If you are in the business of manufacturing or selling lace, ribbons, or other decorative trimmings, protecting your brand identity is crucial. With thousands of small and large businesses competing in the textile and fashion accessories market, it’s easy for others to copy your designs, brand name, or packaging. This is where Trademark Class 26 comes in.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to trademark your lace and ribbon brand in Class 26, why it’s important, the step-by-step filing process, and common mistakes to avoid.

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🔎 Understanding Trademark Class 26

The trademark classification system (Nice Classification – NCL) divides goods and services into 45 classes. Trademark Class 26 specifically covers:

• Lace
• Ribbons
• Embroidery
• Braid and trimmings
• Buttons, hooks, pins, and similar accessories

For lace and ribbon businesses, this class is the right choice because it ensures your brand name, logo, or unique designs are legally protected against competitors.

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🎀 Why Do Lace and Ribbon Brands Need a Trademark?

The lace and ribbon industry is highly competitive. Many businesses supply to:

• Fashion houses
• Tailors and boutiques
• Packaging and gift industries
• Event decorators
• DIY craft brands

Without a registered trademark:

• Competitors can use similar names/logos to confuse customers.
• Fake or low-quality duplicates can damage your brand’s reputation.
• You may lose business opportunities with designers and exporters who prefer registered brands.

👉 A registered trademark helps you build credibility, protect your reputation, and expand globally.

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📋 Products Under Class 26 for Lace and Ribbon Brands

Here’s what specifically applies to lace and ribbon businesses in Class 26:

• Lace (cotton, silk, synthetic, machine-made, hand-made)
• Ribbons (satin, velvet, grosgrain, polyester, decorative)
• Braids and ornamental trimmings
• Passementerie (fancy borders with tassels/fringe)
• Embroidered patches or appliqués

If your business also sells related products like buttons, zippers, or hair accessories, you can cover them under Class 26 too.

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📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademarking Your Lace and Ribbon Brand in Class 26

Now let’s break down the filing process in simple steps:

1. Trademark Search

Before filing, check if a similar brand name or logo already exists in Class 26.

• Use the IP India Public Search Tool.
• Look for both exact and phonetically similar names.
• If something close exists, tweak your name/logo to avoid objections.

✅ Example: If your brand is “Ribbon Luxe,” and “Ribbona Lux” already exists, you may face opposition.

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2. Choose a Strong Trademark

A strong trademark is unique and memorable. Avoid:

• Generic terms (like “Best Ribbons” or “Quality Lace”)
• Descriptive names (“Silk Ribbon Co.”)

Instead, use:

• Invented/fancy names (e.g., “Lacoria,” “Velorib”)
• Distinct logos or stylized fonts
• Combination marks (name + logo)

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3. Prepare the Application

Your application must include:

• Applicant details (individual/company/partnership)
• Brand name/logo design
• Class of goods (Class 26)
• Specific description, e.g., “cotton lace, satin ribbons, decorative trims”
• Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent)

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4. File the Trademark Application

• File online through the IP India portal or offline at the Trademark Registry office.
• Pay the government fee:
  • ₹4,500 (individual/startup/small enterprise)
  • ₹9,000 (other entities)

Once filed, you’ll receive an Application Number for tracking.

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5. Examination of the Application

The Trademark Registry examines your application:

• If everything is fine → Accepted.
• If there are issues (similar marks, wrong description) → You’ll receive an Examination Report.

👉 You must reply within 30 days to avoid rejection.

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6. Publication in the Trademark Journal

If accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.

• If no one opposes → It moves to registration.
• If opposed → You must defend your mark legally.

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7. Trademark Registration Certificate

Once cleared, you’ll get the Trademark Registration Certificate, valid for 10 years.

• Renewable every 10 years by paying the renewal fee.

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💡 Example: How a Ribbon Brand Uses Class 26

Imagine you own a brand “Silkrib Creations”, which sells premium satin ribbons.

