If you’re in the leather goods or accessories business in India, Trademark Class 18 is the classification you need to understand and protect your brand under. Whether you manufacture leather handbags, sell luggage, or craft wallets, Class 18 is your go-to category for trademark registration.

In this in-depth blog, we will explore the top 10 products covered under Trademark Class 18, how the classification system works, why it matters for your brand, and how to ensure your product gets full legal protection.

---

🔍 What Is Trademark Class 18?

India follows the Nice Classification (NCL) system, an internationally accepted trademark classification method. Under this system, Class 18 covers:

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

Simply put, Class 18 is the designated category for leather goods and related accessories.

---

✅ Importance of Classifying Under the Correct Trademark Class

Registering your trademark under the correct class is critical for protection. If you operate a leather bag brand but register under the wrong class, your trademark may not be enforceable in disputes. Choosing Trademark Class 18 ensures your brand is protected against copycats in the relevant product segment.

---

🏆 Top 10 Products Covered Under Trademark Class 18 in India

Let’s now explore the most common and commercially relevant products that fall under Trademark Class 18, each with detailed explanations and examples:

---

1. Leather Handbags and Purses

This is the most popular category in Class 18. If your business manufactures or sells genuine or synthetic leather handbags, you must register under this class.

• Includes: Clutches, satchels, sling bags, tote bags, etc.
• Applicable for: Fashion labels, e-commerce brands, boutique stores.

Example: A women’s luxury bag brand like “LuxeBags” must register its trademark under Class 18 to protect its handbag line.

---

2. Backpacks and Rucksacks

Whether they are made from leather, imitation leather, or other materials, backpacks are fully covered under Class 18. With travel and work gear gaining popularity, registering a trademark here is essential.

• Includes: Travel backpacks, laptop bags, hiking rucksacks.
• Applicable for: Travel accessory brands, office gear companies, fashion backpack labels.

Tip: If your backpacks include smart-tech (like charging ports), also consider additional classes like Class 9 for tech accessories.

---

3. Suitcases and Trolley Bags

For travel-related brands, suitcases, trolleys, and wheeled bags fall squarely under Class 18.

• Includes: Hard case luggage, spinner trolleys, cabin bags.
• Applicable for: Luggage brands, tour accessory sellers, importers/exporters.

Example: A brand like “GlideOn Wheels” dealing in travel suitcases should file under Class 18.

---

4. Wallets and Cardholders

Wallets are a major part of the leather goods industry and Class 18 offers full trademark protection for such items.

• Includes: Bi-fold wallets, RFID wallets, coin purses, and card cases.
• Applicable for: Men’s fashion brands, corporate gift sellers, handmade leather craftsmen.

Note: Wallets made from fabric are also included if they fall under accessories.

---

5. Belts (Non-Clothing Leather Belts)

While leather belts that are part of clothing may fall under Class 25, standalone belts used as fashion accessories, especially for bags or saddlery, fall under Class 18.

• Includes: Utility belts, fashion belts for bags, decorative harnesses.
• Applicable for: Equestrian suppliers, leather accessories brands.

Tip: Clothing-related belts should also be registered under Class 25.

---

6. Umbrellas and Parasols

Though not made of leather, umbrellas and parasols are considered part of Class 18 as portable personal accessories.

• Includes: Manual and automatic umbrellas, sun-blocking parasols, rain covers.
• Applicable for: Rain gear brands, fashion accessory sellers, promotional product companies.

Example: A premium umbrella brand “RainShield” needs Class 18 coverage.

---

7. Animal Harnesses and Saddlery

For businesses involved in animal care or riding accessories, harnesses and saddles are protected under Class 18.

• Includes: Horse saddles, riding equipment, dog harnesses, pet leashes.
• Applicable for: Equestrian brands, pet accessory stores, farm product sellers.

Note: Animal clothing like raincoats or booties are also included in Class 18.

---

8. Imitation Leather Goods

Class 18 doesn’t limit itself to real leather. Goods made from faux leather or synthetic leather also fall into this category.

• Includes: Vegan leather bags, PU leather wallets, eco-leather cases.
• Applicable for: Sustainable fashion brands, cruelty-free product sellers.

Why it matters: Even if your product avoids animal leather, it still qualifies under Class 18.

---

9. Trunks and Travel Cases

Large storage cases such as trunks and rigid travel boxes are part of Class 18.

• Includes: Wooden leather-bound trunks, metal trunks with leather handles, carry-on trunks.
• Applicable for: Vintage-style brands, international exporters, luggage companies.

Example: “Heritage Trunks Co.” would need to trademark its name under Class 18.

---

10. Walking Sticks and Canes

Class 18 surprisingly also includes walking sticks and canes, even though they are not leather products.

• Includes: Designer walking canes, medical support sticks, fashion walking aids.
• Applicable for: Medical aid manufacturers, luxury lifestyle brands.

Tip: If your cane includes tech or mobility sensors, you may also need Class 10 (medical devices).

