In today’s booming leather goods industry in India, building a trusted brand is essential — and that begins with trademark protection. Whether you’re producing handbags, belts, wallets, travel bags, or luggage, registering a trademark under Class 18 is the first legal step to protect your brand identity.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to register a trademark for leather goods in Class 18 in India, the benefits of trademark protection, required documents, fee structure, common mistakes, and much more. If you’re a leather brand owner, manufacturer, or seller — this blog is for you.

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🔍 What Is Trademark Class 18?

Trademark Class 18 under the Nice Classification system deals with:

Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness, and saddlery.

In simple terms, Class 18 covers all types of leather goods, both real and artificial, including:

• Handbags and purses
• Suitcases and luggage
• Wallets and belts (non-clothing use)
• Backpacks, school bags, and vanity cases
• Umbrellas and parasols
• Animal gear like saddles, harnesses, and leads

If your business is involved in manufacturing, selling, importing, or exporting any of the above products, then Trademark Class 18 is the correct classification for your brand.

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✅ Benefits of Registering Your Leather Brand Under Class 18

Before diving into the steps of registration, let’s understand why it’s crucial to trademark your leather brand:

1. Legal Protection Against Imitation

Your registered trademark grants exclusive rights to use your brand name/logo in leather goods, making it easier to sue or take action against counterfeiters.

2. Brand Recognition & Market Trust

Customers are more likely to trust branded and trademarked leather goods, especially in premium segments like luggage, handbags, and accessories.

3. Protection on E-commerce Platforms

Major online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Ajio prioritize sellers with registered trademarks for product listings and brand protection.

4. Easy Licensing and Expansion

Trademark registration makes it easier to license, franchise, or sell your brand, opening doors to partnerships and investments.

5. International Protection

Registering in India is the first step toward global protection through international treaties like the Madrid Protocol.

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🧾 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a Trademark for Leather Goods in Class 18

Here’s a simple yet detailed roadmap to trademark your leather brand in India:

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Step 1: Identify the Right Trademark Class

Make sure your products fall under Class 18. Here’s a quick checklist:

Product	Covered under Class 18?
Leather handbags	✅ Yes
Faux leather wallets	✅ Yes
Leather belts (non-clothing)	✅ Yes
Leather jackets	❌ No (Class 25)
Leather furniture	❌ No (Class 20)

If your business deals in multiple categories (e.g. leather goods + apparel), consider multi-class filing.

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Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search

Use the IP India Public Search Tool to ensure that your desired brand name/logo is unique and not already registered under Class 18.

🔗 Visit: https://ipindia.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch

Search Tips:

• Try multiple variations (uppercase/lowercase)
• Check for phonetic similarities
• Search both wordmarks and device marks (logos)

A proper search reduces the risk of objections or rejection later.

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Step 3: Decide on the Type of Mark

You can register:

• Word Mark (e.g., your brand name only: “LuxeLeather”)
• Logo/Device Mark (e.g., your graphic brand logo)
• Combination (e.g., brand name + logo)

If you are registering a visual brand identity, submit the logo in JPEG format (200 x 150 pixels) with clarity.

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Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Depending on whether you are an individual, startup, or company, gather these documents:

For Individuals:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Logo (if applicable)
• Email ID and contact number

For Businesses:

• Company PAN
• Certificate of Incorporation
• MSME or Startup India Certificate (if applicable)
• Logo (optional for wordmarks)
• Board resolution (for Pvt Ltd or LLP)

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Step 5: File Form TM-A for Trademark Application

You now need to file the trademark application with the Trademark Registry.

Details required:

• Applicant details (name, address, entity type)
• Trademark class: Class 18
• Description of goods: e.g., “handbags, travel bags, leather wallets”
• Trademark type: word/logo/combination
• Priority claim (if applicable)
• Power of attorney (if applying via agent)

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Step 6: Pay the Trademark Filing Fee

Applicant Type	Government Fee per Class
Individual / Startup / MSME	₹4,500
Company / Others	₹9,000

If you are a registered MSME or Startup, you can avail the reduced fee. A certificate is required for availing this benefit.

You can file:

• Online via the IP India portal
• Offline at the appropriate trademark registry office

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Step 7: Trademark Examination & Objections (if any)

Once submitted, the application is examined by a trademark officer who may:

• Accept it directly
• Raise objections under Section 9 or 11 (e.g., similarity with an existing mark)

You will have 30 days to respond to the objection. A professional legal reply improves your chances of approval.

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Step 8: Publication in Trademark Journal

If accepted, the mark is published in the Trademark Journal for public review. During the 4-month opposition period, any third party can oppose your trademark.

If no opposition is filed, the application moves to the final stage.

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Step 9: Trademark Registration Certificate

Congratulations! After passing all stages, you will receive the Trademark Registration Certificate.

