Trademark Class 24: Register Your Textile & Home Furnishing Brand in India

Trademarks are symbols, names or logos that are used to identify a company’s goods or services. When you register a trademark, it becomes illegal for anyone else to use that symbol in relation to the listed goods. Worldwide, trademarks are grouped by the International Nomenclature of the Nice Agreement, which is also administered by WIPO. This classification groups products into 45 categories (34 for goods and 11 for services), each representing a collection of items. India’s trademark filings are based on Nice Classification. In practical terms, this means you also have to specify the particular goods (by class number) when you file the application. For instance, a textile company that sells bed linens would apply under Class 24. The correct class is important for the protection to be useful.

Class 24 : Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes bed and table covers. In layman’s terms, that is most fabrics and cloth goods for use around the home or to wear (that are not already classified elsewhere). According to the official definition, class 24 includes: “Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed covers and table covers; household linen, curtains of textile or plastics”. Goods Explanation Class 24 Goods of the class 24 Class 24 includes mainly fabric and textile goods, not included in other classes.

Household Linens:  sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, blankets, towels, tablecloths, napkins and placemats.

Fabric Items: Cloth for the yard as in cotton, silk and polyester fabric (sold by the yard), printed materials, upholstered materials, and textile remnants.

Furnishings & Decor: Curtains and drapes (fabric & plastic), cushion covers and sofa covers, mattress and furniture covers, mosquito net curtains.

Flags and Banners: Non-paper flags and banners of cloth or plastics; bunting; textile emblems.

Textiles (Others): Shoe cloths (lining), linen labels, stitched cloths and other such cloth made ups.

LIST

• adhesive fabric for application by heat
• banners
• bath linen, except clothing
• bath mitts
• bed covers / bedspreads / coverlets [bedspreads] / quilts
• bed covers of paper
• bed linen
• bed clothes
• bed blankets
• billiard cloth
• bolting cloth
• brocades
• buckram
• bunting
• calico
• canvas for tapestry or embroidery
• cheese cloth
• chenille fabric
• cheviots [cloth]
• cloth*
• cloths for removing make-up
• coasters [table “” not found /]
  
• cotton fabrics
• covers [loose] for furniture / loose covers for furniture
• covers for cushions
• crepe [fabric]
• crepon
• curtain holders of textile material
• curtains of textile or plastic
• damask
• diaper changing cloths for babies
• diapered linen
• door curtains
• drugget
• eiderdowns [down coverlets]
• elastic woven material
• esparto fabric
• fabric, impervious to gases, for aeronautical balloons
• fabric of imitation animal skins
• fabric*
• fabric for footwear
• fabrics for textile use
• face towels of textile
• felt*
• fibreglass fabrics for textile use / fiberglass fabrics, for textile use
• filtering materials of textile
• flags, not of paper
• flannel [fabric]
• frieze [cloth]
• furniture coverings of plastic / coverings of plastic for furniture
• furniture coverings of textile
• fustian / dimity
• gauze [cloth]
• glass cloths [towels]
• gummed cloth, other than for stationery
• haircloth [sackcloth]
• handkerchiefs of textile
• hat linings, of textile, in the piece
• hemp fabric
• hemp cloth
• household linen
• jersey [fabric]
• jute fabric
• knitted fabric
• labels of cloth
• linen cloth
• lingerie fabric
• lining fabric for shoes
• linings [textile]
• marabouts [cloth]
• mattress covers
• moleskin [fabric]
• mosquito nets
• net curtains
• non-woven textile fabrics
• oilcloth for use as tablecloths
• pillow shams
• pillowcases
• place mats, not of paper
• plastic material [substitute for fabrics]
• printed calico cloth
• printers’ blankets of textile
• ramie fabric
• rayon fabric
• sanitary flannel
• sheets [textile]
• shower curtains of textile or plastic
• shrouds
• silk fabrics for printing patterns
• silk [cloth]
• sleeping bag liners
• table runners
• table linen, not of paper
• table napkins of textile / serviettes of textile
• tablecloths, not of paper
• tablemats, not of paper
• taffeta [cloth]
• textile material
• tick [linen]
• ticks [mattress covers]
• fitted toilet lid covers of fabric
• towels of textile
• traced cloths for embroidery / traced cloth for embroidery
• travelling rugs [lap robes]
• trellis [cloth]
• tulle
• upholstery fabrics
• velvet
• wall hangings of textile / tapestry [wall hangings], of textile
• woollen cloth / woollen fabric
• zephyr [cloth]

