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Trademark Class 23: Yarns & Threads for Textile Use
A comprehensive legal guide for yarn manufacturers, thread producers, and textile supply chain brands in India.
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Overview of Class 23
Trademark Class 23 is the international classification for yarns and threads for textile use. It covers the essential components used in the weaving, knitting, and sewing of fabrics, whether they are made from natural fibers like cotton and wool or synthetic materials like polyester and rayon.
Registering in Class 23 is the first step for businesses at the base of the textile and garment industry. This class protects the brand identity of the raw materials that build fabrics—ranging from high-quality Egyptian cotton threads and Australian wool yarns to specialized embroidery floss and industrial-grade polyester threads. In India’s global textile manufacturing hub, a Class 23 trademark ensures that your "spinners and weavers" brand name is legally recognized, preventing competitors from passing off inferior threads under your reputable label.
What is included?
- •Natural Yarns: Cotton, wool, silk, jute, and hemp threads/yarns
- •Synthetic Yarns: Rayon, polyester, nylon, and acrylic threads
- •Sewing & Embroidery: Sewing thread, embroidery yarn, and silk floss
- •Specialty Threads: Elastic thread for textiles, rubber thread, and metallic thread
- •Industrial Threads: Fibreglass thread for textile use and fire-resistant thread
- •Spun Materials: Spun cotton, spun silk, and spun wool (worsted)
- •Knitting Yarns: Wool knitting yarn, alpaca yarn, and crochet thread
- •Haberdashery: Chenille yarn, coir thread, and darning yarn
What is excluded?
- •Raw fibrous textile materials (Class 22)
- •Finished textile fabrics and piece goods (Class 24)
- •Lace, ribbons, and decorative embroidery trimmings (Class 26)
- •Surgical thread and medical sutures (Class 10)
- •Strings for musical instruments (Class 15)
- •Electric wires and cables (Class 9)
- •Metallic threads for non-textile use (Class 6)
The Foundation of the Textile Brand
Class 23 is the "Upstream" class of the fashion industry. Before a shirt is made (Class 25) or a fabric is woven (Class 24), the brand must protect the yarn (Class 23). Global leaders like Coats & Clark and Indian giants like Birla Century anchor their brand equity here.
The Natural vs. Synthetic Rule: Whether your thread is organic cotton or advanced recycled polyester, it all falls under Class 23 as long as it is intended for textile use. This makes it a high-volume class for manufacturers of blended and specialty yarns.
Protecting the Stitch: For embroidery and tailoring brands, the thread is the product. A Class 23 registration allows you to protect the specific name of a thread line (e.g., "Golden Stitch" or "Elite Floss"), ensuring that professional tailors and hobbyists know they are buying your genuine product.
Major Categories in Class 23
| Category | Specific Examples |
|---|---|
| Natural Fibre Yarns | Cotton thread, Wool yarn, Silk thread, Jute yarn, Hemp yarn |
| Synthetic & Blended | Polyester yarn, Nylon sewing thread, Rayon yarn, Acrylic yarn |
| Embroidery & Sewing | Silk embroidery floss, Metallic thread, Rayon embroidery thread |
| Knitting & Weaving | Wool knitting yarn, Alpaca yarn, Crochet thread, Worsted |
| Elastic & Specialty | Elastic sewing thread, Elastic yarn, Rubber textile thread |
| Industrial Textile | Fibreglass thread, Fire-resistant thread, High-tenacity thread |
| Miscellaneous | Chenille yarn, Coir yarn, Spun cotton, Spun silk |
Alphabetical List of Class 23 Items
- Chenille yarn
- Coir thread and yarn
- Cotton thread and yarn
- Darning thread and yarn
- Elastic thread and yarn for textile use
- Embroidery thread and yarn
- Fibreglass thread for textile use
- Fiberglass thread for textile use
- Hemp thread and yarn
- Jute thread and yarn
- Linen thread and yarn
- Rayon thread and yarn
- Rubber thread for textile use
- Sewing thread and yarn
- Silk thread and yarn
- Spun cotton / Spun thread and yarn
- Spun wool / Worsted
- Spun silk
- Thread of metal for embroidery
- Threads of plastic materials for textile use
- Woollen thread and yarn
- Yarn / Thread
Registration & Objection Handling
- 1. Functional Search: Conduct a thorough search in Class 23 and Class 24 (Fabrics) to avoid legal conflicts with large integrated textile mills.
