Trademark Class 18 in India: Leather Goods & Travel Accessories

Trademark Class 18 is the category of brands covering leather and leather-like products. Under the Nice Classification (used by India, the US, EU, and many countries), Class 18 is defined as “leather and imitations of leather; animal skins and hides; luggage and carrying bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery”. In other words, this class includes most kinds of bags, travel cases, and pet accessories made of leather or similar materials. For example, everything from suitcases and handbags to leather wallets, briefcases and even dog collars falls in Class 18. Registering a trademark in this class (through Trademark Registration) gives you the exclusive right to use your brand for those goods. Indian businesses should understand Class 18 in detail: which goods it covers, how it fits into global systems, and how to protect their marks via search, registration, and handling objections.

Class 18 is one of 45 international categories. Class 18, as the Indian Trade Marks Office shows, “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.”. Its language in the WIPO (Nice Classification) is comparable: “Leather and imitation leather goods; animal skins and hides; luggage and carrying bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery; collars, leashes and clothing for animals.”. In a practical sense, that means any mark used on leather goods (or their surrogates) and many types of travel items and pet accessories will be categorized as Class 18.

Examples include bags made of leather (luggage, handbags, wallets, briefcases, backpacks, etc.) luggage tags, umbrellas/parasols, and animal tack/harnesses (saddles, harnesses, pet collars & leashes). If your company produces leather wallets or travel backpacks, for example, you would generally seek a trademark in Class 18. (Consider, some similar items go into other classes [e.g., leather jackets or shoes go in Class 25 for clothing]. But most leather bags and carrying cases are firmly in Class 18.

For instance, the WIPO’s explanatory note provides the following examples of what falls under class 18: “luggage and carrying bags (e.g., suitcases, trunks, travelling bags, sling bags, school bags). It also covers “business card cases and pocket wallets” and “boxes and cases of leather or leatherboard”. But it also makes clear it does not apply to “bags adapted to contain specific products” — like camera bags (those are Class 9). So Class 18 is largely about generic leather goods and bags.

Leather Handbags, Briefcases, Wallets Class 18: You can also find things like leather handbags, briefcases, and wallets all handcrafted Hand- too! A mark for a bag of that sort would be filed in Class 18 (leather goods).

Class 18 Some examples of Class 18 goods are:

1. Luggage And Travel Products – Trolley Cases, Trunks, Duffle Bags, Backpacks, Schoolbag, Laptop Bags, Beach Bags, Trolley Bags and Shopping Trolley Bags.
2. Handbags & Purses – leather purses, wallets, billfolds, credit card cases, attaché cases/handbags and briefcases.
3. Leather Goods – straps, tickets tags, key cases and wallet, luggage belts. (Note: belts for wear in clothing are leather straps, or harness belts are Class 18.)
4. Umbrellas & Parasols – umbrellas, parasols and their handles or frames if leather or substitutes.
5. Animal Harness & Saddlery -– harness, saddler, and collars, leashes, bridles, saddles, harnesses, blinkers, girths, and other horse/riding gear. Pet clothing (dog jackets or boots, say) is also Class 18.
6. Sundry Leather Goods – cases 1 (for stationery, spectacles, cameras), pouches, indoor walking sticks (leather), riding crops or whips, and leather board boxes.

