16Sep, 2025
How to Choose Between Trademark Class 25 and Class 35 for Your Clothing Brand

The fashion industry is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Whether you run a clothing line, footwear business, or retail fashion store, protecting your brand is crucial to building long-term success. But when it comes to trademark registration, one big question often confuses business owners:

👉 Should I register under Class 25 or Class 35?

While both classes are important for fashion businesses, they serve different purposes. In this blog, we’ll break down Trademark Class 25 vs. Class 35, explain what each class covers, and help you decide which one is right for your business.

🧵 What Is Trademark Class 25?

Trademark Class 25 is specifically for fashion products such as:

  • Clothing – shirts, dresses, pants, jeans, jackets, suits, t-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, etc.
  • Footwear – shoes, sandals, boots, sneakers, slippers, etc.
  • Headgear – caps, hats, scarves, beanies, helmets, etc.

👉 If you are manufacturing, designing, or selling apparel, footwear, or headgear products, then Class 25 is the correct category.

📌 Example: If you own a clothing brand like Nike, Adidas, H&M, or Levi’s, your brand needs protection under Class 25.

🛍️ What Is Trademark Class 35?

Trademark Class 35 is for business and retail services. It does not protect the product itself but the services related to selling products.

Some of the key areas covered under Class 35 are:

  • Retail and wholesale store services (fashion boutiques, online clothing stores, malls).
  • E-commerce platforms selling clothes, shoes, and accessories.
  • Marketing and advertising for fashion brands.
  • Business management and consultancy services.

👉 If you are running a fashion retail store, online clothing shop, or fashion marketing agency, then you need Class 35 protection.

📌 Example: Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart operate fashion retail services and therefore fall under Class 35.

⚖️ Class 25 vs. Class 35 – Key Difference

Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

AspectClass 25Class 35
CoversProducts – clothing, footwear, headgearServices – retail, wholesale, e-commerce, marketing
Who Should RegisterClothing manufacturers, designers, footwear and apparel brandsFashion retailers, e-commerce platforms, boutiques, brand promoters
Example BrandsNike (products), Gucci (apparel), Levi’s (denim)Amazon Fashion (retail services), Myntra (e-commerce), Zara Stores
PurposeProtects your brand identity on fashion goodsProtects your business operations and retail services

👉 In short:

  • Class 25 protects your clothing brand name/logo on your products.
  • Class 35 protects your business as a fashion retailer or service provider.

👗 Do Fashion Businesses Need Both Classes?

Yes! In many cases, fashion businesses register in both Class 25 and Class 35.

  • If you are manufacturing or selling clothing, shoes, or headgear, you need Class 25.
  • If you also run a retail store, e-commerce platform, or provide fashion-related services, you need Class 35.

📌 Example:

  • Zara is a clothing manufacturer → Class 25.
  • Zara Stores (retail outlets & online shops) → Class 35.

By registering in both classes, your brand gets complete protection.

🧵 Example Scenarios

Let’s make this super clear with some real-world examples:

  1. Fashion Designer (Own Brand Clothes)
    • Sells original apparel like dresses and shirts under a brand name.
    • Needs: Class 25 (for clothing products).
  2. Retail Store Owner
    • Runs a boutique selling multiple brands (not their own).
    • Needs: Class 35 (for retail services).
  3. E-commerce Fashion Platform
    • Like Myntra or Amazon Fashion.
    • Needs: Class 35 (for online retail services).
  4. Clothing Brand with Retail Outlets
    • Like H&M, Nike, or Adidas.
    • Needs: Both Class 25 (products) + Class 35 (retail stores).

🧾 Step-by-Step Guide to Filing in Class 25 or 35

The filing process is almost the same, whether you choose Class 25 or 35.

Step 1: Trademark Search

  • Visit the official IP India website (or your country’s trademark database).
  • Search under Class 25 or 35 to ensure your name/logo is not already taken.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Class

  • Products → Class 25
  • Retail services → Class 35
  • Both? → File in both classes

Step 3: Prepare Documents

  • Brand name/logo
  • Goods or service description
  • Applicant details (name/company)
  • Address & contact info

Step 4: File Application

  • File online via the trademark portal.
  • Pay the fee (₹4,500 – ₹9,000 per class in India).

Step 5: Examination & Objection (if any)

  • The trademark office examines your application.
  • If objected, you’ll need to reply or attend a hearing.

Step 6: Journal Publication

  • If accepted, your trademark is published in the journal.
  • If no opposition arises within 4 months, it proceeds.

Step 7: Registration

  • You receive a Trademark Certificate.
  • Now you can use the ® symbol with your brand name/logo.

✅ Benefits of Registering in Class 25

  • Protects your brand name/logo on clothing, footwear, and headgear.
  • Prevents counterfeiting of your products.
  • Builds customer trust in your fashion brand.
  • Increases brand value for future investments.

✅ Benefits of Registering in Class 35

  • Secures your identity as a fashion retailer or service provider.
  • Protects your e-commerce or boutique brand.
  • Stops competitors from copying your retail business name.
  • Strengthens your business credibility in the market.

🔑 Which One Should You Choose?

  • If you make or sell your own fashion products → Choose Class 25.
  • If you sell multiple fashion brands through retail or e-commerce → Choose Class 35.
  • If you do both (like Nike, H&M, Zara, Adidas) → Register in both Class 25 and Class 35 for full protection.

📝 Final Thoughts

The fashion business isn’t just about style; it’s about identity and trust. Trademark Class 25 vs. Class 35 often confuses entrepreneurs, but the key is simple:

  • Class 25 = Protects your fashion products.
  • Class 35 = Protects your fashion retail/services.

If you want your brand to thrive in today’s competitive market, registering in the right class (or both) is not optional — it’s essential.

📌 About VMK Professionals

At VMK Professionals, we help clothing brands, footwear businesses, and fashion retailers secure their trademarks under the correct class. Whether you need Class 25 for your clothing products or Class 35 for your retail services, our experts guide you through the process from start to finish.

👉 Contact us today to protect your fashion brand and secure your future!