Introduction
In the world of fashion and garment manufacturing, small components often make a big difference. Items like hooks, pins, buttons, and fasteners might seem minor, but they play an essential role in clothing production, accessories, and home decor. These products fall under Trademark Class 26, which covers a wide range of decorative and functional sewing and clothing accessories.
If you manufacture or sell products such as safety pins, zippers, press fasteners, or hooks, registering your trademark under Class 26 is crucial to safeguard your brand identity and prevent competitors from misusing your name or logo.
In this article, we’ll explain what Class 26 includes, why you should register your trademark under this class, the filing process, and key tips for building strong protection for your sewing supply or accessory brand.
Understanding Trademark Class 26
Trademark Class 26 is part of the Nice Classification system, an international classification that categorizes goods and services into different classes for trademark registration purposes.
What Class 26 Covers:
Class 26 includes lace, embroidery, ribbons, braid, buttons, hooks, eyes, pins, and needles, as well as artificial flowers and ornaments used in garments or hair accessories.
Specifically, this class covers:
- Hooks and eyes (used in garments and lingerie)
- Pins and safety pins
- Press fasteners and snap buttons
- Zippers and slide fasteners
- Sewing boxes and decorative trims
- Artificial flowers and leaves
- Hair accessories like barrettes, clips, and ribbons
These are often used in the fashion, tailoring, and home decor industries, which makes it vital to protect your unique product name, packaging, or logo through trademark registration.
Why Hooks, Pins, and Fasteners Brands Need Trademark Protection
If you sell products such as garment hooks, safety pins, or zippers, your brand identity can easily be copied or misused by other sellers in the market. Here’s why a trademark is essential for your business:
1. Prevent Copycats
Trademark registration legally prevents competitors from using a similar name, logo, or design on their products. This is especially important for businesses selling small accessories, as imitation products can mislead buyers and harm your brand reputation.
2. Build Customer Trust
When customers see your registered trademark on packaging or marketing materials, they associate it with quality and authenticity. This builds brand loyalty and helps you stand out from unregistered, low-quality alternatives.
3. Boost Market Value
A registered trademark adds commercial value to your brand. It can be licensed, franchised, or even sold in the future as part of your intellectual property assets.
4. Expand with Legal Confidence
With your trademark secured, you can confidently expand your product line—whether that’s into zippers, buttons, or ribbons—without worrying about infringement disputes.
Examples of Products That Fall Under Class 26
| Category | Examples |
| Hooks and Fasteners | Hook and eye closures, snap fasteners, press buttons, Velcro strips |
| Pins and Needles | Safety pins, sewing pins, dressmaker pins |
| Decorative Items | Beads, embroidery, lace, ribbons, braids |
| Hair Accessories | Hair clips, bows, barrettes, pins |
| Artificial Ornaments | Artificial flowers, fruit decorations, feathers for clothing |
If your product line falls within these categories, it’s important to file your trademark under Class 26 instead of classes like Class 25 (clothing) or Class 20 (furniture) to avoid rejection or misclassification.
Trademark Registration Process for Class 26
Filing a trademark under Class 26 in India follows a systematic process governed by the Trademark Act, 1999. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, you must check whether a similar or identical trademark already exists.
Use the Indian Trademark Registry search portal to identify any conflicts in Class 26.
This ensures your application won’t get rejected for being too similar to existing marks.
Step 2: Determine Ownership
You can file the trademark as:
- An individual (for personal brands)
- A company or partnership firm
- A manufacturer or trader
- A service provider or distributor
Step 3: Prepare the Application
The application includes:
- Applicant’s name and address
- Trademark name or logo
- Description of goods (e.g., “Hooks, Pins, and Fasteners for Clothing”)
- Trademark class (Class 26)
- Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent)
Step 4: File the Application
You can file the trademark:
- Online through the IP India portal
- Offline by submitting the TM-A form at the regional Trademark Office
After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number to track your application status.
Step 5: Examination
A Trademark Officer reviews your application for any conflicts, classification errors, or objections.
If there’s an objection, you’ll need to submit a written reply or appear for a hearing to defend your mark.
Step 6: Publication
Once accepted, your mark is published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months.
If no one objects during this period, your mark proceeds to registration.
Step 7: Registration Certificate
Upon approval, the Trademark Registry issues a Trademark Registration Certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely every decade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Class 26
- Choosing the Wrong Class:
Many applicants mistakenly file under Class 25 (clothing) instead of Class 26. Remember, accessories and fasteners are covered under Class 26, not apparel. - Vague Descriptions:
Always provide specific product details like “hooks, eyes, press buttons, and zippers” to strengthen your claim. - Skipping Trademark Search:
Not checking for existing marks can lead to objections or rejections. - Ignoring Objections:
If you receive an objection notice, respond promptly and professionally to avoid losing your application.
Tips for Strengthening Your Trademark Application
- Use distinctive brand names – Avoid generic terms like “HookPro” or “ButtonStore.”
- Include a logo mark along with the wordmark to secure both visual and textual elements.
- Maintain proof of use, such as packaging, invoices, and marketing materials, to support your claim during objections or disputes.
- Renew on time – Trademarks last 10 years, but you must renew before expiration to maintain rights.
Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Hook Manufacturer
If you manufacture bra hooks, curtain hooks, or metallic fasteners, Class 26 is your ideal category. It helps prevent others from using your brand name for similar accessories.
Scenario 2: Tailoring Supply Store
If your business sells safety pins, buttons, and zippers, your store name or logo can be registered under Class 26 to protect your branding from competitors.
Scenario 3: Fashion Hardware Brand
Brands that sell decorative chains, brooch pins, or fabric fasteners should register under Class 26 to safeguard their creative product identity.
Difference Between Class 25 and Class 26
| Aspect | Class 25 | Class 26 |
| Covers | Clothing, footwear, headgear | Sewing and fashion accessories |
| Examples | Shirts, trousers, shoes, hats | Buttons, hooks, zippers, ribbons |
| Ideal for | Apparel manufacturers and brands | Accessory and garment supply makers |
| Common Overlap | Sometimes both classes are filed together if products overlap |
If you sell both garments and accessories, you should consider filing dual-class applications (Class 25 and 26) to ensure complete coverage.
Cost and Timeframe for Class 26 Registration
- Government Fees:
- ₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups/small enterprises
- ₹9,000 per class for companies or large entities
- Processing Time:
Around 6 to 12 months, depending on examination and objections. - Validity:
10 years from the date of filing, renewable every decade.
Conclusion
For brands dealing with hooks, pins, and fasteners, trademark registration under Class 26 is not just a legal formality—it’s a powerful step toward protecting your brand’s reputation and market presence. These small but significant items form the backbone of the fashion and textile industry, and your business deserves the same level of brand security as major apparel labels.
By registering your trademark, you not only prevent imitation but also create lasting recognition for your quality and craftsmanship. Whether you are a manufacturer, supplier, or retailer, filing under Class 26 ensures that your identity remains yours—protected, recognized, and respected.
Protect Your Brand with VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we help you register, manage, and protect your trademarks with expert guidance and hassle-free online filing. Our experienced team ensures that your Class 26 trademark application is correctly classified, conflict-free, and approved smoothly.
Contact VMK Professionals today to safeguard your brand identity for hooks, pins, fasteners, and other accessories under Trademark Class 26.