The good news is that Class 24 is the home and fashion fabric junk drawer. It comprises goods as banners, bed blankets, curtain fabrics and even flag ornamentation but does not include the textiles elsewhere classified (for example, clothing is Class 25, ropes or tents are other classes). The following table indicates the natures of the categories of goods which are contained in Class 24:

For brands in the textile, fashion, home-furnishing or apparel sector Class 24 trademark is crucial. It helps establish a brand name and brand trust in saturated markets. “If I register, the bed linens guy or the hotel sheets guy can’t just copy me,” says a brand of bed linens or hotel sheets can say, ‘My brand is quality.’”. In other words, as a practical matter, if you register your trademark, it will help to prevent others from using your brand name or logo on similar goods to those you sell and which otherwise may cause confusion with customers. It also gives you exclusive rights to apply the mark to the goods you registered. In other words, it makes your brand an asset.

Differentiates products: Since so many generic towels and curtains might look the same at a glance, a trademark lets buyers know which business made them, e.g. “HomeCo Bedding™, Trusted Textile Fabrics™”. This distinction is an important marketing device.

Reputation protection: If a well-established bedspread brand “CloudSilk” is not protected, competitors may market “CloudSilk” towels – and damage the reputation of the original. Registration lets you stop them.

Adds value: A Class 24 mark that is registered is an asset at law. It is possible to license or sell it as part of a business deal contributing to the long term value of your textile or fashion business.

Kaagzaat trademark services assists its clients to capitalize on these advantages. For instance, a homemaker producer of some kind of home-textile or even a fashion designer would file under a trademark class 24 to ensure that his / her brand was a unique brand. With proper targeting of Indian trademark classes, Kaagzaat can help to specifically cover your brand for items such as home linens or upholstery. Without it, even a great brand is potentially exposed.

Response to Objections: (30 days) Once the applicant has received an Examination Report, they have 30 days (with the option to extend) to provide a reply. One, you can argue why your mark is different, agree to disclaim some terms, or modify your goods description. Immediate, complete responses are key or non-response spells abandonment.

Publication in Trademark Journal: (~ 1 month after acceptance) If no objections or after hearings, the mark will be advertised as accepted for registration in the official Trademark Journal. This serves to notice the public that you plan to apply to register your mark.

Opposition Period: (4 months) From date of publication, any third party can oppose your mark if they believe it damages their rights. In these times (which can be extended) you have to wait for oppositions. If they disagree, there will be a legal process to resolve the matter.

Registration Certificate: (~2 months after end of opposition period) Failure to oppose (or if an opposition is decided in the negative) will result in the Registrar issuing a Registration Certificate as a matter of course. The mark has since been registered and is enforceable. It usually takes a year to a year and a half if everything is smooth (from application to registration).

The Indian trademark registration process follows set stages. Below is a simplified step-by-step guide with typical timeframes and fees:

Pre-filing Search: (Immediate) Before filing, conduct a trademark search. This uncovers existing marks that may conflict with yours. A thorough search avoids obvious clashes. (Tip: Use the IP India search portal.)

Application Filing (Form TM-A): (Day 0) You file online (or on paper) stating the trademark and the goods (Class 24). As of 2024, official filing fees are ₹4,500 per class for individuals/startups/MSMEs and ₹9,000 for others (physical filing is ₹5,000/₹10,000). Kaagzaat can advise on the correct description and fee.

Formality Check: (1–2 weeks) The Registrar checks paperwork (signatures, translations, applicant details). If anything is missing, the application can “fail” formality check. You must reply within 30 days or risk abandonment. If passed, it proceeds to examination.

