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.