Trademark Class 26 in India: Lace, Ribbons, Buttons & Embroidery — Complete Filing Guide (2026)
If your business deals in lace, ribbons, buttons & embroidery, you need Trademark Class 26 registration in India to protect your brand legally. This guide covers the exact goods covered, which Indian industries must file under Class 26, how to search for existing marks, how to file the application, the fees, and key mistakes to avoid.
What Does Trademark Class 26 Cover? Official IP India Definition
India uses the Nice Classification (NCL) 11th Edition — an international system classifying all goods and services into 45 classes. IP India assigns every trademark to one or more of these classes during examination.
Trademark Class 26 officially covers:
This is a Goods class (Classes 1–34 cover physical goods; Classes 35–45 cover services).
Which Indian Businesses Need Class 26 Trademark Registration?
The following industries and business types must file under Trademark Class 26 in India to protect their brand names:
- Embroidery goods producers
- button manufacturers
- ribbon and lace companies
- hair accessory brands
- fashion trimmings businesses
- Lucknow chikankari accessory makers
India's embroidery and fashion accessories industry is closely linked to its famous textile tradition. Lucknow's chikankari, Surat's ribbon manufacturing, and Tamil Nadu's button industry all require trademark protection for their branded trimmings and accessories.
Types of Brand Names Registered Under Class 26
Here are the types of trademarks that are typically filed and registered under Class 26 in India:
- Ribbon brand names
- button product trademarks
- embroidery lace brand names
- hair accessory marks
- fashion trimming brands
When searching the IP India portal for Class 26, you will find both active (Registered, Objected) and inactive (Abandoned, Removed) marks. Only active marks can create conflicts with your proposed brand name.
Critical Classification Tip for Class 26
Hair styling tools (curlers, straighteners) fall under Class 8 or 11. Class 26 covers hair accessories (clips, bands, decorations) not styling appliances.
How to Search Trademarks in Class 26 on IP India
- Go to ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Public Search
- For text brand names: select Wordmark Search
- For logos: select Vienna Code Search
- In the Class field, select Class 26
- Enter your proposed brand name and click Search
- Review all results including phonetically or visually similar marks
- Also search in related classes: Class 24 (base textiles/fabric), Class 25 (clothing that uses these trimmings), Class 3 (hair cosmetics/dyes)
- Export/screenshot the results with timestamp for your records
How to File a Class 26 Trademark Application in India
Verify that your specific goods/services match the official Class 26 definition. Misclassification leads to rejection or inadequate protection.
Search IP India database for Class 26 conflicts. Also search related classes listed above.
Compile: PAN, business registration, Udyam certificate (MSME), mark/logo file, Power of Attorney.
Submit on IP India portal. Pay ₹4,500 (MSME/individual) or ₹9,000 (company) for Class 26. ™ usable from filing date.
Track status on IP India using application number. Examination Report expected in 3–6 months.
If objection raised, file detailed reply within 30 days. Attorney assistance strongly recommended.
After Journal publication (4-month opposition window), registration certificate issued. ® symbol permitted.
Official Fees for Class 26 Trademark Registration (2026)
| Applicant Category | Online Fee (per class) | Offline Fee (per class) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Sole Proprietor | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| MSME (Udyam Registered) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| DPIIT-Recognised Startup | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Renewal of Class 26 Mark | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Expedited Examination | ₹20,000 (MSME) / ₹40,000 (others) | N/A |
Related Trademark Classes to File Alongside Class 26
Many businesses in the Class 26 sector also need to register in related classes to get complete brand protection. Consider filing in:
Class 24 (base textiles/fabric), Class 25 (clothing that uses these trimmings), Class 3 (hair cosmetics/dyes)
Filing in all applicable classes simultaneously is more cost-effective than filing additional applications later. Discuss your full product/service scope with a trademark attorney before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Trademark Class 26 India
What is the difference between Class 26 and adjacent classes?
Class 26 specifically covers: lace, braid and embroidery, and other ornamental trimming; ribbons; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers; hair decorations; false hair. Adjacent classes cover related but distinct categories — Class 24 (base textiles/fabric), Class 25 (clothing that uses these trimmings), Class 3 (hair cosmetics/dyes). If your business spans both, file in all applicable classes.
How long does it take to register a Class 26 trademark in India?
Approximately 18–24 months for a smooth application. Expedited examination (additional ₹20,000–40,000 fee) can fast-track the examination stage to 30 working days. You can use the ™ symbol from the date of filing regardless of registration status.
Can I file a Class 26 trademark online in India?
Yes. 100% of the trademark application process is done online via ipindiaonline.gov.in. Online filing is mandatory for most applicants and also gives you the lower fee rate (₹4,500 vs ₹5,000 for MSME/individuals).
Do I need to file Class 26 and other classes separately?
Yes. Each trademark class requires a separate government fee. However, you can include multiple classes in a single Form TM-A application (multi-class application). You pay the fee for each class individually within that single application form.
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