2Sep, 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Trademark in Class 23 for Textile Startups

Launching a textile startup is exciting—whether you’re producing innovative yarns, vibrant threads, or eco-friendly fiber blends. However, in today’s competitive textile market, your brand identity is just as valuable as the products you create. That’s where trademarks play a crucial role.

For textile startups, Trademark Class 23 is the right category for protecting your yarn and thread products. This blog will serve as a step-by-step guide to filing a trademark in Class 23, ensuring that your textile brand is secure and legally protected.

🌐 What Is Trademark Class 23?

Trademark Class 23 falls under the Nice Classification (NCL) system and specifically covers yarns and threads used for textile purposes.

Products Covered in Class 23 Include:

  • Cotton yarns and threads
  • Silk yarns and threads
  • Woolen yarns and threads
  • Synthetic yarns and threads (nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc.)
  • Embroidery threads
  • Sewing threads
  • Industrial yarns
  • Specialty threads like metallic or elastic threads

If your textile startup is involved in manufacturing, selling, or branding yarns and threads, Class 23 is where your trademark application must be filed.

⚖️ Why Textile Startups Must Register a Trademark in Class 23

Before we dive into the process, let’s understand why filing a trademark in Class 23 is critical for startups:

  1. Brand Protection: Stops competitors from copying your yarn/thread brand name.
  2. Customer Trust: Builds credibility with buyers, especially in the fashion and textile industries.
  3. Legal Rights: Grants exclusive usage rights for your brand in the textile sector.
  4. Competitive Advantage: Helps differentiate your startup in a crowded textile market.
  5. Future Growth: Protects your brand when expanding to international markets.

Now that we know the importance, let’s break down the step-by-step trademark filing process for your textile startup.

📝 Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Trademark in Class 23

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, you must ensure your chosen brand name is unique.

  • Visit the IP India Trademark Search Portal.
  • Enter your proposed brand name in Class 23.
  • Look for identical or similar trademarks.

🔎 Pro Tip: If you find similar names, consider slight variations or create a more distinctive brand identity to avoid rejection.

Step 2: Decide What You Want to Trademark

You can register:

  • Word Marks – Brand name (e.g., “EcoWeave Threads”)
  • Logo Marks – Unique symbols or logos representing your textile startup
  • Combination Marks – Brand name + logo
  • Taglines/Slogans – Phrases that identify your brand identity (e.g., “Weaving Quality into Every Thread”)

Startups usually benefit from filing both wordmark + logo, offering broader protection.

Step 3: Prepare the Necessary Documents

Here’s a checklist of documents needed for filing a trademark:

✅ For Individuals/Startups:

  • Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
  • Address proof
  • Brand name/logo (in JPEG format)
  • Signed Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)

✅ For Companies:

  • Incorporation Certificate
  • Director’s identity proof
  • Registered office address proof
  • Logo/wordmark details

Step 4: Choose the Correct Trademark Application Form

  • Form TM-A is used to apply for a new trademark in India.
  • Filing can be done online via the IP India portal or offline through the trademark office.

💰 Cost of Filing:

  • ₹4,500 (for startups, individuals, and small businesses)
  • ₹9,000 (for companies and large entities)

Step 5: File the Trademark Application

  • Log in to the IP India Trademark Filing Portal.
  • Select Class 23 for yarn and thread-related goods.
  • Upload all required documents and brand logo.
  • Pay the filing fee and submit.

📩 After filing, you’ll receive an Acknowledgment Number to track your application.

Step 6: Examination by Trademark Registry

The application goes through a detailed review by the Trademark Examiner, who checks:

  • Similarity with existing trademarks
  • Correct classification (Class 23)
  • Descriptiveness or generic nature of the mark

✅ If everything is correct → Application moves to publication.
❌ If objections arise → You must respond with clarifications and supporting documents.

Step 7: Publication in Trademark Journal

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

  • Duration: 4 months
  • If no opposition is filed: Trademark proceeds to registration.
  • If opposition is filed: A legal hearing will be conducted to resolve disputes.

Step 8: Trademark Registration Certificate

Once no opposition remains (or after winning a hearing), you will receive a Trademark Registration Certificate.

🎉 Congratulations! Your textile startup’s yarn/thread brand is now legally protected under Class 23.

🛑 Common Mistakes Textile Startups Should Avoid

  1. Filing in the Wrong Class: Filing under Class 24 (fabrics) instead of Class 23 (yarns/threads).
  2. Generic Brand Names: Using words like “Thread Co.” or “Best Yarn,” which may be rejected.
  3. Skipping Trademark Search: Leads to objections due to similarity.
  4. Not Registering Logo: Leaving your visual identity unprotected.
  5. Incomplete Documents: Can delay the application or cause rejection.

🌍 International Trademark Protection for Textile Startups

If you plan to sell your yarn/thread products globally, consider registering under the Madrid Protocol for international protection.

  • A single application covers 120+ countries.
  • Saves cost and time compared to filing in each country separately.

📌 Real-Life Example

Imagine a startup named “EcoFiber Threads” producing sustainable cotton threads. Without a trademark, another company could use a similar name like “EcoFibre Yarns”, causing confusion.

By filing in Class 23, EcoFiber Threads gains exclusive rights over their brand, ensuring that no competitor can legally copy their identity.

🔮 Future Trends for Textile Startups and Trademarks

  • Eco-Friendly Brands on the Rise: Growing demand for organic and recycled yarns.
  • Niche Products Need Stronger Branding: Specialty threads (like metallic or stretch yarns) are booming.
  • Digital Presence Matters: Trademarks protect your brand across online marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart, Etsy).

✅ Final Thoughts

For textile startups, a strong brand identity is everything. Filing a trademark under Class 23 is not just a legal necessity—it’s an investment in your startup’s long-term growth. From building trust with buyers to securing exclusive rights, trademark registration ensures that your brand weaves success into every thread.

If you’re ready to safeguard your textile startup’s identity, start your Class 23 trademark filing today and protect the brand you’ve worked hard to create.

🚀 How VMK Professionals Can Help

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration services for textile startups. Our team ensures:

  • Accurate Class 23 trademark filing
  • Trademark search & documentation support
  • Handling objections and oppositions
  • Affordable packages for startups and small businesses

📞 Contact us today and let us protect your yarn and thread brand with professional trademark solutions.