Examination: (6–12 months) An examiner reviews the mark and goods. They look for conflicts with prior marks and distinctiveness. If the examiner accepts the application (no objections), it moves to publication. If there are objections (e.g. mark is descriptive, or conflicts), the office issues an Examination Report outlining these.

Reply to Objections: (30 days to reply) Upon receiving an Examination Report, the applicant has 30 days (extension possible) to respond. You can argue why your mark is distinct, agree to disclaim certain terms, or amend goods descriptions. Quick, thorough replies are crucial; failure to respond leads to abandonment.

Publication in Trademark Journal: (~1 month after acceptance) If no objections remain (or after hearings), the mark is accepted for registration and published in the official Trademark Journal. This announces to the public that you intend to register the mark.

Opposition Period: (4 months) From the date of publication, third parties have 4 months to oppose your mark if they feel it infringes their rights. During this period (which can be extended), you must await any oppositions. If opposed, there will be a legal proceeding to resolve it.

Registration Certificate: (~2 months after opposition period) If no one opposes (or any opposition is dismissed), the Registrar issues the Registration Certificate automatically. The trademark is now registered and enforceable. The whole process (from filing to registration) typically takes 12–18 months if smooth.

Below is a summary table of these steps with estimated timing:

During this process, the Indian government fees apply as noted: ₹4,500 (e-filing for startup/individual) or ₹9,000 (others) per class. (Renewal every 10 years also requires ₹9,000 per class.)

Kaagzaat trademark services can help calculate fees and manage each step online to avoid missed deadlines.

When applying for a trademark in Class 24, certain pitfalls often trip up applicants. Avoid these to smooth your registration:

Descriptive or Generic Marks: Using common or descriptive words (like “Cotton” for cotton textiles) will likely be refused. You must choose a distinctive brand name or logo. Avoid generic terms and consider creative or coined words.

No Trademark Search: Skipping a detailed search often leads to conflicts. If you file a mark similar to an existing Class 24 trademark, you’ll face rejection. Always perform a thorough search before filing.

Incorrect Classification: Listing goods under the wrong class is a serious error. For example, sewing machines or plastic covers belong to other classes. Ensure all your goods actually fall under textiles. Consult the Nice list or an attorney if unsure.

Overbroad or Vague Descriptions: Simply saying “textiles” or “fabrics” without detail can be objected to. Likewise, forgetting to list key items (like excluding “flags” when you sell textile flags) can limit protection. Use the precise Nice terms (e.g. “bed sheets,” “printed cotton cloth”). Kaagzaat’s experts can draft an accurate list of goods to cover all your products.

Failure to Respond Promptly: Missing deadlines (e.g. formalities check or exam report) causes abandonment. Monitor your application status closely or hire a service to do so.

Using a Mark Already in Use: If your mark is already being used by someone else, especially locally, you might face a passing-off suit even if registered. Checking common law use is also advised for major markets.

Careful preparation is key. As one IP filing guide advises, avoid “using words of common English, not conducting a good search, [or] selecting a generic mark”. In practice, working with professional services (like Kaagzaat’s trademark team) can help sidestep these errors and ensure your Class 24 trademark application is as strong as possible.

To illustrate Class 24 registrations, consider real examples from India:

• Bombay Dyeing (LABEL): This is a famous home-textile brand. The Bombay Dyeing & Mfg. Co. Ltd. has a registered Class 24 mark (“BOMBAY DYEING (LABEL)”) covering goods like “furnishing fabrics, curtains, table covers, bed sheets, pillowcases, bed covers, blankets… towels of all sizes, [and] textile piece”. This broad listing shows how a bedding/furnishing company secures its brand across all home-linen products.
• BHATI: An Indian textile brand from Surat, “BHATI” is registered in Class 24 for “textile piece goods, fabrics including sarees & dress materials”. This covers the traditional fabric products they sell.
• (Illustrative) Internationally, similar companies register home-linen marks. For instance, bedding brands or fashion labels often register specialized sub-brands (e.g. “ZARA HOME” covers home textiles worldwide). The key is protecting any brand name associated with textiles under Class 24.

