Trademark Registration for Clothing Brands in India: The Complete Fashion & Apparel Guide (2026)

Which Trademark Classes Do Clothing Brands Need?

Fashion and apparel businesses in India typically need to file in one or more of these classes:

• Class 25 — Clothing, Footwear and Headgear: This is the primary class for all clothing brands. Covers garments, T-shirts, kurtas, sarees, jeans, jackets, ethnic wear, athleisure, school uniforms, and all types of apparel.
• Class 24 — Fabrics and Textile Goods: If you also produce or sell fabric (raw material, not just finished garments), file in Class 24. Includes woven and knitted fabrics, bedsheets, towels.
• Class 18 — Leather & Bags: If your fashion brand extends to bags, wallets, belts, or accessories made of leather or imitation leather.
• Class 14 — Jewellery & Accessories: If you sell jewellery, watches, or precious metal accessories under the same brand.
• Class 35 — Retail Services: File in Class 35 if you operate a physical store, e-commerce platform, or franchise that retails clothing. This protects your retail brand identity separately from the products.

How to Search for Existing Clothing Trademarks on IP India

Before naming your clothing brand, conduct a thorough search:

1. Go to ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Public Search
2. Select Class 25 and search your proposed brand name
3. Also search phonetic variations (e.g., search 'Fab' if your name is 'Faab')
4. Repeat in Class 24, 18, and 35 if applicable
5. Check for similar logos using Vienna Code search
6. If clean, proceed to filing; if conflicts found, consult a trademark attorney before investing in branding

Common Mistakes Fashion Brands Make in Trademark Filing

• Filing only in Class 25 when selling online: If you retail through your own website or app, you should also file in Class 35 (retail services). Amazon and Flipkart Brand Registry requires Class 35 registration in many cases.
• Choosing a descriptive name: Names like 'Cotton Kurta Store' or 'Delhi Fashion House' cannot be registered — they describe what you sell. Choose a distinctive, invented brand name.
• Not filing early enough: Many clothing brands invest lakhs in packaging, labels, and marketing before checking if their brand name is available. Always trademark-search before naming your brand.
• Skipping logo protection: Your wordmark and logo are separate trademark applications. If your logo is unique, file both.

Trademark for Fashion E-Commerce and Marketplaces

If you sell on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Myntra, or your own D2C website:

• Amazon Brand Registry requires a registered trademark in the country of sale. A pending application number is accepted for some features.
• Flipkart Brand Store requires trademark registration.
• Meesho Verified Supplier requires brand documentation that is strengthened significantly by trademark registration.
• D2C brands should register in both Class 25 (products) and Class 35 (retail services/online store).

Frequently Asked Questions