- 2. Descriptiveness: Avoid generic names like "SOFT COTTON" or "BLUE THREAD". The Registrar will reject these under Section 9.
- 3. Multi-Class Strategy: If you manufacture yarn (Class 23) and also weave it into fabric (Class 24), you must file in both classes.
- 4. Detailed Goods List: Specify the material and use (e.g., "Acrylic knitting yarn for handwork") rather than just "Yarn".
- 5. Prior Use: If your brand has been a staple in the wholesale markets of Surat or Ludhiana for years, providing "Sales Invoices" can help overcome similarity objections.
Legal Professional Insights
The "Suture" Distinction: A common mistake is trying to register medical threads in Class 23. Any thread intended for surgical or medical use belongs strictly in Class 10.
Industrial Fibre Use: Fiberglass and plastic threads are Class 23 *only* if they are for textile use (making fabric). If they are used for industrial insulation or non-textile applications, they fall into other classes like Class 17.
Enforcement in Wholesale: Most Class 23 infringement happens at the wholesale level. A registered trademark allows you to conduct raids and seize counterfeit skeins and thread spools that use your brand name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are covered under Trademark Class 23?
Class 23 covers all types of yarns and threads for textile use, including cotton, wool, silk, synthetic yarns, and specialty embroidery threads.
Are fabrics and clothes included in Class 23?
No, fabrics belong to Class 24 and finished garments belong to Class 25. Class 23 is strictly for the raw threads and yarns used to make them.
Does Class 23 include sewing thread?
Yes, all types of sewing thread, whether for domestic or industrial use, are categorized under Class 23.
Are crochet and knitting yarns included?
Yes, wool knitting yarn, crochet thread, and other hobbyist yarns are part of Class 23.
Can I trademark "PURE COTTON THREAD"?
No, this is a descriptive name. You must use a distinctive brand name for your thread or yarn products.
Are embroidery floss and metallic threads included?
Yes, embroidery thread, silk floss, and metallic threads for embroidery are specifically listed in Class 23.
What is the government fee for Class 23 registration?
The e-filing fee is ₹9,000 for large companies and ₹4,500 for individuals, startups, or MSMEs.
How long does the registration take?
It typically takes 12 to 14 months, assuming there are no major objections or public oppositions.
Are elastic and rubber threads included?
Yes, elastic thread and rubber thread for textile use are part of Class 23.
Do jute and hemp yarns belong here?
Yes, natural fiber yarns like jute, hemp, and linen are categorized under Class 23.
Can I register in both Class 22 and Class 23?
Yes, companies that sell raw fibers (Class 22) and spun yarn (Class 23) often file a multi-class application.
Are fiberglass threads included?
Yes, fiberglass thread for textile use is specifically listed in Class 23.
Are rayon and polyester yarns included?
Yes, all synthetic yarns including rayon, polyester, and nylon are part of Class 23.
What happens if my trademark is "Objected"?
You must file a written response within 30 days explaining why your mark is unique and legally eligible for registration.
Is registration valid forever?
No, it is valid for 10 years, but it can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
Are spun wool and worsted included?
Yes, spun wool, worsted, and other processed yarns are specifically listed in Class 23.
Are darning threads included?
Yes, darning thread and darning yarn are categorized under Class 23.
Are plastic threads included?
Yes, threads made of plastic materials for textile use are part of this class.
Why is a search important for yarn brands?
The textile supply chain is vast. A search ensures you don’t accidentally use a name already registered by a major international thread manufacturer.
Are coir yarns and threads included?
Yes, coir thread and coir yarn for textile use are listed in Class 23.
Official Resources & Authorities
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