LIST

• animal skins / pelts
• attaché cases
• bags for climbers
• bags for campers
• bags [envelopes, pouches] of leather, for packaging / envelopes, of leather, for packaging / pouches, of leather, for packaging
• bags for sports
• bags
• beach bags
• bits for animals [harness]
• blinkers [harness] / blinders [harness]
• boxes of leather or leather board
• boxes of vulcanised fibre
• bridles [harness]
• bridoons
• briefcases
• business card cases
• butts [parts of hides]
• canes / walking sticks
• card cases [notecases]
• cases, of leather or leatherboard
• casings, of leather, for springs / casings, of leather, for plate springs
• cat o’ nine tails
• cattle skins
• chain mesh purses
• chamois leather, other than for cleaning purposes / skins of chamois, other than for cleaning purposes
• chin straps, of leather
• collars for animals
• covers for animals / clothing for pets
• covers for horse-saddles / saddle cloths for horses
• credit card cases [wallets]
• curried skins
• fastenings for saddles
• frames for umbrellas or parasols
• fur / fur-skins
• furniture coverings of leather
• game bags [hunting accessories]
• garment bags for travel
• girths of leather
• goldbeaters’ skin
• gut for making sausages
• halters / head-stalls
• handbag frames
• handbags
• harness straps / harness traces
• harness for animals
• harness fittings
• hat boxes of leather
• haversacks
• horse collars
• horse blankets
• horseshoes
• imitation leather
• key cases
• kid
• knee-pads for horses
• leather leashes / leather leads
• leather laces
• leather straps / leather thongs
• leather, unworked or semi-worked
• leather twist / leather thread
• leatherboard
• moleskin [imitation of leather]
• mountaineering sticks / alpenstocks
• music cases
• muzzles
• net bags for shopping
• nose bags [feed bags]
• pads for horse saddles
• parasols
• pocket wallets
• pouch baby carriers
• purses
• reins
• riding saddles
• rucksacks / backpacks
• saddle trees
• saddlery
• school bags / school satchels
• shopping bags
• shoulder belts [straps] of leather / bandoliers / leather shoulder belts / leather shoulder straps
• sling bags for carrying infants
• slings for carrying infants
• stirrup leathers
• parts of rubber for stirrups
• stirrups
• straps for soldiers’ equipment
• straps of leather [saddlery]
• straps for skates
• suitcase handles
• suitcases
• tool bags of leather, empty
• traces [harness]
• travelling trunks
• travelling bags
• travelling sets [leatherware]
• trimmings of leather for furniture / leather trimmings for furniture
• trunks [luggage]
• umbrella rings
• umbrella or parasol ribs
• umbrella sticks
• umbrella covers
• umbrella handles
• umbrellas
• valises
• valves of leather
• vanity cases, not fitted
• walking stick seats
• walking stick handles / walking cane handles
• wheeled shopping bags
• whips

These examples illustrate the diversity of any such things. Leather for furniture (including covers for sofas) and covers for saddles are also in Class 18. Save under 12.01, anything consisting wholly or in part of leather or of imitation leather which is not so classified specifically may be classified in Class 18. If you’re selling any of the above products, you should consider filing a Trademark for protecting your brand under Class 18.

Class 18 is extremely significant in India given that it is a major industry for leather goods India is also one of the world’s top producers and exporters of leather goods. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) – India’s apex industry body – says the sector is “robust and dynamic”. In fact, analysts expect India’s leather goods market to hit around US $25.48 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.7%. Those figures also include a lot of Class 18 goods, such as bags (some of those perhaps overlap with other numbers), wallets, footwear (some of which also overlap) and travel kibble.

It’s this kind of growth that makes managing your brand in Class 18 more important than ever. A powerful trademark means that, for instance, a popular leather handbag brand cannot be imitated by a competitor. If you produce leather backpacks or pet leashes, a registered Class 18 mark allows you to stop others in India from using a similar logo that might confuse people. Without registering, it is significantly more difficult and costly to enforce rights. As Kaagzaat puts it, registering a trademark “officially registers” your mark and gives you exclusive rights to use that mark across the country, which enables you to block imitators.

Indian firms also export leather goods to the rest of the world. If the export brand is not registered in the home market (Class 18 as per leather goods), and obviously no longer “working” its rights (local distribution has been terminated), it cannot hope to preserve its value and rights in a destination market. International e-commerce has made it so easy for consumers to come across Indian leather brands, so protecting the trademark is one part of creating a strong brand. In short, Class 18 is important, because it encompasses a sizable chunk of high-value products in India’s economy – from wallets to travel bags to saddles. This is a class worth watching for leather, sporting goods, fashion accessories and pet products entrepreneurs.

Nice classification applies in India: Thus Class 18 in India is similar to that in US, Europe (Community Trade Mark) and even in Argentina. For instance, the USPTO (U.S. Patent & Trademark Office) ALSO says that “Class 18 includes primarily leather, imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials.” “luggage and carrying bags, such as suitcases, trunks, travelling bags” and “business card cases and pocket wallets” are specifically included in this class. So too does the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and WIPO, where umbrella sticks, in addition to collars and harness, are classified in Class 18 as they are in India.

