Why Eco-Friendly and Organic Yarn Brands Should Register Under Trademark Class 23
Introduction
The textile and fashion industry is rapidly shifting toward sustainability and eco-conscious products. Among the many innovations, eco-friendly and organic yarns are becoming increasingly popular. Whether used for knitting, weaving, or industrial purposes, these yarns are seen as the future of textiles due to their minimal environmental footprint and natural appeal.
However, with growing demand comes greater competition. If you own or are planning to launch a green or organic yarn brand, one of the most important steps is to protect your brand identity legally. This is where Trademark Class 23 becomes vital. Filing your trademark in the correct class ensures your brand name, logo, or slogan is legally safeguarded and prevents misuse by competitors.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down why Class 23 is the right choice for eco-friendly and organic yarn brands, what it covers, and how to successfully register your trademark under it.
What Is Trademark Class 23?
Trademark Class 23 is one of the 45 classes in the Nice Classification (NCL) system used in India and globally to categorize goods and services for trademark registration.
Class 23 Covers:
- Yarns and threads for:
- Textile use
- Sewing
- Knitting
- Embroidery
- Crocheting
- Industrial applications
This class is specifically meant for businesses dealing in yarn and thread products, including eco-friendly, organic, recycled, and specialty yarns.
If your brand manufactures or sells organic cotton yarns, bamboo yarns, hemp yarns, jute threads, or other sustainable fibers, then Class 23 is where your trademark should be filed.
Why Organic and Eco-Friendly Yarn Brands Need Trademark Protection
1. Rising Market Demand for Sustainable Textiles
Consumers today are increasingly choosing eco-conscious fabrics. From fashion houses to home furnishing companies, sustainable yarns are becoming a core material. This rise in demand means more businesses are entering the market, increasing the risk of brand imitation.
A trademark ensures your unique identity remains yours, even in a crowded marketplace.
2. Prevents Competitor Misuse
Imagine you built a brand known for premium organic cotton yarns, and suddenly another company starts selling poor-quality yarn under a similar name or packaging. This could damage your reputation and lead to customer loss.
Trademark registration helps you legally stop such misuse, ensuring customers can clearly identify your brand.
3. Boosts Consumer Trust
Eco-friendly products are often premium priced because they require sustainable sourcing and ethical manufacturing. Customers are more willing to invest when they know they’re buying from a reliable, trademark-protected brand.
A trademark conveys authenticity and professionalism, strengthening your credibility.
4. Expands Business Opportunities
When your brand is legally protected under Class 23, it becomes easier to:
- Collaborate with textile manufacturers, fashion designers, and retail outlets.
- Expand globally, as trademarks in India can also be extended internationally under the Madrid Protocol.
- License your brand to other businesses while retaining ownership.
5. Differentiates You in a Competitive Market
With so many yarn brands focusing on eco-friendly initiatives, it’s easy for customers to get confused. A registered trademark helps you stand out and ensures your brand doesn’t get lost among imitators.
Eco-Friendly Yarns and Their Relevance to Class 23
Here are some popular eco-friendly yarn types that fall under Class 23:
- Organic Cotton Yarn – Grown without harmful pesticides, safer for both environment and skin.
- Bamboo Yarn – Naturally antibacterial and biodegradable.
- Hemp Yarn – Strong, durable, and eco-friendly.
- Jute Yarn/Threads – Common in sustainable home décor and crafts.
- Recycled Yarn – Made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste.
- Wool from Ethical Sources – Sourced from farms practicing animal welfare.
- Silk Alternatives (Vegan Silk) – Plant-based or lab-grown fibers for ethical use.
All these yarn categories can and should be trademarked under Class 23.
Step-by-Step Process to Trademark Your Eco-Friendly Yarn Brand
Filing a trademark might seem complicated, but here’s a simple step-by-step process:
Step 1: Trademark Search
Before applying, conduct a trademark search to ensure your desired brand name or logo is not already registered under Class 23. This avoids rejection and legal disputes later.
Step 2: Choose What to Protect
You can trademark:
- Brand name (e.g., “GreenWeave Yarns”)
- Logo or symbol (your brand’s visual identity)
- Slogan (e.g., “Weave the Earth, Sustain the Future”)
- Product packaging design (if unique)
Step 3: File Application in Class 23
Submit your application with the Trademark Registry in India, ensuring you specify Class 23. You can apply online through the official IP India portal.
Step 4: Examination by Trademark Office
The examiner reviews your application for:
- Similar existing marks
- Compliance with trademark rules
- Possible objections
Step 5: Publication in Journal
If accepted, your trademark will be published in the Trademark Journal for 4 months. This allows third parties to oppose if they believe it conflicts with their mark.
Step 6: Trademark Registration Certificate
If no objections arise, your trademark will be officially registered, and you’ll receive a Registration Certificate, granting you exclusive rights over your eco-friendly yarn brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filing in Class 23
- Choosing a generic name – Avoid terms like “Organic Yarn” as they are too descriptive. Go for something unique.
- Skipping the trademark search – This can lead to rejection if a similar mark exists.
- Filing in the wrong class – Filing under Class 24 (textiles) instead of Class 23 (yarns) can make your registration invalid.
- Ignoring future expansion – Think ahead. If you plan to expand into textiles, you may need Class 24 too.
- Not hiring professionals – Mistakes in documentation or filing often delay the process.
Class 23 vs. Class 24: Key Difference for Eco-Friendly Brands
- Class 23 → Protects yarns and threads (before they are turned into fabrics).
- Class 24 → Covers finished textile fabrics and materials.
If your business sells yarns, Class 23 is essential. If you expand into finished fabrics, bed linens, or cloth-based products, you’ll also need Class 24.
Benefits of Registering Under Class 23 for Eco-Friendly Yarn Brands
✅ Legal Protection – Stop competitors from copying your brand.
✅ Exclusive Rights – Sole authority to use your brand name in yarn products.
✅ Brand Recognition – Helps you stand out in the eco-friendly textile market.
✅ Global Expansion – Easier to register internationally.
✅ Customer Trust – Trademarked brands are seen as more reliable.
Conclusion
As eco-friendly and organic yarns continue to gain global attention, brand protection has never been more important. If you’re building a sustainable yarn brand, registering under Trademark Class 23 is not just a legal formality—it’s a strategic move to secure your identity, build customer trust, and future-proof your business.
Don’t let competitors dilute your hard work. Safeguard your eco-friendly yarn brand today with the right trademark protection under Class 23.
About VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration, intellectual property protection, and business consultancy services. Whether you’re starting a new eco-friendly yarn brand or expanding your textile business, our experts will guide you through every step of the trademark filing process.
👉 Get in touch with us today to protect your yarn and thread brand under Class 23!