Trademark Class 26 in India: Lace, Buttons & Embroidery

Trademark Class 26 falls under the NICE Classification system and covers various sewing materials and accessories. The category includes products such as lace, ribbons, braids, buttons, hooks, and sewing fasteners. It also covers related items like pins, needles, and decorative trims used in garment or textile production. 

Registering under Class 26 gives a brand exclusive rights to its name or logo for sewing and garment accessories. It stops competitors from copying or imitating the products. Class 26 also strengthens brand recognition and provides legal protection against infringement. Businesses that manufacture, sell, or trade these products can register their brand under Class 26 trademark to secure legal protection.

Brands should note that class 26 focuses specifically on sewing and garment accessories, and not finished clothing, etc. Therefore, brands must carefully list their products to ensure accurate classification and avoid objections during registration. 

Read the full blog to understand the details of the Class 26 trademark and the step-by-step process for trademark registration.

Why Register a Trademark Under Class 26?

Trademark Class 26 protects brands dealing in sewing and garment accessories. In India, trademark registration is governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999. It gives businesses exclusive rights to use their brand name or logo for these products. A registered trademark allows businesses to take legal action against trademark infringement and protects their products in the market.

Over time, a registered trademark becomes a valuable business asset and supports growth into new lines.

Popular brands registered under Class 26 include Coats, DMC, Prym, and Gutermann. 

Who Should Choose Trademark Class 26 in India?

Businesses dealing in sewing and garment accessories should register under Trademark Class 26. The main beneficiaries include:

• Accessory manufacturers: Companies producing ribbons, lace, buttons, hooks, pins, and decorative trims.
• Sewing material brands: Businesses selling sewing needles, fasteners, braids, and other garment components.
• Textile embellishment makers: Brands creating decorative sewing items or craft accessories.
• Retailers and distributors: Shops or online sellers offering sewing and textile accessories under a brand name.
• Exporters of sewing accessories: Companies exporting sewing or garment materials can protect their brand in global markets.

Proper registration under Trademark Class 26 ensures the legal protection of the brands.

Key Categories in Trademark Class 26 in India

Trademark Class 26 covers sewing, garment, and textile accessories used for fastening, decoration, and finishing. The key categories include:

• Fastening accessories: Buttons, hooks, eyes, press studs, snaps, and zippers.
• Decorative trims: Lace, ribbons, braids, fringes, embroidery trims, and ornamental borders.
• Sewing essentials: Needles, pins, threads for sewing purposes, and tailoring accessories.
• Hair accessories: Hair clips, hair bands, hairpins, scrunchies, and decorative hair ornaments.
• Garment support items: Belts (not clothing belts), buckles, clasps, and fasteners used with garments.
• Dressmaking and tailoring accessories: Hooks, eyes, closures, and other small items used in garment construction and finishing.

These categories help businesses identify the correct products for registration under Trademark Class 26.

What Goods are Covered Under Trademark Class 26 in India?

The table below provides a detailed list of goods and accessories covered under Trademark Class 26 in India:

Category	Needles
Fastening Accessories	Buttons, press buttons, snap fasteners, hooks, eyes
Closures and Fittings	Zippers, clasps, buckles, garment closures
Decorative Trims	Lace, ribbons, braids, fringes, embroidery trims
Sewing Tools	Needles, safety pins, dressmaking pins
Garment Support Items	Hook-and-loop fasteners, fastening tapes, corset accessories, garment supports
Hair Accessories	Hair clips, hair bands, hairpins, scrunchies, barrettes
Decorative Items	Artificial flowers, appliqués, badges, ornamental patches
Tailoring & Dressmaking Accessories	Dress hooks and loops, shoulder pads, shoe laces
Clothing Embellishments	Decorative labels, non-textile badges, ornamental accessories

This table helps businesses clearly identify products eligible for Trademark Class 26 registration. 

Note: For more detailed information on classification, use the Trademark Class Search Tool to identify the correct class for your product. 

Goods not Covered in Trademark Class 26

Trademark Class 26 does not cover finished products or goods that fall under other trademark classes. The following items are excluded from Class 26:

Goods Not Covered	Correct Trademark Class
Finished clothing, footwear, and headgear	Class 25
Fabrics and textiles	Class 24
Sewing machines and textile machinery	Class 7
Industrial yarns and threads	Class 23
Jewelry and precious metal accessories	Class 14
Bags, handbags, and leather goods	Class 18
Clothing belts and wearable fashion items	Class 25

This table will help businesses avoid misclassification and ensure smooth trademark registration under the correct class.

