Trademark Class 26 vs. Class 23: Key Differences for Textile and Fabric Brands
In India’s growing textile industry, trademarks play a crucial role in protecting a brand’s identity, creativity, and commercial value. Whether you manufacture yarns, threads, laces, ribbons, or decorative trims, it’s essential to know which trademark class applies to your products.
Two commonly confused classes among textile businesses are Trademark Class 23 and Trademark Class 26. While both relate to textile materials, they cover different stages of the textile production and decoration process.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain the key differences between Class 23 and Class 26, which class applies to your business, and how to file your trademark in the right one.
🧵 Understanding Trademark Class 23
Definition
Trademark Class 23 covers:
“Yarns and threads, for textile use.”
That means if your business manufactures yarn or thread — the raw materials used in weaving, knitting, or stitching — your products fall under Class 23.
Examples of Products Covered
Here are some common items under Class 23:
- Cotton yarn
- Wool yarn
- Silk thread and yarn
- Synthetic or polyester yarns
- Embroidery thread
- Elastic threads for textile use
- Linen, nylon, or rayon threads
Class 23 primarily protects the raw materials used to make fabrics and garments.
Who Should Register in Class 23
- Yarn manufacturers and exporters
- Thread suppliers for sewing, knitting, or embroidery
- Textile factories that produce base yarns
- Craft thread and crochet brands
Example
If your company produces “EcoWeave Organic Cotton Yarn,” you’ll register your brand name and logo under Trademark Class 23.
🎀 Understanding Trademark Class 26
Definition
Trademark Class 26 includes:
“Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.”
This class covers decorative and accessory items used in finishing, trimming, or embellishing textile and fashion products.
Examples of Products Covered
Items under Class 26 include:
- Lace and trimmings
- Ribbons and braids
- Embroidery and appliqués
- Buttons, hooks, zippers, snaps, and pins
- Artificial flowers for decoration
- Hair accessories like clips, bows, and bands
So, while Class 23 focuses on production materials, Class 26 focuses on fashion decoration and finishing materials.
Who Should Register in Class 26
- Lace and ribbon manufacturers
- Embroidery patch and trimming suppliers
- Button, hook, and fastener brands
- Fashion accessory producers
- Tailoring supply shops and designers
Example
If your brand sells “LaceCraft Premium Embroidered Trims,” then your trademark should be registered under Trademark Class 26.
⚖️ Key Differences Between Trademark Class 23 and Class 26
| Aspect | Trademark Class 23 | Trademark Class 26 |
| Category Focus | Raw materials for textile production | Decorative and accessory materials for finished products |
| Examples | Yarn, thread, embroidery thread | Lace, ribbons, buttons, embroidery, artificial flowers |
| Stage of Use | Used in the creation of textiles | Used in the decoration or finishing of textiles |
| Users | Yarn manufacturers, weavers, and textile factories | Fashion designers, tailors, boutique owners, craft suppliers |
| Product Nature | Functional (used for making fabrics) | Decorative (used for embellishment) |
| Industry Connection | Textile manufacturing | Fashion accessories and garment finishing |
🧶 Choosing the Right Class for Your Business
Many textile brands work across multiple stages of production — for instance, producing yarns and selling embroidered ribbons. In such cases, you may need to register in both classes.
Scenario 1: Yarn Manufacturer
If you produce cotton yarns and threads used by other textile mills, Class 23 is your category.
Scenario 2: Embroidery and Lace Manufacturer
If your products are decorative materials such as lace or ribbons, Class 26 is correct.
Scenario 3: Mixed Business
If your company manufactures threads for embroidery (Class 23) and also sells finished lace (Class 26) — apply in both to ensure full protection.
💡 Pro Tip: Filing in multiple classes ensures that your brand is protected across your entire product range.
🔍 Step-by-Step Guide to Trademark Registration in India
Whether you’re filing in Class 23 or Class 26, the process is mostly the same:
1. Conduct a Trademark Search
Use the IP India Public Search Tool to check if your brand name or logo already exists in the respective class.