• You file a trademark in Class 26 for “decorative satin ribbons, lace, and trimmings.”
• Once registered, no one else can sell ribbons under the name “Silkrib” or use a confusingly similar logo.
• If someone tries, you can take legal action against them.

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🚀 Benefits of Trademarking a Lace and Ribbon Brand

1. Exclusive Rights – No one else can use your brand name in Class 26.
2. Customer Trust – Adds credibility, especially with designers and exporters.
3. Protection from Counterfeits – Stop cheap imitations from ruining your brand.
4. Licensing Opportunities – You can license your brand to other sellers for royalties.
5. Global Recognition – Trademarks help expand internationally under the Madrid Protocol.

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⚖️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filing under the wrong class (like Class 24 for textiles instead of Class 26).
• Using weak, descriptive names.
• Not responding to Examination Reports on time.
• Ignoring opposition notices in the Trademark Journal.
• Forgetting to renew after 10 years.

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📊 Case Study: YKK – The Zipper & Fastener Giant

Although primarily known for zippers, YKK also produces trimmings and fasteners that fall under Class 26. By trademarking globally, YKK ensured that its name became synonymous with quality fasteners, preventing copycats worldwide.

Similarly, lace and ribbon brands can grow into global suppliers by protecting their identity early.

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✅ Pro Tips for Lace & Ribbon Startups

• File Early – Don’t wait until your brand gets popular; protect it before competitors copy.
• Use Distinct Branding – A creative name/logo is harder to copy.
• Register in Multiple Classes – If you also sell fabrics (Class 24) or finished clothing (Class 25), apply in those too.
• Hire Experts – Professional help ensures smooth filing and reduces rejection chances.

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📝 Final Thoughts

For lace and ribbon businesses, Trademark Class 26 is the right category to secure brand protection. From satin ribbons to embroidered lace trims, a registered trademark ensures your products stand out in the crowded marketplace.

Whether you’re a small startup selling handmade ribbons or a large lace manufacturing company, filing your trademark will safeguard your identity, build trust, and open doors for growth.

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📢 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help businesses like yours file trademarks in the right class with ease. Whether you’re protecting lace, ribbons, embroidery, or other Class 26 accessories, our experts guide you through the entire process—search, filing, examination, and registration.

👉 Contact VMK Professionals today and secure your lace and ribbon brand before competitors do.

When it comes to trademark registration, one of the most important steps is selecting the correct class for your products or services. If you manufacture or sell accessories, sewing supplies, or decorative items such as buttons, ribbons, zippers, or hair accessories, then Trademark Class 26 is the category you need to focus on.

This blog will provide you with a complete list of products under Class 26, along with practical insights on why registering in this class is important, common mistakes to avoid, and how businesses can benefit from securing their brand identity in this category.

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🔎 Understanding Trademark Class 26

Trademark Class 26 is part of the Nice Classification (NCL) system, which organizes goods and services into 45 classes. Specifically, Class 26 covers:

Lace, embroidery, ribbons, braid, buttons, hooks, pins, and other sewing and clothing accessories.

In simpler words, it applies to ornamental, fastening, and decorative accessories that enhance clothing, fabric, or hairstyles.

This class is very important for businesses in the fashion, textile, tailoring, and accessory industries. Whether you make zippers for jeans, beads for jewelry, or ribbons for packaging, Class 26 protects your brand from copycats and competitors.

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📋 Complete List of Products Covered Under Trademark Class 26

Here is a detailed, categorized list of products included in Class 26:

1. Lace and Embroidery Products

• Lace (all types: cotton lace, silk lace, synthetic lace)
• Embroidery and embroidered patches
• Frills and trimmings
• Ornamental textile borders
• Passementerie (decorative trimmings like tassels and braids)

2. Ribbons and Tapes

• Ribbons (silk, satin, grosgrain, polyester, velvet, etc.)
• Bias binding
• Trimmings for clothing
• Decorative ribbons for garments and packaging

3. Buttons and Fasteners

• Buttons of all materials (plastic, metal, wood, fabric-covered)
• Snaps and press studs
• Studs for clothing
• Toggles
• Hooks and eyes
• Buckles (for clothing, not for belts in Class 18)
• Clasps for garments

