll find all the details you need to secure your brand legally.

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🌟 What Is Trademark Class 25?

Trademark Class 25 is specifically dedicated to the clothing and fashion industry. It covers a wide range of products including:

• Clothing (shirts, trousers, coats, dresses, t-shirts, jeans, etc.)
• Footwear (sandals, sneakers, boots, heels, slippers, etc.)
• Headgear (caps, hats, scarves, helmets, and head coverings)

In simple terms, if you are in the business of designing, manufacturing, or selling fashion and apparel products, then Trademark Class 25 is the correct category for your brand.

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👗 Why Is Trademarking Important for Clothing Brands?

The fashion industry is booming, but it’s also crowded with competitors. Without a trademark, your brand name, logo, or design can easily be copied. Registering a trademark ensures:

1. Legal Ownership – Your brand name and logo are officially yours.
2. Brand Recognition – Customers trust registered brands more.
3. Market Exclusivity – No competitor can use a similar name or logo in Class 25.
4. Global Expansion – Makes it easier to expand internationally with protection.
5. Asset Creation – A trademark increases your brand’s value and can be licensed or sold.

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🧵 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Trademark Your Clothing Brand in Class 25

Let’s break down the process in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

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Step 1: Choose a Unique Brand Name and Logo

• Your brand name should be distinctive, creative, and not generic.
• Avoid common words like “Fashion Wear” or “Style Clothing” because they’re too broad.
• A unique logo design will help customers instantly recognize your brand.

👉 Example: Instead of “Classic Jeans,” try something unique like “Urban Stitches” or “Denim Aura.”

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Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, check if your brand name or logo is already registered by someone else.

• Visit the IP India website (if in India) or the respective country’s trademark database.
• Search under Class 25 for similar or identical names.
• If your brand is already taken, modify your name or design.

👉 This step prevents rejections and legal disputes later.

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Step 3: Identify the Correct Trademark Class

Since you are in the clothing, footwear, or headgear business, Class 25 is the right choice.

But remember:

• If you also sell textile fabrics, that falls under Class 24.
• If you sell fashion accessories like bags, they belong to Class 18.

👉 Always pick the right class to avoid limited protection.

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Step 4: Prepare the Trademark Application

You’ll need to prepare documents before applying:

• Applicant details (your name or company name)
• Brand name and logo
• Goods description (e.g., shirts, jeans, shoes, hats, etc.)
• Address and contact details
• Power of Attorney (if applying through an agent or lawyer)

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Step 5: File the Trademark Application

You can file online through the government portal or offline via a regional trademark office.

• In India, file through the IP India official portal.
• Application fee (India): ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 depending on the applicant type.
• You’ll receive an acknowledgment number immediately after filing.

👉 Once filed, you can start using the ™ (trademark) symbol with your brand.

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Step 6: Examination by Trademark Office

The trademark office reviews your application to ensure:

• Your brand is unique.
• It doesn’t conflict with an existing trademark.
• It doesn’t violate public morality or law.

👉 If there’s an objection, you’ll have to respond with clarifications.

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Step 7: Trademark Journal Publication

If accepted, your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal.

• This gives the public a chance to object if they feel your brand is too similar to theirs.
• If no objection is raised within 4 months, the process moves forward.

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Step 8: Trademark Registration Certificate

Once all steps are clear, you’ll receive your Trademark Registration Certificate.

• You can now officially use the ® (registered trademark) symbol.
• Your brand is legally protected under Class 25 for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

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👠 Examples of Clothing Brands Under Class 25

To give you a better idea, here are some global fashion brands that fall under Class 25:

• Nike – Clothing, shoes, sportswear
• Adidas – Footwear, headgear, athletic clothing
• Levi’s – Denim jeans and apparel
• Gucci – Luxury clothing and accessories
• H&M – Fast-fashion clothing

👉 Whether you’re a small startup or a global brand, all fashion businesses use Class 25 for protection.

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💡 Tips for Fashion Startups Filing in Class 25

1. Keep it Unique – A creative brand name is easier to protect.
2. Think Long-Term – Register your brand in multiple relevant classes if needed.
3. Use the Logo – Protect both name and design to avoid imitation.
4. Hire Experts – Trademark lawyers or consultants can help avoid mistakes.
5. Act Early – Don’t wait for your brand to grow big; register before someone else copies.

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📊 Common Mistakes Clothing Brands Make

• Choosing generic names like “Best Fashion Wear.”
• Registering under the wrong class.
• Ignoring trademark search.
• Not renewing after 10 years.
• Believing small businesses don’t need trademarks.

👉 Remember, even small fashion startups need legal protection to grow safely.

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🌍 International Trademarking for Clothing Brands

If you plan to sell internationally, consider filing for international trademark protection under the Madrid Protocol.

• File once and protect your brand in multiple countries.
• Useful for online fashion stores that ship globally.

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✅ Benefits of Trademarking Your Clothing Brand in Class 25

• Exclusive rights to your brand name and logo.
• Legal protection against counterfeit and copycats.
• Customer trust and loyalty.
• Business expansion opportunities.
• Brand value increase for investment or resale.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Trademarking your clothing brand in Class 25 is not just a legal step — it’s a smart business move. The fashion industry is highly competitive, and without trademark protection, your brand is vulnerable to imitation.

By registering in Class 25, you ensure:

• Your brand identity is safe.
• Customers trust your products.
• You gain long-term business growth.

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📌 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help businesses and startups register their trademarks with ease. Our experts guide you through every step — from brand search to filing and protection. Whether you’re a clothing brand, footwear business, or fashion startup, we make sure your Class 25 trademark registration is smooth and hassle-free.

👉 Contact us today to protect your clothing brand and secure your business identity!