• Validity: 10 years
• Renewable every 10 years using Form TM-R

Your leather goods brand is now officially protected under Class 18!

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📆 Trademark Renewal for Class 18

• Renewal can be done within 6 months before expiry.
• Grace period of 6 months allowed after expiry with late fees.
• Failure to renew leads to removal from the register.

Stay alert and maintain your brand protection by renewing on time!

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Registering a Trademark for Leather Goods

Mistake	Risk
Filing under the wrong class	No protection for your actual product
Not conducting a thorough search	Increases rejection chances
Using a generic or descriptive name	Weak trademark, hard to enforce
Filing without a logo when it’s crucial to your identity	Brand image remains unprotected
Missing deadlines for reply/renewal	Trademark lapses or gets rejected

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💡 Real Example: Trademark Class 18 in Action

Let’s say you are launching a premium leather brand called “IndiHide” offering handmade handbags and backpacks.

Steps you’d take:

1. Search for similar marks under Class 18
2. Register “IndiHide” as a wordmark and logo under Class 18
3. File Form TM-A with ₹4,500 (MSME fee)
4. After acceptance and publication, receive registration in ~6–12 months
5. Trademark “IndiHide” is now legally protected across India!

This protection ensures that no other brand can use a similar name/logo in the leather goods segment.

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🤝 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Your Class 18 Trademark?

At VMK Professionals, we help leather product brands — from startups to luxury businesses — register, protect, and renew their trademarks quickly and affordably.

Our Services Include:

• ✅ Free Class 18 Trademark Search
• ✅ MSME & Startup Filing Support
• ✅ Objection Reply Handling
• ✅ Trademark Watch Services
• ✅ Legal Assistance in Opposition or Infringement

With our expert team, we ensure that your leather goods brand is fully secured under Indian trademark laws.

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📌 Final Thoughts

Trademark registration for leather goods under Class 18 is not just a formality — it’s a critical investment in your brand’s identity, legal protection, and market value.

Whether you sell handcrafted wallets or export luxury handbags, protecting your name under the correct class ensures that no one can copy, misuse, or dilute your brand.

Start the process early and get professional support to avoid unnecessary rejections or delays.

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📞 Get in Touch with VMK Professionals Today!

Protect your leather goods brand under Trademark Class 18 with India’s trusted professionals.

In India’s growing leather goods and accessories industry, trademark protection is essential for maintaining a unique identity, building brand reputation, and ensuring long-term business success. If your business deals with leather bags, wallets, suitcases, or similar products, then Trademark Class 18 is specifically meant for you.

This detailed blog explores Trademark Class 18 in India, its scope, product categories, examples, registration benefits, and why it’s a must-have for leather brands. Whether you’re a new startup or an established luxury brand, this guide will help you understand how Class 18 applies to your business and how to register under it.

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✅ What is Trademark Class 18?

In India, trademark registration is classified into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification (NCL) system. Each class corresponds to specific types of goods or services.

Trademark Class 18 covers:

“Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.”

This class is designed specifically for businesses that manufacture, sell, or deal in leather goods and related accessories.

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👜 What Products Fall Under Trademark Class 18?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the items covered under Class 18:

🧳 Leather and Imitation Leather Products:

• Genuine leather bags
• Faux leather bags and wallets
• Briefcases
• Leather key holders
• Leather belts (not for clothing use)

🎒 Travel and Utility Bags:

• Suitcases
• Rucksacks
• School bags
• Laptop bags
• Vanity cases (not fitted)

☂️ Accessories and Daily Use Items:

• Umbrellas
• Parasols
• Walking sticks
• Bag frames
• Handles for suitcases or handbags

🐴 Animal and Horse Gear:

• Harnesses and saddlery
• Bridles, reins, and whips
• Leather leads and collars for animals

📦 Packaging Materials (Leather-Based):

• Leather boxes and cases
• Leather straps for packaging or securing items

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🧵 What’s NOT Included in Class 18?

It’s essential to avoid confusion between Class 18 and other related classes:

Excluded Items	Register Under
Leather clothing	Class 25
Leather furniture	Class 20
Leather tools and equipment	Class 8 or 9
Leather cleaning products	Class 3
Retail services related to leather goods	Class 35

If your business deals in both leather goods and retail services, you may need to register in multiple classes.

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🏷️ Examples of Brands That Fall Under Class 18

To give you a clearer picture, here are some well-known Indian and international brands that would register under Class 18:

• Hidesign – Leather handbags, wallets, laptop bags
• Wildcraft – Backpacks, travel gear
• Da Milano – Premium leather accessories
• Samsonite – Suitcases and travel bags
• Louis Vuitton – Luxury leather handbags and trunks
• Fastrack – Casual bags and wallets
• ZARA – Bags and accessories division

Each of these brands would secure trademark protection under Class 18 for the leather-based products they manufacture or sell.