As such, regardless of whether you are filing a US trademark, an EU trademark, or an international (Madrid) application, the heading (and goods) of Class 18 are the same predominantly leather goods for travel, accessories, and harness in general. International companies tend to include Class 18 with associated Classe(s), ranges, or categories (e.g., Class 25 – leather clothing or Class 12 – vehicles) according to their product. Except for leather bags and cases, Class 18 is crucial across the board. This consistency means research and filing processes are largely the same across borders. Indian companies desirous of export should contemplate protection in class 18 that is not only India bound, but rather by Madrid route or national filing in the destination markets such as US or EU.

Summarily, Class 18 is universally known for leather ware and luggage. Both the WIPO nice classification and USPTO examination guidelines highly identify identical goods under class 18. So, once you have a plan in India’s Class 18, an intellectual property house of cards if you will, you can then be in line to hold the same brand in other countries.

Prior to filing for a Class 18 trademark is important to conduct a Trademark Search. This entails comparing current marks to confirm that yours is free and not likely to be mistaken for someone else’s. “A trademark search is the process of search the current trademarks and see if there are any similar or identical marks that are not competable with your logo or brand name,” writes Kaagzaat. In other words, you are looking for any registered or pending marks in the Indian registry that might stand in the way of your proposed mark in Class 18.

• Identify Keywords/Logo: Define the text or design you want to search. For a word mark, use the key brand name(s). If it’s a logo or stylized mark, note any unique words or elements.
• Use India’s Public Search Portal: The Indian Trademarks Office provides a free Public Search tool (tmrsearch.ipindia.gov.in). Select the search type (Wordmark, Vienna code for logos, etc.) and enter your mark. Crucially, specify Class 18 in the class field (you can search one class at a time). Run a “starts with” or “contains” search on your mark string.
• Review Results: Look through any hits. If other marks in Class 18 look identical or very similar (phonetically or visually), these could block your application. Also note marks in adjacent classes that cover similar goods (e.g. some travel gear might appear in Class 9 or 35) to avoid surprises.
• Check IR Diversity: For completeness, you may also search WIPO’s Global Brand Database and EUIPO’s eSearch plus (both free) for international instances of similar marks. A global check is wise if you plan exports.
• Analyze Conflicts: If you find a confusingly similar mark used on related goods, you may need to adjust your branding or prepare a response. Kaagzaat points out that a search helps “avoid legal trademark disputes” by catching problems early. It can save time and money by preventing an application that will be refused.

A good trademark search is not a formality – it’s a crucial step. A comprehensive search helps “protect the uniqueness of your brand” and “saves you time and money” by avoiding foreseeable conflicts. In Class 18, common words like “LEATHER”, “BAG”, or geographic terms appear often; searches can reveal when such generic terms have been disallowed or already registered.

After your search, if the mark looks clear, you can proceed to apply. If there are conflicts, you might rebrand or consider disclaimers. Sometimes, a mark may need slight changes or accompanying design differences to avoid objections. Regardless, conducting a careful Class 18 trademark search is the first practical step toward registration. (For professional help with this step, Kaagzaat’s Trademark Search service can provide expert reports quickly.)

After your search, start Now! This Trademark registration for Class 18 goods. Here’s how it generally works in India:

