Trademark Class 18: Leather, Luggage Bags & Leather Imitations

“Leather goods and accessories stand out in the competitive market because of strong branding and unique designs.” Whether it’s a handbag, a suitcase, or a wallet, these products gain attention not just through quality but also from brand presence. Behind the scenes, businesses secure this uniqueness through specific legal frameworks such as trademark registration. Registering under Trademark Class 18 provides legal protection, keeping them safe from copying.

In India, trademark registration follows the Nice Classification system to ensure standardized legal protection for brands. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established the NICE Classification through the NICE agreement in 1957. Its main objective was to provide a globally recognized framework for categorizing goods and services. For greater clarity, it divided goods and services into 45 different trademark classes. The classification is divided as follows:

• Class 1-34: This category includes goods.
• Class 35-45: This category includes services.

This classification helps businesses and individuals understand the clear legal classification of goods and services. 

What is Trademark Class 18 in India?

Trademark class 18 covers leather goods such as handbags, wallets, luggage, backpacks, and related accessories. Under the NICE Classification, this class helps protect brands involved in leather products and travel goods. Registration under Class 18 also grants exclusive brand rights and helps stop misuse or imitation by similar marks.

The Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999, governs trademark registration in India. Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) manages the process of registration through the Trade Marks Registry. To ensure consistent brand protection, the Trademark Registry uses the Nice Classification system to organize goods and services.

A well-known example of a Trademark Class 18 brand in India is Hidesign. It offers leather bags and accessories that fall under the Class 18 trademark in India.

Who Should Choose Class 18 Trademark in India?

Any business that manufactures, sells, or trades in leather goods and related accessories should choose this class. Below is a brief list of businesses and sellers that should register under Trademark Class 18:

• Leather goods manufacturers: Businesses producing leather or imitation leather products.
• Bag and handbag brands: Sellers of handbags, backpacks, purses, and sling bags.
• Luggage and travel gear companies: Brands offering suitcases, trolleys, and travel bags.
• Wallet and accessory makers: Businesses making wallets, belts, card holders, and keychains.
• Footwear accessory brands: Companies selling leather straps, shoe accessories, or similar items.
• Fashion and lifestyle brands: Labels offering leather-based lifestyle products and accessories.
• Corporate gifting companies: Businesses supplying leather gift items like folders, organizers, and diaries.
• Pet accessory brands: Businesses dealing in leather collars, leashes, and pet travel items.

Early registration under Class 18 allows these businesses to build a unique market identity and reduce the risk of confusion with similar brands.

What Goods Fall Under Trademark Class 18?

The goods in Trademark Class 18 mainly relate to leather, imitation leather, and products made from these materials. This class also includes travel items and personal accessories used in daily life. The table below highlights the key goods covered under Trademark Class 18:

Goods Type	Description	Examples
Leather goods	Products made of genuine or imitation leather	Leather bags, wallets, and belts
Handbags and purses	Fashion and utility bags for daily use	Handbags, clutches, sling bags
Luggage and travel goods	Items used for travel and storage	Suitcases, trolleys, travel bags
Backpacks and school bags	Carrying bags for personal or academic use	Backpacks, laptop bags, rucksacks
Wallets and small accessories	Compact leather accessories	Card holders, keychains, coin purses
Animal skins and hides	Raw or processed animal hides	Tanned leather, animal skins
Leather straps and fittings	Leather components and attachments	Watch straps, bag straps
Trunks and storage cases	Rigid containers for storage or travel	Trunks, briefcases
Umbrellas and parasols	Handheld weather protection items	Umbrellas, sun parasols
Whips, harnesses, and saddlery	Equipment made for animal handling	Horse saddles, reins, harnesses

This table showcases the goods eligible for protection under Trademark Class 18. If you are unsure about the right class, RegisterKaro’s experts can guide your business and manage the entire registration process. We ensure strong brand protection and complete compliance. For detailed guidance and trademark support, contact RegisterKaro.

What is Not Covered in Trademark Class 18?

