TRADEMARK CLASS 24: Textiles and textile goods

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) organizes trademarks using the Nice Classification (NCL) system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes. For example, Class 24 covers textiles and textile goods not included in other classes, such as bed covers, table covers, and other fabric-based household items.

When filing for a trademark in the Philippines, it is crucial to select the correct class. If your brand applies to several product categories, you may register under multiple classes—but each class requires a separate filing fee. For instance, if you want protection for posters (Class 16) and shirts (Class 25), IPOPHL requires two separate applications and payments.

Choosing the wrong class can delay or even invalidate your application, since IPOPHL may issue an Office Action or require a refiling.

Trademarks in Class 24

Examples of Class 24 marks include:

• PERMAFRESH (bedding textiles)
• SPANKIE (blanket throws)
• SIMPLY KISSY (children’s blankets)

However, some related goods fall outside Class 24:

• Electrically heated blankets for medical use → Class 10
• Electrically heated blankets for non-medical use → Class 11
• Table linen of paper → Class 16
• Horse blankets → Class 18

Coordinated Classes

Businesses often file in coordinated classes together with Class 24. These include:

• Class 23 – Yarns and threads
• Class 25 – Clothing
• Class 26 – Lace, embroidery, and haberdashery
• Class 35 – Advertising and business services
• Class 42 – Technology-related services

This strategy helps secure wider protection against infringement.

Specimens for Class 24

When filing in Class 24, applicants must submit a specimen of use showing how the mark appears in trade. Acceptable specimens include:

• Labels, tags, or packaging bearing the trademark
• Commercial displays (e.g., in retail stores or catalogs)
• Photos of the mark stamped, stitched, or printed directly on fabric goods

Improper specimens include trade names used only in return addresses or purely descriptive references. IPOPHL examiners may reject such submissions.

Philippine Case References

• "San Miguel Pure Foods vs. Foodsphere" (IPOPHL, 2013): The mark MAGNOLIA was challenged across different classes (ice cream vs. meat products). IPOPHL ruled that trademarks in different classes can still be confusingly similar if the goods are related in trade.
• "Kolon Industries vs. DuPont" (ASEAN reference case): Dispute over textiles and industrial fabrics highlighted the importance of correctly identifying the Nice Class and proving distinctiveness.

These cases show that even if goods fall under different classes, IPOPHL may still refuse registration if confusion is likely.

✅ Key Takeaway: Filing under the correct IPOPHL class is critical. For Class 24 textiles, applicants should carefully review coordinated classes, prepare strong specimens, and anticipate possible opposition if their goods overlap with established brands.

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