Trademark Class 23: Yarns and Threads for Textile Use
Trademark class 23 covers yarns and threads for textile use, from cotton and polyester yarn to sewing, embroidery and zari threads. Spinning mills and thread brands usually file here. We search, confirm the class and file Form TM-A online.
What class 23 covers
The class 23 heading in the 13th edition of the Nice Classification is short: “Yarns and threads for textile use.”
WIPO’s explanatory note says the class covers natural or synthetic yarns and threads for textile use. It includes fibreglass, elastic, rubber and plastic threads for textile use; threads for embroidery, darning and sewing, including those of metal; and spun silk, spun cotton and spun wool.
India follows this system. Under Section 7(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, the Registrar classifies goods by the international classification, and under Section 7(2) that decision on class is final.
Common goods in class 23
Spun yarns
- Cotton yarn
- Polyester and viscose yarn
- Spun silk
- Woollen and acrylic knitting yarn
Threads
- Sewing thread
- Embroidery thread
- Darning thread
- Zari and other metal threads for embroidery
Special threads
- Elastic thread for textile use
- Rubber and plastic thread for textile use
- Fibreglass thread for textile use
- Blended yarns
What is not in class 23
“For textile use” decides most class 23 cases. Threads for anything else go elsewhere:
| Item | Correct class | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic, rubber or plastic thread, not for textile use | Class 17 | Industrial material |
| Fibreglass thread, not for textile use | Class 21 | Glass goods |
| Binding thread of metal | Class 6 | Metal goods |
| Surgical thread | Class 10 | Medical goods |
| Precious-metal threads for jewellery | Class 14 | Jewellery |
| Raw fibre and twine | Class 22 | Raw fibrous material |
Who usually files in class 23
Spinning mills
Cotton, polyester and blended yarn spinners in textile states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Punjab.
Thread brands
Sewing and embroidery thread brands that sell to tailors, garment units and hobby buyers.
Zari and specialty yarn makers
A Surat zari unit selling metal embroidery thread files in class 23, not class 14, because its buyers are embroiderers.
Tips before filing
Search class 23 and its neighbours
Run a trademark search in every class you touch, here 23 plus 22 and 24. IP India’s public search takes one class at a time.
Add “for textile use” where needed
Elastic and plastic threads sit in class 23 only for textile use. Say so in the description.
Plan ahead for fabric and garments
If you weave fabric or make garments too, add classes 24 and 25. Under Section 18(2), one application can cover several classes, with a fee for each class.
Pick your user date with care
State “proposed to be used” or your first-use date, and keep dated invoices to prove it. That date can decide a later dispute.
Frequently asked questions
Is elastic thread class 23 or class 17?
Elastic thread for textile use is class 23. Elastic, rubber and plastic threads that are not for textile use go to class 17. So a supplier of elastic thread to garment units files in class 23, while an industrial supplier may need class 17. We check who your buyers are and word the specification to fit.
Is zari thread class 23 or class 14?
Zari and other metal threads for embroidery are class 23, since the class includes threads for embroidery, darning and sewing, including those of metal. Threads of precious metal used for making jewellery are class 14. Most zari brands selling to embroiderers and weavers therefore file in class 23, which keeps the filing to a single class.
Does a yarn brand also need class 24?
Only if you sell fabric under the same brand. Yarn and thread are class 23, while woven or knitted fabric and household linen are class 24. A spinning mill selling only yarn needs class 23 alone. If you plan to add fabric within a year, file both now, since one application can cover both classes.
What is the government fee for a class 23 trademark?
The Form TM-A fee is ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises filing online, and ₹9,000 per class for others. Paper filing costs ₹5,000 and ₹10,000. Adding class 24 for fabric means one more class fee. We confirm your applicant category first, so you pay the right amount.
Where do twine and rope go?
Twine, cord and rope are class 22, not class 23, even when made from the same fibre. Class 23 is only for yarn and thread used in textiles. In practice, if your mill also sells twine, file in both classes. If the examiner raises a classification point, our trademark objection reply service drafts the answer, and such points are usually routine.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
Government fee on Form TM-A: ₹4,500 per class for individuals, startups and small enterprises filing online (₹5,000 on paper), and ₹9,000 per class for others (₹10,000 on paper). Adding class 24 to the same application means one more class fee.
Ready to begin?
Share your yarn or thread range and we will confirm class 23 and handle the trademark registration from search to filing.