4. Zippers and Sewing Accessories

• Zippers and zip fasteners
• Slide fasteners
• Sewing boxes and sewing kits (not containing needles or thread)
• Pincushions
• Thimbles for sewing
• Decorative textile fastenings

5. Pins and Needles (Decorative)

• Safety pins
• Ornamental pins (like brooch pins or hat pins)
• Pinheads (decorative)
• Not included: Needles for sewing or surgical use (classified elsewhere)

6. Hair Accessories

• Hair bands
• Hair clips and barrettes
• Hair pins
• Wigs, hair extensions, toupees
• Artificial flowers for hair decoration
• Hair ornaments (except jewelry-based, which fall in Class 14)

7. Artificial Flowers and Decorations

• Artificial flowers and wreaths
• Artificial fruit for decoration
• Garlands (non-natural)
• Decorative textile flowers

8. Other Decorative Accessories

• Tassels
• Fringe trimmings
• Epaulettes
• Fancy goods for clothing decoration

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🚫 What Is Not Covered Under Class 26?

It’s equally important to know what doesn’t fall under Class 26, so you don’t mistakenly file in the wrong category:

• Threads and Yarns → Class 23
• Textiles and Fabrics → Class 24
• Clothing, Footwear, and Headgear → Class 25
• Jewelry for Hair (like gold/silver pins) → Class 14
• Sewing Machines or Tools → Class 7

👉 Choosing the wrong class can lead to rejection of your application or weak protection.

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📌 Why Register Under Trademark Class 26?

If your business deals in accessories or sewing supplies, trademark registration under Class 26 is crucial. Here’s why:

1. Brand Identity Protection – Prevents others from copying your name/logo on ribbons, buttons, or accessories.
2. Consumer Trust – Customers trust brands with a registered trademark.
3. Competitive Edge – Safeguards unique accessory designs from cheap imitations.
4. Expansion Security – Allows you to scale into global markets with legal backing.
5. Legal Rights – Enables you to take action against infringement.

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✅ Trademark Filing Tips for Class 26 Businesses

To make sure your registration process is smooth, here are a few expert tips:

• Be Specific in Your Application – Instead of just “ribbons,” mention “decorative satin ribbons for garments.”
• Check Similar Trademarks – Use the IP India Public Search Tool to avoid filing conflicts.
• File in Multiple Classes if Needed – Example: If you make “hair clips” (Class 26) and “fashion jewelry” (Class 14), apply in both classes.
• Use Your Mark Consistently – Ensure the trademark is displayed clearly on product packaging.
• Hire Experts – Professional help can save time, avoid objections, and strengthen your application.

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📊 Real-World Examples of Class 26 Brands

Many global and Indian brands rely on Class 26 protection for their accessory lines.

• YKK – World’s leading zipper manufacturer, registered under Class 26.
• Swarovski – Decorative crystals for embroidery and accessories.
• Goody – Hair accessories like pins, clips, and bands.
• Indian Ribbon & Lace brands – Protect their traditional designs from duplication.

These examples show how even small accessory items can become powerful global brands when backed by proper trademark registration.

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⚖️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Filing in Class 25 (clothing) when your product is only an accessory.
• Using generic names like “Best Ribbons” that can be rejected.
• Ignoring opposition from existing brands.
• Not monitoring infringement after registration.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Trademark Class 26 may seem like a small category, but it plays a big role in the fashion and textile ecosystem. From lace and embroidery to zippers and hair accessories, this class ensures your accessory products are legally protected.

Whether you’re a startup selling handmade hair clips or a manufacturer of industrial zippers, securing your trademark in Class 26 is essential to safeguard your brand’s identity and future growth.

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📢 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping businesses protect their brands through seamless trademark registration, copyright, and compliance services. Our team ensures that your application under Class 26 or any other category is filed correctly and strategically, giving your business the legal edge it deserves.

👉 Contact VMK Professionals today to register your accessory or sewing supply brand and stay ahead of competitors.