Trademark Class 26: Lace, Buttons, Ribbons, Hair Accessories & More – Complete Legal Guide (India)
Introduction
In the expansive world of textiles and fashion, not every product is a finished garment. There are critical accessories and embellishments that complete the look such as lace, buttons, hooks, beads, artificial flowers, ribbons, and sewing kits. These products fall under Trademark Class 26.
Whether you run a lace manufacturing unit, a sewing accessory store, or a D2C embroidery kit brand, Class 26 is where you should register your trademark.
This article is a complete breakdown of Class 26, covering:
- Products it includes and excludes
- Real-world examples
- Legal basis
- Filing strategy in India and abroad
- Best practices and FAQs
Legal Basis in India
India follows the Nice Classification (11th Edition) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
✅ Trademark Class 26 includes:
“Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers; hair decorations; false hair.”
Class 26 applies to:
- Tailoring and sewing accessory stores
- Embroidery businesses
- Artificial flower manufacturers
- DIY craft and stitching brands
- Fashion labels selling lace or trims
Scope of Trademark Class 26
This class covers decorative, fastening, and functional accessories related to fashion. These are non-wearable products essential to tailoring and styling.
Decorative Elements:
- Lace (cotton, synthetic, embroidered)
- Ribbons (satin, grosgrain, velvet)
- Braid trims, sequins, cords, piping
- Tassels, trimmings, fringes
- Artificial flowers
- Beads for embroidery
Fastening & Tailoring Accessories:
- Buttons (plastic, metal, wood)
- Hooks and eyes
- Zippers and fasteners
- Sewing needles, safety pins, dress pins
- Velcro, snap buttons, dress shields
Hair Accessories:
- Hairpins, clips, barrettes
- Wigs, hair extensions
- Bun nets, hair bands
Craft & DIY Kits:
- Embroidery threads (for decoration)
- Stitching kits with accessories
- Iron-on patches or logo labels
- Haberdashery kits, combo packs
Examples of Class 26 Products
- Satin ribbons for packaging
- Designer buttons for garments
- Metal hooks for ethnic wear
- Velvet braid trims for sarees
- Artificial flowers for dresses
- Crochet lace for bridalwear
- Snap fasteners, zippers
- Beaded fashion embellishments
- Hair clips with floral decor
- Wigs (natural/synthetic)
- Bun nets for hair styling
- Tailoring kits with accessories
- Iron-on patches for denim
- Textile labels and badges
- Rhinestones for bridalwear
What Class 26 Does Not Cover
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Yarn or thread for weaving | Class 23 |
| Finished clothing | Class 25 |
| Footwear accessories | Class 25 |
| Sewing machines | Class 7 |
| Jewelry hairpins | Class 14 |
Rule of thumb: If it’s a decorative, fastening, or styling accessory — it’s Class 26.
Trademark Examples in Class 26 (India)
| Brand | Trademarked Products |
|---|---|
| UJJALA LACE | Designer lace trims |
| SARA BUTTONS | Garment buttons |
| CHHEDA RIBBONS | Satin & printed ribbons |
| GLAM UP | Hair clips & accessories |
| RAJ EMBELLISH | Sequins, trims |
| VELCRO INDIA | Hook-and-loop strips |
| HUMAN HAIR CO. | Wigs and extensions |
Why Class 26 Registration Matters
- Secure exclusive rights to accessory brands
- Prevent imitation and reselling
- Boost OEM and private label deals
- Enable eCommerce and packaging brand protection
- Required for Amazon Brand Registry, Flipkart listings
Class 26 Trademark Filing Process (India)
- Trademark Search: Use IP India Public Search
- Draft TM-A: Be specific (e.g., “metal buttons”)
- File Online: Through portal or licensed agent
- Registrar Examination: Objections under Section 9/11
- Publication: 4 months in journal
- Registration: 10-year certificate if unopposed
Required Documents:
- Applicant’s Aadhaar/PAN
- Logo (if applicable)
- MSME certificate (optional)
- TM-48 (if via agent)
- Product images or catalog (optional)
International Filing via Madrid Protocol
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 26 |
| USA | Class 026 |
| EU (EUIPO) | Class 26 |
| UK | Class 26 |
| WIPO | Class 26 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing lace under Class 24
- Using vague terms (e.g., “tailoring items”)
- Mixing Class 23 (threads) with Class 26
- Including finished garments in Class 26
Pro Tips for Class 26 Applicants
- Register each accessory type and variation
- Protect seasonal or sub-brands
- Mention “false hair” clearly for wigs/extensions
- Use Madrid Protocol if exporting
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Are ribbons included? A: ✅ Yes
- Q: Is bridal lace Class 26? A: ✅ Yes
- Q: Are zippers/buttons included? A: ✅ Yes
- Q: Embroidery threads? A: ⚠️ Class 23 (yarn), Class 26 (in kits)
- Q: Wigs/false hair? A: ✅ Yes
- Q: Tailoring machines? A: ❌ Class 7
- Q: Hair clips? A: ✅ Yes
- Q: Flower jewelry? A: ⚠️ Class 14
Conclusion
Trademark Class 26 is vital for businesses in the fashion accessory, embroidery, and DIY crafts ecosystem. Protect your lace, ribbon, hair accessory, or embellishment brand and prevent counterfeiting across India and globally.
Services We Offer at RegistrationMART:
- Class 26 filing and brand protection
- Name/logo search and validation
- Objection and opposition handling
- International Madrid Protocol filing
📞 Call Us: +91-7201000259
🌐 Visit: www.registrationmart.in
📧 Email: support@registrationmart.in