Many applicants confuse certain goods with Trademark Class 18, even when they legally fall under other classes. Choosing the correct class helps avoid trademark objections and repeat filings. The table below highlights goods not covered under Trademark Class 18, along with their correct trademark class:

Goods Type	Examples	Correct Class
Footwear and clothing	Shoes, jackets, and belts are worn as apparel	Class 25
Leather chemicals and raw materials	Leather processing chemicals and tanning agents	Class 1
Furniture made of leather	Leather sofas, chairs, and cushions	Class 20
Travel accessories (non-leather)	Plastic suitcases, metal travel boxes	Class 20 or Class 6
Fashion jewelry and watches	Bracelets, watches, and ornaments	Class 14
Paper bags and packaging	Paper carry bags, cardboard boxes	Class 16
Cosmetics and personal care items	Leather creams and polishes for personal use	Class 3
Tools and hardware	Leather-cutting tools, machines	Class 7 or Class 8
Animal food products	Pet food and animal feed	Class 31
Electronic accessories	Smart bags with electronics, trackers	Class 9

Tip: Use RegisterKaro’s free Trademark Class Search Tool to identify the right class for your services. 

How to Register a Class 18 Trademark in India?

Registering a trademark under Class 18 requires careful planning and accurate filing. Applicants can file trademarks on a ‘proposed to be used‘ or ‘already in use‘ basis. Following the right steps lowers the risk of objections and avoids delays. 

Step 1: Preparation Before Filing

Trademark Search:

Start by checking existing trademarks under Class 18 on the IP India Portal (ipindiaonline.gov.in) or the RegisterKaro Trademark Search tool. This step helps confirm availability and reduces conflict risk.

Define Product Details:
Clearly list the goods covered, such as leather bags, wallets, luggage, or travel accessories. Avoid broad or unclear product descriptions.

Step 2: Application Submission

Filing the Form:
File Form TM-A online through the IP India Trademark Portal.

Government Fees (Approximate):

• Individuals, startups, and MSMEs: Rs. 4,500 per class
• Companies and other entities: Rs. 9,000 per class

Single-Class vs. Multi-Class Filing:

• Single-class application: Covers only goods under Class 18.
• Multi-class application: Suitable if the brand also deals in goods under other trademark classes.

Step 3: Review and Public Notice

The Trademark Registry examines the application for proper classification, distinctiveness, and similarity with existing marks. If concerns arise, the Registry issues an Examination Report.

Reply to Objections:
Applicants must respond within 30 days if objections are raised.

Trademark Journal Listing:
After approval, the Trademark Journal publishes the mark. for four months. During this time, third parties may file an opposition.

Expected Duration:
Examination generally takes 6 to 12 months, followed by a 4-month publication period.

Step 4: After Registration

A Class 18 trademark stays valid for 10 years from the registration date. Businesses need to renew the trademark every 10 years. 

Brand Monitoring:
Regularly watch for unauthorized use of your mark and take legal action if required.

RegisterKaro supports businesses at every stage of Class 18 trademark registration, from filing to final approval. Submit the form today to get started.

Documents Required for Class 18 Trademark Registration

To complete a Class 18 trademark application in India, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Trademark Application (Form TM-A): Include accurate applicant details, trademark information, and a clear list of Class 18 goods.
• Trademark Image: Upload a clear logo or wordmark exactly as it should appear on the register.
• Identity Proof: Individuals may submit PAN, Aadhaar, or a passport.
• Address Proof: Provide recent utility bills, bank statements, or other valid address documents.
• Business Registration Proof (if applicable): Companies or LLPs must submit a Certificate of Incorporation, LLP deed, or MSME registration certificate.
• Authorization Letter (Form TM-48): Required if a trademark agent or legal representative files the application.
• Usage Declaration (if already in use): Mention the first date of use with supporting proof such as invoices, product listings, or website screenshots.
• Proof of Product Sale or Activity: Include catalogs, product photos, packaging images, or sales records showing leather goods or accessories.

Get expert assistance with Class 18 trademark registration. Submit your details today and ensure smooth, objection-free approval with RegisterKaro.

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