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🎯 Why Is Trademark Class 18 Important for Leather Goods Brands?

The Indian leather industry is highly competitive and widely copied, especially in markets like New Delhi, Kanpur, Agra, and Chennai. Trademark Class 18 registration helps protect your brand identity and product integrity.

Key Benefits:

1. ✅ Exclusive Rights to Use Your Mark for Class 18 Goods
2. 🚫 Legal Protection Against Infringement or Imitation
3. 📈 Builds Trust and Reputation Among Buyers
4. 📃 Eligibility for Licensing, Franchising, or Exporting Products
5. 🛍️ Prevents Counterfeit Sales in Local and Online Markets
6. 🌐 Protects Brand on Global E-Commerce Platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra)

If you skip registering in the right class, your trademark rights won’t apply, even if you own the brand name.

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📝 Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 18?

If your business manufactures, sells, imports, exports, or deals with any of the following, you need to register under Class 18:

• Leather manufacturing companies
• E-commerce sellers of leather goods
• Fashion accessory brands
• Travel gear and luggage brands
• Luxury handbag makers
• Saddle or equestrian equipment businesses
• Custom leather product makers (gift boxes, belts, straps, etc.)

Even if you’re a small leather artisan or homegrown bag maker, securing your brand under Class 18 can prevent future copycats or misuse.

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🧾 Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Class 18

Whether you’re registering as an individual or company, here are the key documents needed:

For Individuals:

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Logo or Wordmark (if applicable)
• Proof of Use (optional but helpful)

For Businesses:

• Company PAN
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Partnership Deed (for partnerships)
• MSME or Startup Certificate (if applicable for fee rebate)
• Board Resolution for authorization
• Brand logo (if design mark is filed)

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🧭 Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark Under Class 18 in India

Step 1: Trademark Search

• Use the IP India Search Tool to check if a similar mark exists in Class 18.

Step 2: Choose the Type of Mark

• Wordmark (text only)
• Device mark (logo or combination)

Step 3: File TM-A Form

• Fill the Trademark Application Form TM-A under Class 18
• Submit all documents and logo (if applicable)

Step 4: Pay Trademark Fees

Category	Govt Fee (per class)
Individual/Startup/MSME	₹4,500
Company/LLP/Others	₹9,000

Step 5: Examination & Objections

• The Trademark Office may issue an examination report. Respond within 30 days.

Step 6: Publication in Trademark Journal

• If approved, your mark will be published for 4 months for opposition.

Step 7: Registration Certificate

• If no opposition arises, you will receive the Registration Certificate valid for 10 years.

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🔁 Trademark Renewal for Class 18

• Your trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of application.
• It can be renewed every 10 years using Form TM-R.
• Start the renewal process at least 6 months before expiry.
• If missed, restoration can be filed with late fees.

Learn more: Trademark Renewal Guide for Class 18 →

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid with Class 18 Trademarks

• ❌ Registering under the wrong class (e.g., Class 25 for leather jackets, not bags)
• ❌ Not conducting a proper trademark search
• ❌ Ignoring existing brand conflicts or objections
• ❌ Assuming online brand registration protects your product too
• ❌ Not renewing the trademark on time

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💼 Legal Protection and Enforcement

Having a registered Class 18 trademark gives you the legal right to file infringement suits, issue cease & desist letters, and stop counterfeiters from misusing your name or logo.

Especially with the rise in e-commerce fraud, securing legal rights helps in:

• Takedown requests from Amazon/Flipkart
• Customs recordal to block fake exports/imports
• Enforcing your brand identity internationally

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🧠 Pro Tip: Consider Multiple Class Registrations

If your leather brand expands into:

• Clothing or fashion wear → Class 25
• Retail store or online shop → Class 35
• Mobile apps for leather fashion → Class 9

Then you should apply under multiple relevant classes for full protection.

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🤝 Why Choose VMK Professionals for Class 18 Trademark Services?

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping businesses from the leather and accessories industry secure and protect their brands across India.

Our Services Include:
✅ Free Class 18 Trademark Search
✅ End-to-End Registration Assistance
✅ Objection & Opposition Handling
✅ Renewal and Watch Services
✅ MSME/Startup Discounts for Eligible Brands

We work with leather exporters, local artisans, and global sellers to build secure brand identities across digital and offline platforms.

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🔚 Conclusion

Trademark Class 18 plays a vital role in the leather goods ecosystem in India. If your brand deals with bags, luggage, umbrellas, or leather accessories, registering under this class is essential to safeguard your identity and stand strong in a competitive marketplace.

Startups, luxury brands, and manufacturers alike can benefit immensely from early trademark protection—don’t wait for someone to copy your brand before taking action.

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📞 Get in Touch with VMK Professionals

Protect your leather goods brand under Class 18 with India’s trusted trademark experts.