---

🧾 Summary Table: Top Products in Trademark Class 18

Product Type	Covered in Class 18?	Notes
Leather Handbags	✅ Yes	Primary inclusion
Backpacks & Rucksacks	✅ Yes	Includes synthetic material
Suitcases & Trolleys	✅ Yes	Both soft and hard luggage
Wallets & Cardholders	✅ Yes	All material types
Belts (Non-Clothing)	✅ Yes	Fashion or utility belts
Umbrellas & Parasols	✅ Yes	Manual & automatic
Animal Harnesses/Saddles	✅ Yes	Pet & horse gear
Faux Leather Goods	✅ Yes	Vegan, PU, etc.
Trunks & Travel Cases	✅ Yes	Includes vintage
Walking Sticks & Canes	✅ Yes	Medical & lifestyle

---

🛑 What’s Not Covered Under Class 18?

It’s important to know what does NOT fall under Class 18 to avoid rejection.

Item	Correct Class
Leather Clothing	Class 25
Leather furniture covers	Class 24
Leather phone covers	Class 9
Leather for industrial use	Class 17
Animal toys or pet clothing	Class 28 / 25

Always do a multi-class search if your product blends into multiple categories.

---

📋 Documents Needed for Trademark Registration in Class 18

To register any of the above products under Class 18, here’s what you’ll need:

For Individuals:

• Aadhaar and PAN card
• Brand name and logo
• Email ID and mobile number

For Companies:

• Incorporation certificate
• Company PAN
• MSME/Startup India certificate (for reduced fees)
• Logo and description of goods

---

💸 Trademark Fees for Class 18

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

A separate fee applies for each additional class if you’re filing a multi-class application.

---

🛡️ Why You Shouldn’t Delay Trademark Registration

Without a registered trademark:

• Your brand name/logo can be copied.
• You may be legally blocked from using your own identity.
• You can’t claim ownership or sue counterfeiters.

Registering under Class 18 gives you nationwide exclusive rights to your brand in the leather goods category.

---

🤝 Need Help? VMK Professionals Can Assist You!

At VMK Professionals, we specialize in Class 18 trademark services, including:

• 🔍 Trademark Search
• 📝 Application Filing
• 🛡️ Legal Protection
• 🧾 Documentation Assistance
• 🎯 Objection Handling

Whether you’re launching a leather handbag brand, selling eco-friendly luggage, or starting a pet gear company, our experts ensure your brand is legally protected from day one.

---

📞 Contact VMK Professionals Today

---

🧠 Final Thoughts

Trademark Class 18 is crucial for any brand dealing with leather goods, luggage, or accessories. By understanding which products are covered, you can file your trademark with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and build a brand that stands the test of time.

Take that first step towards brand security and legal protection — because your product deserves it.

If you’re running a leather goods brand in India — manufacturing handbags, luggage, wallets, or accessories — Trademark Class 18 is where your products belong. But before you register your brand name or logo under Class 18, it’s crucial to perform a proper trademark search.

A trademark search not only protects you from unintentionally infringing on another brand’s rights but also saves time, legal costs, and rejection risks during registration. In this guide, we break down the step-by-step process for conducting a trademark search under Class 18 in India — even if you’re a beginner.

---

📘 What Is Trademark Class 18?

Trademark Class 18, as defined by the Nice Classification, includes:

Leather and imitation leather goods not included in other classes; animal skins; luggage; travel bags; handbags; wallets; purses; umbrellas; harnesses; saddles, and related accessories.

If you deal with any of these, you should register your trademark under Class 18 to protect your brand identity legally.

Examples of Class 18 products:

• Leather handbags, backpacks, and purses
• Travel bags, suitcases, and briefcases
• Faux leather wallets and belts (non-apparel)
• Umbrellas, parasols, and walking sticks
• Animal harnesses, saddles, and leashes

---

🔍 Why Is a Trademark Search Important?

Before filing your trademark application, a search is essential to:

• ✅ Ensure your proposed brand name or logo is unique
• ✅ Avoid rejection from the Trademark Office
• ✅ Prevent future legal disputes or infringement claims
• ✅ Save time and money by avoiding objections or oppositions

Many applicants skip this step and face delays or loss of branding rights later. A proper search under Class 18 provides clarity and legal security.

---

🪜 Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Trademark Search for Class 18

Let’s walk through the exact steps to do a trademark search for your leather brand under Class 18 using the Indian Government’s official portal.

---

Step 1: Visit the IP India Public Search Website

Go to the official Trademark Public Search Portal of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks.

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

This free tool allows anyone to search registered and pending trademarks.

---

Step 2: Choose the Correct Search Criteria

Once on the website:

1. Select ‘Wordmark’ as your search type (for brand names).
2. Set ‘Class’ to 18.
3. Enter your proposed brand name in the ‘Search Text’ field.

You can choose one of these search types:

• Start With – Checks for trademarks starting with your word.
• Contains – Checks for trademarks containing your word.
• Match With – Exact matches only.

✅ Pro Tip: Start with ‘Contains’ or ‘Start With’ for a broader search.

