Introduction
In the era of rising fashion startups, D2C brands, apparel exports, and athleisure wear, trademark protection for garments, shoes, and headgear is not just an option — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a streetwear label, shoe brand, sari manufacturer, or kidswear exporter, you must protect your brand under the correct class: Trademark Class 25.
This class is the legal foundation for protecting clothing brands in India and internationally. This article explores in-depth:
- What Class 25 covers
- What it excludes
- Real-world trademark examples
- Registration procedure
- International expansion under Madrid Protocol
- FAQs and filing tips
Let’s dive into everything a fashion or apparel business needs to know about Class 25.
Legal Definition in India
India follows the Nice Classification (11th Edition) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Trademark Class 25 includes: “Clothing, footwear, headgear.”
This concise definition includes all garments and apparel products for men, women, and children, regardless of fabric, design, or use. It also covers shoes, sandals, boots, hats, caps, helmets, and more.
Scope of Trademark Class 25
Class 25 is the go-to classification for fashion and lifestyle brands, covering everything people wear from clothing to footwear and headwear.
✔️ Class 25 Includes:
👕 Clothing
- Shirts, T-shirts, trousers, jeans
- Kurtas, kurtis, salwar suits
- Sarees, lehengas, dupattas
- Blouses, tops, tank tops
- Jackets, coats, sweaters
- Skirts, dresses, jumpsuits
- Shorts, track pants, joggers
- Lingerie, undergarments, bras, vests
- Socks, stockings, gloves (non-medical)
- School uniforms and formalwear
- Sleepwear, nightgowns, pajamas
- Swimwear and beachwear
- Athletic wear and sports jerseys
- Baby clothing and rompers
👞 Footwear
- Sports shoes, sneakers, loafers
- Leather shoes, formal footwear
- Flip-flops, sandals, chappals
- Boots (riding, fashion, safety)
- Slippers and crocs
- Specialized shoes (orthopedic, dance)
- Ethnic footwear (juttis, mojris)
🎩 Headgear
- Caps, hats, beanies, turbans
- Helmets (bicycle, sports)
- Headscarves, bandanas
- Fashion headbands and protective caps
If you’re in the apparel, footwear, or accessories business, Class 25 is where your trademark should be filed.
Examples of Products Under Class 25
- Cotton printed T-shirts for men
- Ethnic salwar kameez sets
- Casual sneakers and sports shoes
- Designer lehengas and bridalwear
- Woolen sweaters and coats
- Silk sarees and petticoats
- Track pants and gym shorts
- Kids rompers and baby suits
- Women’s tops and crop blouses
- Ankle boots and hiking shoes
- Velvet caps and fur hats
- Hijabs and religious head coverings
- Fashion headbands and turbans
- Dance shoes and sandals
- Sleepwear and thermal clothing
Whether you make it from cotton, wool, leather, or synthetics — if it’s worn on the body, it belongs in Class 25.
Goods NOT Included in Class 25
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Protective gloves, masks, or uniforms | Class 9 or 10 |
| Helmets (industrial or protective) | Class 9 |
| Wearable tech (smart shoes, jackets) | Class 9 |
| Fashion design services | Class 42 |
| Retail clothing store services | Class 35 |
| Sewing machines or apparel machinery | Class 7 |
| Textile fabrics (not stitched) | Class 24 |
| Threads, yarn, tailoring accessories | Class 23 or 26 |
Rule of Thumb: If it’s meant to be worn as fashion or clothing, it’s Class 25. If it’s part of the making or selling process, it’s elsewhere.
Real-World Trademark Examples – Class 25 (India)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products |
|---|---|
| PETER ENGLAND | Formal shirts, trousers, jackets |
| FABINDIA | Kurta sets, ethnic wear, stoles |
| NIKE | Apparel, footwear, headgear |
| ZIVAME | Lingerie, bras, innerwear |
| ADIDAS | Sportswear, tracks, shoes |
| KIDSVILLE | Babywear and children’s fashion |
| LUX COZI | Vests, underwear, thermals |
| BIBA | Women’s Indian ethnic wear |
| RELIANCE TRENDS | Mass market fashion and accessories |
| H&M | Global fashion apparel and accessories |
Why Trademark Class 25 is Crucial
- Exclusive right to use your brand on clothes, footwear, or headgear
- Legal recourse against counterfeiters or brand misuse
- Access to Amazon/Flipkart Brand Registry
- Boosts trust among customers, suppliers, and investors
- Helps secure contracts in retail, wholesale, and exports
- Protects design names, fashion series, and labels
- Enables brand licensing, merchandising, and franchising
- Foundation for global trademark through Madrid Protocol
Trademark Registration Process – Class 25 in India
- Trademark Search (Class 25) – Use IP India Public Search.
- Prepare TM-A Application – Clearly specify products.
- File Application – Online or via agent.
- Registrar’s Examination – Respond to objections.
- Journal Publication – 4 months for opposition.
- Certificate Issuance – Valid for 10 years (renewable).
📄 Required Documents
- PAN or Aadhaar
- Brand logo/image
- MSME Certificate (for fee benefit)
- TM-48 (if agent files)
- Product catalog or website (recommended)
International Filing – Madrid Protocol (Class 25)
If you export garments or footwear to other countries, consider filing via the Madrid Protocol.
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 25 |
| USA | Class 025 |
| EU | Class 25 |
| UK | Class 25 |
| WIPO (Madrid) | Class 25 |
Common Mistakes in Class 25 Filing
- Filing in Class 24 instead of 25
- Using generic terms like “clothes” — be specific
- Including retail services (should be Class 35)
- Filing protective wear under Class 25
- Ignoring sub-labels or seasonal collections
Top Tips for Class 25 Trademark Applicants
- Mention full product line with gender/age tags
- File for each sub-brand or collection name
- Include accessories like socks, caps, scarves
- Use clear logos, labels, and designs
- Consider Madrid Protocol early for exports
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1. Are sarees part of Class 25?
- ✅ Yes, all garments — stitched or unstitched — belong to Class 25.
- Q2. Are socks and gloves included?
- ✅ Yes, provided gloves are not for medical or safety use.
- Q3. Are school uniforms part of Class 25?
- ✅ Yes.
- Q4. Is innerwear like vests and bras in Class 25?
- ✅ Yes.
- Q5. Are helmets included in Class 25?
- ⚠️ No, safety helmets fall under Class 9.
- Q6. Are slippers and chappals Class 25?
- ✅ Yes.
- Q7. Do I need to file again for women’s wear and men’s wear separately?
- ✅ Not unless you’re using different brand names.
- Q8. What if I sell via Amazon/Flipkart?
- ✅ Class 25 registration helps in Brand Registry.
- Q9. Is registration in Class 25 valid for exports?
- ✅ Yes. Also consider Madrid Protocol.
- Q10. Are tailoring services part of this class?
- ❌ No, they belong to Class 40.
Conclusion
Trademark Class 25 is the foundation of legal protection for businesses in apparel, footwear, and headwear. Whether you’re a startup launching a streetwear brand or a large exporter of school uniforms, this class ensures your brand name, label, and designs are protected in India and internationally.
At RegistrationMART, We Help:
- Identify your correct class and file under Class 25
- Draft applications for apparel, footwear, and accessories
- Respond to objections and opposition
- Assist in Amazon Brand Registry and licensing
- File for Madrid Protocol for international protection
🔐 Get Expert Help Today
📞 Call Us: +91-7201000259
🌐 Visit: www.registrationmart.in
📧 Email: support@registrationmart.in
