Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Trademark for Leather Goods Under Class 18
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.
🔍 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.
✅ 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.
🧾 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:
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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
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.
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.
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!
📆 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!
🚫 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 |
💡 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:
- Search for similar marks under Class 18
- Register “IndiHide” as a wordmark and logo under Class 18
- File Form TM-A with ₹4,500 (MSME fee)
- After acceptance and publication, receive registration in ~6–12 months
- 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.
🤝 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.
📌 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.
📞 Get in Touch with VMK Professionals Today!
Protect your leather goods brand under Trademark Class 18 with India’s trusted professionals.