- Visit https://ipindia.gov.in
- Choose your class (23 or 26)
- Enter your brand name to find similar or identical trademarks
If a similar name exists, modify your mark to avoid objection.
2. Choose a Distinctive Brand Name
Strong trademarks are:
- Unique and invented (e.g., Lacevia, Yarnify)
- Not descriptive (avoid names like “Best Threads” or “Quality Lace”)
- Visually distinctive with logo or font design
3. Prepare and File the Application
You can file your application:
- Online: Through the official IP India website
- Offline: By submitting physical forms to the Trademark Registry
Details required:
- Applicant name & address
- Trademark name/logo
- Class number (23 or 26)
- Product description
- Power of Attorney (if using an agent)
Fees:
- ₹4,500 for individuals/startups
- ₹9,000 for companies
4. Examination & Objection Stage
Once submitted, the examiner checks your application for:
- Similar existing trademarks
- Proper class classification
- Clarity in description
If issues arise, you’ll receive an Examination Report.
You must respond within 30 days to avoid rejection.
5. Publication in the Trademark Journal
If accepted, your mark gets published for 4 months.
If no opposition is filed, it proceeds to registration.
If opposed, you can defend your brand through legal representation.
6. Trademark Registration & Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive a Trademark Registration Certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
🏷️ Examples of Brand Use Cases
| Brand Type | Trademark Class | Examples of Products |
| Yarn Brand | Class 23 | Cotton yarn, polyester threads |
| Embroidery Thread Brand | Class 23 | Metallic embroidery threads |
| Lace and Ribbon Brand | Class 26 | Decorative lace, satin ribbons |
| Button or Hook Brand | Class 26 | Fasteners, zippers, hooks |
| Mixed Textile Brand | Class 23 & 26 | Threads and trims |
💡 Why Filing in the Correct Class Matters
Filing your trademark in the wrong class can lead to:
- Rejection or opposition from similar brands
- Legal vulnerability — no protection for your real products
- Wasted money and time on re-filing
Correct classification ensures:
✅ Legal protection
✅ Market credibility
✅ Smooth export registration under international treaties (Madrid Protocol)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the Wrong Class – Many textile businesses mistakenly file in Class 24 (fabrics) instead of Class 23 or 26.
- Using Generic Brand Names – These lack distinctiveness and face rejection.
- Incomplete Product Descriptions – Always include specific items like “cotton yarn” or “satin ribbon.”
- Ignoring Objections – Respond promptly to the examiner’s queries.
- Forgetting Renewal – Renew your trademark every 10 years to maintain protection.
🌍 Global Trademark Protection for Textile Brands
After registering in India, you can expand protection globally using the Madrid Protocol.
This allows you to apply for international trademark protection in over 120 countries through a single application.
This is especially beneficial for textile exporters targeting markets in:
- Europe
- USA
- UAE
- Japan
🧩 Trademark Class 23 vs. 26: Quick Recap
| Feature | Class 23 (Yarns & Threads) | Class 26 (Lace & Trimmings) |
| Nature | Raw textile material | Decorative textile accessories |
| Used For | Making fabrics, knitting, embroidery | Finishing garments, decorating fabrics |
| Common Products | Cotton yarn, silk thread | Lace, ribbons, buttons, hooks |
| Users | Textile mills, yarn exporters | Tailors, fashion designers, craft brands |
💬 Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct trademark class is not just a legal formality — it’s a strategic decision that defines how well your brand is protected.
- If you’re producing or selling yarns and threads, go with Class 23.
- If you’re dealing in lace, ribbons, or garment accessories, choose Class 26.
- If your business overlaps, protect yourself under both classes.
Registering your trademark early ensures your textile brand’s identity remains unique, trusted, and legally secured for years to come.
🏢 Protect Your Textile Brand with VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we help textile entrepreneurs, exporters, and fashion brands register trademarks quickly and accurately under the right class. Whether you’re in Class 23, Class 26, or both, our experts ensure your brand gets full legal protection — from search to registration.
👉 Contact VMK Professionals today to safeguard your yarn, lace, or trimming brand under the correct trademark class.