How to Register a Class 26 Trademark in India? 

You can apply for a trademark in Class 26, whether your sewing or garment accessories are already in use or planned for future launch. Follow these steps to complete your Class 26 trademark registration safely:

Step 1: Preparation Before Filing

Trademark Search: Conduct a search to ensure your brand name or logo is not already registered under Class 26. You can use the IP India Trademark Search portal (tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in) or RegisterKaro’s trademark name availability tool. 

Checking for similar marks reduces the risk of objections or conflicts with existing trademarks. 

Step 2: Application Submission

Filing Form TM-A: File Form TM-A online through the IP India Trademark Portal under Class 26 guidelines.

This is an image of the TM-A form for reference. 

Government Fees (Approximate):

• Individuals, startups, MSMEs: Rs. 4,500 per class
• Companies and other entities: Rs. 9,000 per class

Single-Class vs. Multi-Class Filing:

• Single-Class: Covers only Class 26 products (ribbons, lace, buttons, hooks, pins, and trims).
• Multi-Class: Suitable if your brand operates in other classes as well.

Step 3: Examination and Publication

Examination: The Trademark Registry reviews your application for originality, correct classification, and similarity with existing marks. If there are issues, they issue an Examination Report.

Responding to Objections: You must reply to trademark objections within 30 days to keep the application active.

Trademark Journal Publication: Once approved, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for four months. During this period, third parties may file a trademark opposition.

Expected Timeline: Examination usually takes 6–12 months, followed by the 4-month publication period.

After Registration

• You gain exclusive rights to use your trademark and the ® symbol.
• Trademark Class 26 is valid for 10 years. Businesses must renew trademarks every 10 years.
• Monitor the market to prevent unauthorized use and protect your brand effectively.

Registering your trademark under Class 26 strengthens brand recognition and ensures long-term protection for your brand in India.

If you are planning to register your trademark Class 26 in India, take Professional assistance for a hassle-free process. Contact RegisterKaro today for expert guidance and complete end-to-end registration support.

Which Documents are Required for Class 26 Trademark Registration?

To register a trademark under Class 26 for sewing and garment accessories, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Trademark Application: File Form TM-A online. It contains applicant details, trademark information, and a clear description of Class 26 goods.
• Trademark Image: Logo or wordmark in the required format and resolution.
• Identity Proof: PAN, Aadhaar, or passport for individual applicants.
• Address Proof: Utility bill, bank statement, or any valid official address document.
• Business Registration Proof (if applicable): Certificate of Incorporation (COI), LLP agreement, Partnership Deed, or MSME registration.
• Authorization Letter: File Form TM-48 when submitting a trademark application through a trademark agent or attorney via the IP India portal.
• Usage Declaration (if already in use): First date of use along with supporting proof such as invoices or product images.
• Proof of Business Activity: Product catalogs, packaging photos, or invoices showing sewing or garment accessories in the market.

Submitting accurate and complete documents under Trademark Class 26 helps avoid delays and ensures smooth processing of your trademark application.

Common Mistakes While Registering for Trademark Class 26

Businesses often face issues when filing a trademark under Class 26 in India. These mistakes can cause objections, delays, or rejection of the application. Avoid the following common errors:

• Selecting the wrong trademark class: Many applicants confuse sewing accessories with finished clothing or fabrics, which belong to other classes. Class 26 applies only to items like buttons, ribbons, lace, hooks, pins, and trims.
• Using unclear product descriptions: Generic terms such as “sewing items” or “garment accessories” may attract objections. Always list specific Class 26 products clearly.
• Skipping the trademark search: Filing without checking existing trademarks increases the risk of conflicts with similar or identical marks.
• Choosing non-distinctive brand names: Descriptive names like “Button House” or “Lace Store” have a higher chance of rejection. A unique and distinctive brand works best.
• Missing responses or deadlines: Not replying to examination reports within 30 days can lead to application abandonment.
• Ignoring future business plans: Registering only current accessories may require fresh filings if you expand into new Class 26 products later.
• Applying without expert support: Incorrect details or incomplete documents can slow the process. Professional guidance improves accuracy and approval chances.

Avoiding these mistakes helps achieve faster registration, stronger legal protection, and long-term brand value. Start your Trademark Class 26 registration with expert support and protect your sewing and garment accessories brand with confidence. Contact RegisterKaro today!

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