Why Registering Outdoor and Camping Gear in Class 22 Safeguards Your Brand
Introduction
The outdoor and camping gear market is booming worldwide. From durable tents and sleeping bags to ropes, nets, and tarpaulins, millions of people rely on quality products for their adventures. If you are running a business in this niche, protecting your brand name is just as important as ensuring the strength of your ropes or the quality of your tents.
This is where Trademark Class 22 comes into play. It is the category under which products like ropes, nets, tarpaulins, tents, awnings, sacks, and packaging materials fall. Registering your brand in Class 22 ensures legal protection from competitors who may attempt to copy or misuse your brand identity.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through why outdoor and camping gear brands should file in Class 22, what products are covered, the process of registration, benefits, and common mistakes to avoid.
What Is Trademark Class 22?
Trademark Class 22 is one of the 45 classes defined under the Nice Classification system, which organizes trademarks based on the type of goods or services they represent.
Class 22 specifically covers:
- Ropes and string
- Nets (for fishing, sports, or industrial use)
- Tents and tarpaulins
- Awnings and canopies
- Sacks, bags, and bulk packaging (for storage or transport)
- Materials for stuffing and padding (other than rubber or plastics)
- Raw textile fibers and substitutes
For outdoor and camping gear companies, this class is highly relevant since tents, ropes, nets, and tarpaulins form the core of their product offerings.
Why Is Class 22 Crucial for Outdoor and Camping Brands?
1. Legal Protection for Your Products
If you sell tents, ropes, or camping tarpaulins without a registered trademark, someone else could copy your name, logo, or packaging. Filing in Class 22 legally secures your brand identity, so you can take action against counterfeiters.
2. Avoids Market Confusion
The camping gear industry is competitive. Without trademark protection, another business could use a similar name or logo, confusing your customers. Class 22 ensures your brand stands out.
3. Supports Brand Expansion
Once your brand is registered under Class 22, you can confidently expand into new product lines such as sleeping bags, hammocks, or other related goods without fearing brand theft.
4. Boosts Consumer Trust
Outdoor enthusiasts prefer reliable brands. A registered trademark shows that your business is professional and committed to protecting its reputation.
5. Global Market Advantage
If you plan to export your products, having a registered Class 22 trademark gives you an edge in international markets, making it easier to gain recognition and avoid disputes.
Products Covered Under Class 22 for Outdoor & Camping
Here’s a breakdown of products in Class 22 that are directly relevant to outdoor and camping gear brands:
- Tents: Camping tents, event tents, military tents, lightweight adventure tents.
- Tarpaulins: Waterproof sheets for covering, camping groundsheets.
- Ropes & Cords: Climbing ropes, paracords, tent guy lines.
- Nets: Fishing nets, sports nets, protective nets for camping.
- Awnings & Canopies: Sun shelters, portable camping canopies.
- Sacks & Bags: Sleeping bag covers, duffle sacks, storage bags.
- Stuffing Materials: Natural fibers used in camping gear padding.
By filing in Class 22, you ensure that all these outdoor essentials are covered under your brand’s legal shield.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Trademark in Class 22
Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before filing, check if your desired brand name or logo is already registered in Class 22. A professional search avoids future conflicts.
Step 2: Choose the Right Trademark Type
You can file for:
- Word mark (brand name only, e.g., “AdventurePro”)
- Logo mark (design/logo only)
- Combination mark (both name and logo)
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
You’ll need:
- Brand name/logo design
- Applicant’s details (individual or company)
- Proof of business (like GST or incorporation certificate)
- Product details covered under Class 22
Step 4: File Application Online
You can file through the IP India Trademark Portal. Select Class 22 as the category and submit the application with fees.
Step 5: Examination Stage
The examiner checks your application for conflicts. They may raise objections if the mark is too similar to an existing one.
Step 6: Publication in Trademark Journal
If approved, your trademark is published in the official journal for 4 months. During this period, third parties can oppose your registration.
Step 7: Trademark Registration Certificate
If no opposition arises, you’ll receive the official registration certificate. Your Class 22 brand is now legally protected for 10 years.
Common Mistakes Outdoor Brands Make in Class 22
- Choosing a Generic Name
Names like “Camping Tent Co.” may be rejected because they are too descriptive. Choose a unique and distinctive name. - Not Conducting a Trademark Search
Filing without checking existing trademarks often leads to rejection. - Wrong Class Selection
Some businesses mistakenly file in unrelated classes. Outdoor gear must be filed under Class 22 (and other related classes if required). - Ignoring Professional Help
DIY filing often results in errors. Consulting a professional ensures accuracy. - Delaying Registration
Competitors may register a similar name before you, leaving you at risk of losing your brand identity.
Benefits of Registering in Class 22 for Camping Brands
- Exclusive Rights: Only you can legally use your brand in relation to camping products.
- Business Security: Protects against counterfeiters and cheap imitations.
- Brand Recognition: Strengthens your brand image in a crowded market.
- Expansion Opportunities: Lets you extend into related product categories.
- Legal Defense: Allows you to sue for infringement if someone copies your brand.
Case Study Example
Imagine you started a camping gear brand called “WildTrek Gear”, selling ropes, tents, and tarpaulins.
- If you don’t register under Class 22, another company might start selling tents under a similar name like “WildTrek Outdoor.” Customers could get confused, and your sales might drop.
- But if you do register in Class 22, you have full rights to the name. You can take legal action against the copycat brand, protecting your reputation and market share.
Pro Tips for Outdoor & Camping Brands Filing in Class 22
- Register early – Don’t wait until your brand is popular.
- Consider multi-class filing – Outdoor brands may also file in:
- Class 18: Backpacks, leather goods.
- Class 25: Outdoor apparel like jackets, boots.
- Class 28: Outdoor sports equipment.
- Use your trademark consistently – Always use the same logo/name on all products.
- Renew on time – Trademarks are valid for 10 years, but must be renewed before expiry.
Conclusion
For outdoor and camping gear businesses, protecting your brand is as essential as producing quality products. Trademark Class 22 is the foundation for safeguarding your brand identity across tents, tarpaulins, ropes, nets, sacks, and other outdoor essentials.
By filing in this class, you gain exclusive rights, build customer trust, and secure your position in the growing adventure gear market. Don’t wait until a competitor copies your brand — take action today and ensure your outdoor business thrives with the right trademark protection.
About VMK Professionals
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in trademark registration, copyright, company incorporation, FSSAI licensing, and legal consultancy. Our expert team helps businesses like yours file trademarks in the right class with ease.
👉 Need help registering your camping gear brand in Class 22?
Contact VMK Professionals today and protect your outdoor brand before competitors do!