How Global Fashion Labels Secure Their Brand Identity with Class 25 Trademarks
Introduction
Fashion is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Every year, thousands of new clothing, footwear, and accessory brands enter the market. But what sets successful labels apart is not only their creativity or quality—it’s also how they protect their brand identity.
That protection comes from Trademark Class 25, which specifically covers clothing, footwear, and headgear. From luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to streetwear giants like Nike and Adidas, Class 25 is the backbone of how global brands safeguard their reputation.
In this blog, we’ll explore real-world examples of Class 25 trademarks, how global fashion labels use them, and why new apparel businesses—especially startups in India—must understand and leverage this class to grow securely.
What Is Trademark Class 25?
Trademark Class 25 is part of the Nice Classification System, used globally to categorize goods and services for trademark registration.
Class 25 covers:
- Clothing (shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, etc.)
- Footwear (shoes, sandals, sneakers, boots, etc.)
- Headgear (caps, hats, helmets, etc.)
For any brand operating in the fashion sector, Class 25 is the category where you must register your brand name, logo, or slogan to get exclusive legal rights.
Why Trademark Class 25 Matters for Fashion Brands
1. Brand Exclusivity
A registered trademark ensures that no other business in the apparel sector can use your identity—whether it’s your name, logo, or unique tagline.
2. Consumer Trust
When shoppers see ® next to a brand name, they know it’s authentic. In an industry full of counterfeit products, Class 25 registration builds credibility.
3. Legal Protection
From marketplace takedowns (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra) to legal lawsuits, Class 25 gives brands the power to fight copycats.
4. International Expansion
Through the Madrid Protocol, global brands extend Class 25 trademarks across multiple countries, ensuring recognition and protection worldwide.
5. Long-Term Business Security
Trademarking in Class 25 preserves brand identity for decades, allowing labels to expand product lines under the same trusted name.
Famous Trademark Class 25 Examples
Here are some global fashion labels and how they use Class 25 trademarks:
1. Nike – “Just Do It” and the Swoosh Logo
Nike has multiple trademarks under Class 25 covering:
- Sportswear
- Sneakers
- Jerseys
- Athletic accessories
Their “Swoosh” logo and “Just Do It” slogan are protected globally under Class 25. This prevents competitors from using similar marks in the apparel sector.
2. Adidas – Three Stripes Design
Adidas owns numerous Class 25 registrations for its Three Stripes logo and name. This trademark protection has allowed Adidas to take legal action against brands copying the stripe design on clothing and footwear.
3. Gucci – Double G Logo
Gucci, one of the most famous luxury fashion houses, has secured Class 25 trademarks for its Double G logo, wordmark, and signature stripe patterns. This ensures their products remain exclusive in the luxury apparel market.
4. Louis Vuitton – Monogram Pattern
Louis Vuitton protects its iconic LV monogram and flower design under Class 25. This strategy has helped the brand fight countless counterfeiters around the world.
5. H&M – Fast Fashion Trademark
H&M has registered its brand name, logos, and sub-brands like “Divided” and “COS” under Class 25. This helps them protect both their main and sub-labels in the fashion industry.
6. Zara – Global Apparel Trademarks
Zara operates across 90+ countries and protects its name and designs under Class 25, ensuring that their identity remains consistent worldwide.
7. Puma – Leaping Cat Logo
The Puma cat logo is one of the most recognized sportswear trademarks under Class 25. It covers apparel, sneakers, and accessories.
8. Patagonia – Eco-Friendly Apparel
Patagonia, known for sustainable fashion, uses Class 25 to protect its brand name and mountain logo. This is crucial as eco-friendly apparel becomes more competitive.
9. Levi’s – Red Tab and Stitch Design
Levi’s protects its red tab on jeans and even its unique stitching patterns under Class 25. This ensures no competitor can copy the iconic look of Levi’s denim.
10. Supreme – Streetwear Icon
Supreme, a global streetwear label, trademarked its bold red-and-white logo under Class 25. This gave it the power to fight “legal fakes” in international markets.
Key Lessons from Global Fashion Labels
From these examples, we can see a few consistent strategies:
- Register Early – Brands like Nike and Adidas trademarked their logos before becoming global giants.
- Protect Symbols, Not Just Names – Designs, logos, slogans, and even unique stitching can be protected under Class 25.
- Expand Internationally with Madrid Protocol – Major brands extend protection to all countries where they operate.
- Fight Counterfeits – Class 25 gives them the right to stop fake sellers both offline and online.
- Diversify Trademark Coverage – Sub-brands, collections, and collaborations are often separately trademarked under Class 25.
Why Indian Fashion Startups Must Learn from These Examples
For upcoming Indian apparel brands, the global examples provide important insights:
- Protect Before You Launch – Don’t wait until your eco-friendly clothing line or footwear startup becomes popular. Register your trademark early.
- Secure Brand Name + Logo – Cover both wordmarks and symbols. For example, if your brand is EcoThreads with a leaf logo, trademark both.
- Think Global from Day One – If you plan to sell internationally, secure your Class 25 trademark via the Madrid Protocol.
- Guard Against E-Commerce Infringement – Online marketplaces are full of copycats. With a registered trademark, you can quickly remove fakes.
Steps to Register Your Brand Under Trademark Class 25 in India
- Conduct a Trademark Search – Check if your brand name/logo already exists.
- Choose What to Register – Brand name, logo, tagline, or packaging.
- File Application Online – Through the IP India Portal, selecting Class 25.
- Examination & Objection Handling – Respond to any queries from the Registrar.
- Journal Publication – Your trademark is published for public opposition.
- Certificate Issued – Once approved, you receive your Class 25 trademark certificate.
VMK Professionals: Your Trusted Partner for Class 25 Trademarks
At VMK Professionals, we help clothing and footwear businesses protect their brands with expert trademark services. Our team provides:
- Detailed Trademark Search to avoid conflicts
- Smooth Application Filing under Class 25
- Objection & Opposition Handling for faster approvals
- End-to-End Support until you get your certificate
- International Trademark Assistance through the Madrid Protocol
Whether you’re building a luxury label, eco-friendly apparel brand, or sportswear startup, we ensure your identity stays safe in the competitive world of fashion.
Conclusion
Fashion is not just about style—it’s about identity. Global fashion giants like Nike, Gucci, Adidas, and Louis Vuitton prove that Trademark Class 25 is the foundation of brand protection. Without it, even the most creative designs can be stolen.
For startups and growing apparel businesses in India, the message is clear: secure your brand under Class 25 before competitors do. By doing so, you gain exclusivity, legal rights, and consumer trust that will help you grow in the long run.
At VMK Professionals, we’re here to make that process simple and hassle-free.
👉 Protect your clothing, footwear, or headgear brand today with Trademark Class 25. Contact VMK Professionals to get started.