10Aug, 2025
Beginner’s Guide to Trademark Class 22 for Rope and Tent Businesses

If your business manufactures or sells ropes, nets, tents, tarpaulins, sails, or similar products, then Trademark Class 22 is the category you need to know about.

In the competitive outdoor gear and industrial materials market, protecting your brand name is just as important as product quality. Without proper trademark registration, your hard-earned reputation can be copied, diluted, or even stolen.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover:

  • ✅ What Trademark Class 22 covers
  • ✅ Examples of goods under Class 22
  • ✅ Why registration is important for rope, net, and tent brands
  • ✅ Step-by-step filing process
  • ✅ Common mistakes to avoid
  • ✅ Related trademark classes to consider

🪢 What Is Trademark Class 22?

Trademark Class 22 is one of the categories under the Nice Classification system — the global standard for classifying goods and services in trademark registration.

It specifically covers cordage, fibers, ropes, nets, tents, tarpaulins, sails, and padding or stuffing materials (except rubber or plastics in extruded form).

This class is particularly important for outdoor equipment manufacturers, marine supply brands, fishing gear companies, camping product businesses, and suppliers of industrial ropes and nets.

📋 Products Covered Under Trademark Class 22

Here’s a detailed list of goods that fall under Class 22:

1. Ropes and Cordage

  • Hemp ropes
  • Cotton ropes
  • Synthetic ropes (nylon, polypropylene)
  • Mountaineering ropes
  • Industrial lifting ropes

2. Nets

  • Fishing nets
  • Sports nets (football, badminton)
  • Cargo nets
  • Bird protection nets
  • Safety nets for construction

3. Tents and Outdoor Shelters

  • Camping tents
  • Beach tents
  • Military tents
  • Gazebos (fabric type)
  • Tent awnings

4. Tarpaulins and Sails

  • Waterproof tarpaulins
  • Shade tarps
  • Boat sails
  • Yacht sails
  • Windsurfing sails

5. Padding and Stuffing Materials

  • Stuffing for cushions (except rubber or plastic)
  • Natural fiber stuffing (cotton, wool, kapok)
  • Feather or down stuffing

6. Raw Textile Fibers

  • Raw cotton
  • Raw jute
  • Raw silk
  • Coir fiber

💡 Note: Rubber or plastic in extruded form falls under Class 17, not Class 22.

🏕 Why Class 22 Is Important for Rope, Net, and Tent Brands

Registering your brand in Class 22 ensures exclusive rights over your mark for goods in this category. This prevents others from using identical or confusingly similar marks in the same product segment.

Key Benefits:

  1. Legal Protection – You can take legal action against copycats.
  2. Brand Exclusivity – Only you can use your name/logo in Class 22 products.
  3. Market Trust – Customers recognize your brand as professional and protected.
  4. E-commerce Advantage – Many platforms require trademark registration for brand registry.
  5. Global Recognition – Easier to expand internationally.

⚠️ Risks of Not Registering in Class 22

  • Competitors can copy your brand and market similar products.
  • You may face trademark infringement claims if someone else registers first.
  • Loss of online sales due to inability to report counterfeit products.
  • Rebranding costs if you’re forced to change your name or logo later.

🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Filing in Class 22

Step 1: Trademark Search

Before applying, ensure your mark is unique.

  • Use the IP India Public Search Tool.
  • Check for exact matches and similar sounding marks.
  • Search for both wordmarks and logos.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid marks that are descriptive, like “Strong Rope Co.” — these are harder to register.

Step 2: Identify the Goods and Class

Specify your goods clearly, e.g.:

  • “Nylon climbing ropes”
  • “Fishing nets made of polyester”
  • “Waterproof camping tents”

This makes your registration more enforceable.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

You’ll need:

  • Applicant details (Individual/Company/Partnership)
  • Brand name and/or logo
  • List of goods
  • Proof of use (optional for new brands)

Step 4: File Your Trademark Application

You can:

  • Apply online at the IP India E-filing portal
  • Or apply offline at a trademark registry office

💰 Filing Fees:

  • ₹4,500 for individuals/startups/small enterprises
  • ₹9,000 for companies/others

Step 5: Examination by Trademark Office

  • Registrar checks for conflicts and compliance.
  • If objections arise, you’ll receive an Examination Report.
  • Reply within 30 days to avoid abandonment.

Step 6: Publication in the Trademark Journal

  • Published for 4 months for public opposition.
  • If no opposition → moves to registration.
  • If opposed → trademark hearing.

Step 7: Registration & Renewal

  • Trademark is valid for 10 years.
  • Renewable indefinitely every 10 years.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 22 Filing

  1. Choosing a Generic Name – Difficult to protect.
  2. Wrong Class Filing – No protection if filed under the wrong class.
  3. Not Including All Products – Leaves some goods unprotected.
  4. Ignoring Similar Marks – Leads to rejection or disputes.
  5. Missing Deadlines – Can result in application abandonment.

🔄 Related Trademark Classes

If your business expands beyond ropes, nets, or tents, consider these classes too:

ClassCovers
18Leather goods, bags, backpacks
25Clothing, footwear (for outdoor use)
28Sporting goods & fishing gear
35Retail & online store services

📖 Case Example: Outdoor Gear Brand Protection

Brand: MountainKnot — known for premium climbing ropes and camping tents.

Issue: A competitor launched “MountainKnots” ropes with similar packaging.

Solution: Because MountainKnot had a registered Class 22 trademark, they:

  • Issued a legal notice
  • Removed infringing online listings
  • Maintained their market reputation

💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Class 22 Trademark

  • Create a distinctive name – Avoid generic terms like “RopeMart.”
  • Register both wordmark & logo – Covers name and visual identity.
  • File early – Prevent others from registering before you.
  • Monitor trademark journals – Stay alert for similar filings.
  • Use ™ and ® properly – ™ during application, ® after registration.

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re in the rope, net, or tent business, Trademark Class 22 is your first line of defense against brand theft and imitation. By registering under this class, you:

  • Secure your brand identity
  • Build consumer trust
  • Enable smooth e-commerce and global expansion

Don’t wait until a competitor copies your brand — protect it before that happens.

📞 Need Help with Class 22 Trademark Filing?

At VMK Professionals, we:

  • Conduct in-depth trademark searches
  • File and manage applications
  • Handle objections and oppositions
  • Manage renewals for lifetime brand protection