Class 23 under the Nice Classification covers yarns and threads for textile use.

Scope

Class 23 includes spun fibres used for weaving, knitting, sewing, embroidery, and other textile production.

Goods covered under this class generally include:

• Spun yarns and threads
• Cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic yarns
• Sewing threads and embroidery threads
• Knitting yarns
• Elastic threads for textile use
• Textile fibres prepared for spinning

Classification principle: If the product is an intermediate fibre product intended for textile manufacture, it generally falls within Class 23.

Key Updates – Nice Classification (2026 Update)

As per the Nice Classification updates 2026, the following clarifications are particularly relevant to Class 23:

• Clearer separation between:
  • Yarns and threads (Class 23), and
  • Finished textile fabrics (Class 24)
• Refined terminology to reduce overlap with:
  • Synthetic fibres as raw materials (Class 22)
  • Sewing needles and hand tools (Class 8)

Recycled and biodegradable yarns, technical textiles yarns, and smart yarns with conductive fibres are now more clearly classified in Class 23.

Practical takeaway: Distinguish between raw fibres, spun yarns, and finished fabrics in the specification.

Goods NOT Included in Class 23 (But Commonly Confused)

The following goods are excluded from Class 23, despite frequent misclassification:

• Finished fabrics and textiles (Class 24)
• Clothing and made-up textile articles (Class 25)
• Sewing machines (Class 7)
• Hand sewing needles (Class 8)