Introduction
From premium leather handbags to budget-friendly backpacks and travel gear, the global and Indian markets for bags, wallets, and luggage are booming. Whether you’re launching a D2C bag brand, manufacturing leather belts, or importing premium luggage, you need to protect your brand name under the correct trademark class — Trademark Class 18.
Trademark Class 18 legally protects businesses dealing in leather and imitation leather goods, including bags, purses, wallets, suitcases, animal skins, umbrellas, and travel gear. This guide helps you understand the full scope of this class, what’s covered, what’s not, registration steps, real-life brand examples, and international protection through the Madrid Protocol.
Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know to protect your bag, leather, or travel accessory brand in India.
Legal Foundation in India
India implements the Nice Classification (11th Edition) via the Trade Marks Act, 1999. Under this system, Class 18 is defined as:
“Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins and hides; trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery; collars, leashes and clothing for animals.”
This class includes a wide variety of goods made from leather or imitation leather, as well as travel accessories and animal-related items.
Scope of Trademark Class 18
Trademark Class 18 includes finished products, mainly made from leather or its substitutes. It applies across both luxury and mass-market segments.
Class 18 Covers:
- Bags (handbags, travel bags, backpacks)
- Purses, wallets, clutches, coin pouches
- Suitcases, briefcases, trolleys
- Laptop bags, camera bags
- Card holders and document cases
- Leather belts, straps, and bands
- Umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks
- Leather key holders or tags
- Animal hides, skins, raw and tanned leather
- Harnesses, saddlery, bridles
- Pet collars, leashes, muzzles
- Gym bags and duffel bags
- Cosmetic pouches and vanity cases
- Leather or faux leather pouches
This class protects both genuine leather and synthetic/leatherette products.
Examples of Goods Under Class 18
- Designer handbags
- Men’s and women’s wallets
- Trolley bags and suitcases
- Travel pouches and toiletry kits
- Briefcases for office use
- Laptop sleeves and messenger bags
- Leather belts and straps
- Rain umbrellas and parasols
- Kids’ school bags and lunch bags
- Passport holders and card sleeves
- Raw leather sheets and animal hides
- Saddles for horses or decorative harnesses
- Leather keychains and fobs
- Faux leather handbags and clutches
- Leather or synthetic collars and leashes for pets
Whether it’s sold online, in a showroom, or via distributors — if it’s a leather or travel product, it’s Class 18.
Goods NOT Covered Under Class 18
| Item | Correct Class |
|---|---|
| Leather shoes or boots | Class 25 |
| Leather jackets or clothing | Class 25 |
| Leather furniture | Class 20 |
| Plastic or metal containers | Class 21 or 6 |
| Toiletry and grooming kits (the contents) | Class 3 or 21 |
| Pet food, medicines, toys | Class 5, 31, 28 |
| Retail bag-selling services | Class 35 |
Key Rule: Class 18 is for goods made of leather or similar materials, not services or wearables like shoes or jackets.
Real-World Trademark Examples (India – Class 18)
| Brand Name | Trademarked Products (Class 18) |
|---|---|
| WILDCRAFT | Backpacks, rucksacks, duffle bags |
| VIP | Trolley bags, suitcases |
| AMERICAN TOURISTER | Travel gear, luggage |
| CAPRESE | Women’s handbags and wallets |
| BAGGIT | Vegan leather bags and accessories |
| SKYBAGS | Laptop bags, school bags |
| FOSSIL | Leather wallets, satchels |
| LOUIS PHILIPPE | Premium leather belts and wallets |
| DA MILANO | Luxury leather bags, belts, and luggage |
Why Trademark Class 18 Matters
India’s bag, luggage, and leather industry is extremely competitive and often vulnerable to counterfeiting. Registering your brand under Class 18 gives:
Benefits:
- Exclusive legal rights over your brand in this category
- Protection from brand misuse or duplication
- Amazon/Flipkart brand registry eligibility
- Builds investor and distributor confidence
- Enables franchising and licensing deals
- Helps block counterfeit listings on e-commerce platforms
- Facilitates international expansion through Madrid Protocol
Trademark Registration Process for Class 18 (India)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Trademark Search: Use IP India Public Search to check for similar marks.
- Draft Form TM-A: Include detailed goods like “genuine leather wallets”, “vegan handbags”, or “travel trolleys”.
- File Online or Through Agent: Submit via IP India Portal or a registered trademark attorney.
- Examination: Registrar may issue objections under Section 9 or 11 (descriptiveness or conflict).
- Journal Publication: If accepted, the trademark is published for 4 months for opposition.
- Trademark Registration: If no one opposes, registration is granted for 10 years (renewable).
Documents Required:
- Applicant’s PAN or Aadhaar
- MSME/Udyam Certificate (optional but reduces fees)
- Brand name/logo image
- Product list or catalog (recommended)
- TM-48 (if filing through agent)
International Registration – Madrid Protocol (Class 18)
Planning to export or sell in multiple countries? You can extend your Class 18 trademark internationally via the Madrid Protocol.
| Jurisdiction | Trademark Class |
|---|---|
| India | Class 18 |
| USA | Class 018 |
| EU | Class 18 |
| UK | Class 18 |
| WIPO | Class 18 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 18 Filing
- Using broad terms like “bags” — specify: “school bags, duffel bags, laptop sleeves”
- Including leather jackets or gloves — they go under Class 25
- Mentioning services like bag customization — that’s Class 40
- Filing under Class 18 for pet food or pet grooming
- Not checking for existing trademarks in fashion or luggage industry
Always use precise language, and consider multi-class filing if needed (e.g., Class 18 + Class 25 for belts + jackets).
Top Tips for Class 18 Trademark Applicants
- List full product line: “handbags, wallets, trolleys, travel pouches, key holders”
- Register collection names (e.g., “URBAN EDGE by XYZ”)
- Consider filing for leather brand separately from your retail brand
- Apply for Madrid Protocol if you’re exporting or selling internationally
- File early — the luggage and leather market is extremely competitive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1. Are faux leather bags included in Class 18?
✅ Yes, both real and imitation leather are included. - Q2. Is a school bag part of Class 18?
✅ Yes. - Q3. Are leather shoes Class 18?
❌ No, they are in Class 25. - Q4. What about belts?
✅ Belts made of leather fall under Class 18. - Q5. Are suitcases and trolleys included?
✅ Yes. - Q6. What class is for leather jackets?
❌ Class 25. - Q7. Can I register my pet leash brand in Class 18?
✅ Yes. - Q8. Is raw leather included here?
✅ Yes, including animal hides. - Q9. What if I also offer bag customization?
⚠️ You’ll need Class 40 for services and Class 18 for goods. - Q10. What class is a leather furniture business?
❌ Class 20.
Conclusion
If you’re running a brand in the bags, luggage, wallets, leather accessories, or pet gear industries, Trademark Class 18 is your gateway to building a strong legal brand identity. With rising competition in fashion, travel, and e-commerce segments, trademark protection helps you stand out, grow securely, and stop infringers.
At RegistrationMART, we:
- Classify your products accurately
- File and monitor your trademarks in India and abroad
- Handle objections and oppositions
- Assist with Amazon Brand Registry
- Support you in multi-class and Madrid Protocol applications
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📞 Call Us: +91-7201000259
🌐 Visit: www.registrationmart.in
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