---

Step 3: Analyze the Results

Once you hit ‘Search’, the system will show a list of:

• Existing trademarks with similar names
• Their status (Registered, Objected, Abandoned, Opposed)
• Application numbers
• Owner names and dates
• Class (must be 18)

Look closely for:

• Phonetic similarities (e.g., “LeathaLux” vs. “LeathaLuxe”)
• Logo similarities if you’re registering a visual mark
• Trade names that are deceptively similar

If similar names/logos exist in Class 18, consider:

• Modifying your name
• Adding a unique element
• Trying different spelling or design combinations

---

Step 4: Do a Phonetic Search

To catch trademarks with similar pronunciations, use the ‘Phonetic’ search:

1. Select “Phonetic” tab
2. Enter your proposed name
3. Set the class to 18

This helps identify sound-alike trademarks even if spelling is different.

Example: “Bagzly” might conflict with “Bagslee” even if spelled differently.

---

Step 5: Check Visual/Logo Trademarks

If you are filing a logo or combination mark, then you need to visually inspect trademarks in Class 18 for similar looking designs.

Unfortunately, the public portal does not support logo-based search yet, so:

• Check image trademarks manually from the search list
• Use third-party tools like WIPO Global Brand Database for logo similarity checks

---

Step 6: Take Note of Trademark Status

Pay attention to the status of similar marks:

Status	Meaning
Registered	Active, you cannot use it
Objected	Objection raised by registry
Opposed	Someone filed opposition
Abandoned	Not active anymore
Withdrawn	Removed by owner voluntarily

If a similar mark is abandoned, it may still create confusion, so proceed with caution.

---

📑 Sample Scenario: Real Example

Let’s say you want to register your leather brand “Royale Hide” under Class 18.

1. Go to the IP India portal
2. Choose “Wordmark”, Class 18, Search Text: “Royale”
3. Choose “Contains”
4. Hit Search

If results show “RoyalHide”, “RoyaleLeather”, “RoyalHydd” — it’s risky. You may need to pick a more distinctive name or risk objection.

---

📌 Tips to Ensure a Strong Trademark for Class 18

Follow these tips to improve your trademark’s uniqueness and registrability:

✅ Be Inventive

Avoid generic terms like “Leather,” “Bag,” or “Wallet.” Choose a name that is coined or invented.

Bad Example: “Leather World”
Good Example: “Leathique” or “LustraHide”

---

✅ Avoid Descriptive Terms

Names like “Handmade Wallets” or “Luxury Bags India” are descriptive and usually rejected under Section 9 of the Trademark Act.

---

✅ Combine Words or Add Prefix/Suffix

Make your name more distinctive by combining words.

Example: “Luxoro” (Luxury + Oro = Gold) for a leather luxury brand.

---

✅ Do a Domain Name & Social Media Check

Once your trademark name looks safe under Class 18, check:

• Domain name availability (e.g., .com or .in)
• Instagram/Facebook handle availability

Consistency across all platforms builds brand identity.

---

📄 What to Do If Similar Trademarks Exist?

If the trademark search shows similar names:

• Modify your brand name slightly (e.g., “Royale Hide” → “RoyHide”)
• Add a logo with distinctive design elements
• File for multi-class if your products span beyond Class 18
• Take legal help to assess risk or draft objection replies

---

🧾 Documents Needed for Class 18 Trademark Application

Once your search is complete, prepare these:

For Individuals:

• PAN Card, Aadhaar Card
• Proposed Trademark Name
• Logo (if applicable)
• Email ID and Mobile Number

For Companies:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN of Company
• Logo (optional)
• MSME/Startup India Certificate (if applicable for fee reduction)

---

💰 Trademark Filing Fees (Class 18)

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

Filing can be done online via https://ipindiaonline.gov.in.

---

📆 Timeline After Search & Filing

Step	Time
Application Filing	Day 1
Formalities Check	2–7 days
Examination Report	30–90 days
Journal Publication	4 months
Final Registration	6–12 months (if no opposition)

---

❌ Common Mistakes in Trademark Search

Mistake	Risk
Not using phonetic search	Misses sound-alike conflicts
Ignoring logo similarities	Visual objections possible
Not checking exact class	Filing under wrong class
Relying only on domain availability	Trademark law is separate from domain laws

---

🤝 Let VMK Professionals Help You with Trademark Class 18

At VMK Professionals, we help startups and businesses conduct detailed trademark searches, prepare trademark applications, and respond to legal objections.

Our Services Include:

• ✅ Class 18 Trademark Search & Report
• ✅ Filing Under MSME or Startup Discounts
• ✅ Logo Design & Copyright Protection
• ✅ Objection Handling & Hearings
• ✅ Renewals, Monitoring & Enforcement

With years of experience and 360° legal support, we ensure your leather goods brand is fully protected under Indian law.

---

📞 Contact VMK Professionals

Ready to register your Class 18 trademark or need help with the search?

---

📝 Conclusion

A trademark search under Class 18 is the foundation of a successful brand registration for leather goods companies. By following this step-by-step guide, you can avoid costly mistakes, protect your brand, and move forward with confidence.