These examples show that once the trademark is secured, the owner has an exclusive mark covering all the relevant textile goods. In each case, the registrant can sue infringers or block counterfeiters using that name on similar products.

Once your Class 24 trademark is registered in India, you gain powerful legal rights. By law (Section 28 of the Trade Marks Act), the registered proprietor has the exclusive right to use the mark on the goods for which it is registered. In other words, competitors cannot use your trademark (or confusingly similar marks) on their Class 24 goods.

Exclusive Use: You alone can put the mark on Class 24 textiles. If someone else tries to sell products under the same or a closely similar mark, they are infringing your rights.

Statutory Remedies: You can go to court against infringers. Indian law allows a registered trademark owner to seek an injunction to stop infringement and claim damages or an account of profits. This remedy is not available for unregistered marks to the same extent.

Border Protection: You can record your trademark with customs to help intercept infringing imports of textile goods.

Enforcement can involve civil lawsuits under Section 29 (infringement) of the Act, and even criminal action under Section 103 for counterfeiting. In practice, owners often start with a cease-and-desist letter. If a conflict goes to court, having a registered Class 24 mark greatly strengthens your case.

To summarize, registration converts your brand into an enforceable right: you can actively prevent unauthorized use of your trademark on textile goods.

A registered trademark must be maintained to keep its protection. In India, a Class 24 trademark is initially valid for 10 years from the filing date. It can then be renewed indefinitely every ten years. Here are some important tips:

• Use the Mark Continuously: To keep the registration alive, you must use the trademark in commerce on the covered goods. Non-use of a trademark for five years after registration can lead to cancellation. For example, if you register a mark for bed linens, start selling sheets or towels under that mark promptly. Otherwise, a competitor could petition to remove it.
• Watch Deadlines: The trademark registry issues an O-3 notice before expiry, but don’t rely only on reminders. Section 25(1) of the Act confirms the 10-year term. You can apply for renewal up to one year before expiry (but not too early). If you miss renewal, there is a 6-month grace period (with surcharge) after expiry.
• Renewal Fees: As per the rules, renewal is done by filing Form TM-R with the prescribed fee. Currently, the e-filing renewal fee is ₹9,000 per trademark per class (physical ₹10,000). Note: The discounted fee for startups/individuals on initial filing does not apply to renewals. Keep track of renewal year by year.
• Monitor and Defend: Even after registration, watch the market for infringers. Renewals keep the mark on the register, but you also need to enforce your rights when needed.

In practice, trademark holders (and their attorneys or services like Kaagzaat) set reminders or use software to track renewals. The official practice, as explained in IP India’s guidelines, is that renewal must be filed in time, or the mark may be removed. By proactively maintaining the mark, you ensure lifelong protection of your Class 24 brand.

For businesses in home textiles, apparel manufacturing, fashion, or hospitality linens, registering a Class 24 trademark is a strategic must. It secures the brand name or logo associated with your fabrics and furnishings, preventing confusion in the market and guarding your reputation. As shown above, Class 24 covers everything from bed sheets to banners. Once registered, you enjoy exclusive rights to that mark for these goods and can enforce them against infringers.

From filing the TM application (with correct classification and fees) to using the mark and renewing every 10 years, each step contributes to long-term brand protection. In the competitive textile industry, a trademark is not just a logo – it’s a legal asset and a promise of quality to your customers. Working with knowledgeable services (such as Kaagzaat trademark services) can help companies navigate the Nice classification and registration process, ensuring that their Class 24 marks provide robust, lasting protection for their brands.

By treating trademarks as core to your business strategy, you lock in that value. A well-managed Class 24 trademark can safeguard your brand in India and abroad (via international extensions), turning what was once an intangible idea into a legally enforceable foundation for growth.

Sources: Official IP India and WIPO classification guidelines; class 24 descriptions (Nolo, IndiaFilings); India Trademark Act and procedures; renewal rules; and expert legal commentary.