22Jul, 2025
What Falls Under Trademark Class 18? Guide for Bags, Wallets & Leather Brands

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.

✅ 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.

👜 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

🧵 What’s NOT Included in Class 18?

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

Excluded ItemsRegister Under
Leather clothingClass 25
Leather furnitureClass 20
Leather tools and equipmentClass 8 or 9
Leather cleaning productsClass 3
Retail services related to leather goodsClass 35

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

🏷️ 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.

🎯 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.

📝 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.

🧾 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)

🧭 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

CategoryGovt 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.

🔁 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 →

⚠️ 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

💼 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

🧠 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.

🤝 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.

🔚 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.

📞 Get in Touch with VMK Professionals

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