How to Do a Trademark Search for Class 18 in India: Step-by-Step Guide
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:
- Select ‘Wordmark’ as your search type (for brand names).
- Set ‘Class’ to 18.
- 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:
- Select “Phonetic” tab
- Enter your proposed name
- 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.
- Go to the IP India portal
- Choose “Wordmark”, Class 18, Search Text: “Royale”
- Choose “Contains”
- 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.