1. File Application (Form TM-A): You submit your application by using the Indian IP India e-filing portal (ipindiaonline. gov.in). Important information consists of: name of the applicant, reproduction of the mark (word, logo or combination), and description of goods. And you will say what your Class 18 goods are (e.g. “leather wallets; travelling trunks; umbrellas”). Commercial applicants also most often hire an experienced attorney in order to have goods classified properly. Need to use digital signature(DSC) for submission.
2. Apply for Other Classes (if applicable): If your brand extends to other product s as well (for instance, leather jackets in Class 25 or cases in Class 20) you can file in those classes as well. But for the purposes of this article, we’re concentrating on Class 18.
3. Examination: Several weeks to several months after filing, the application is examined by the Registrar. The examiner ensures that the mark meets all legal requirements (distinctiveness, absence of prohibited matter) and does not conflict with existing marks (s. 9, s. 11 of the Trademarks Act). When there are problems (e.g., your mark is confusingly similar to an old mark in Class 18), the office sends you an Examiner’s Report (Office Action) objecting.
4. Answer Objections (if any): If you receive any objections, you are required to respond in writing within 30 days (based on a potential 30-day extension). This is commonly referred to as Reply to Trademark Objection. The objection were on either of the following relative grounds: Section 9 (lack of distinctiveness); or Section 11 (similarity). For example, if your Class 18 mark is no more than the term “LEATHER BAG”, the examiner might refuse it under Section 9 as being descriptive of its goods. You would then have to argue non-obviousness or amend the application. He further writes, ‘For “protect your brand with constantly monitoring and exercising trademark rights” a written reply is a must’. (Kaagzaat also has a reply to trademark objection service to help applicants)
5. Advertisement in Journal: If there be no objections taken by the examiner, or the same being overcome, the mark is accepted and it is published by the Registrar in the Trade Marks Journal (official gazette?). This sets a 4 month period for a third party to oppose the registration. Other suitcase or leather goods brands could oppose Class 18 marks. The Journal publishes notice of your mark in Class 18 to the world.
6. Opposition Period: Beginning on the publication date, and for 4 months thereafter, anyone who believes the registration of the mark will damage them may oppose its registration. If there is a contest, the parties will submit them (the kinks and arguments, written and otherwise) to the Registrar (or a tribunal)”. The Registrar will then determine to refuse or accept the mark. The vast majority of Class 18 conflicts are based upon marketplace similarity or which brand was used first.
7. Registration Certificate: If there is no objection, or if opposition is resolved in your favor, the Registrar will provide a Registration Certificate, typically 18–24 months after application. The mark is then officially registered in Class 18 and a registration number and date are noted. From that date you can use the ® symbol and enjoy the legal presumption of ownership.

During the process, applicants are allowed to pay official fees (currently a few thousand rupees per class) and employ agents or attorneys. Although not required, professional assistance can help ensure correct classification, address any objections and expedite filings. (For instance, services like Kaagzaat Trademark Registration can submit for you.)

Timeline: In general, a Class 18 trademark registration takes about 12-24 months to register assuming no issues come up (like objections, oppositions). It can take longer if there are objections or oppositions. Throughout this time, searching early (as mentioned above) is a good way to avoid trouble.

Once registered, the mark is valid for 10 years from the date of application, and can be re-registered every 10 years. For companies, registering in Class 18 secures your trademark in all leather products and accessories sold in India.

Trademark examiners have the power to refuse a claim that does not meet the legal criteria. Commonplace objections in the class 18 are:

• Descriptive Marks (Section 9): Marks that will describe the goods, or characteristics of the goods. For instance, a mark such as “SUPER STRONG LUGGAGE” for suitcases most likely would be refused as merely laudatory and/or descriptive. Words such as “LEATHER”, “BAG”, “WALLET”, as well as location names and sometimes even place names may be reviewed. Generic shapes (like this: a square box) are also not special. To overcome these, you either argue that the mark is now distinctive, or amend to a more distinctive mark.
• Resemblance to Registered Marks (Section 11): The examiner will raise an objection if an applicant’s Class 18 trademark is the same or similar to a prior mark for similar goods. For example if “ROYALBAG” is already registered for leather handbags, then applying for “ROYAL BAG” for leather totes might trigger a Section 11 objection. Opposition is determined regarding both identical marks/same goods and similar marks/similar goods. Section 11 refusals frequently would entail evidence (such as confusion among customers) or argument to differentiate the marks.
• Other Bases: There are other times when marks are refused for other reasons: They may bear prohibited insignia, have deceptive or scandalous significance, or they may be confusingly similar to famous marks. An example — relying on a national symbol or famous third-party brand with Class 18 goods could attract a refusal.

If an objection is made, you (or your representative) have 30 days to submit a Reply to Examination Report. It should be made in a form which removes every objection. For a Class 18 trademark, this may involve providing more proof of use, explain the distinctiveness of your mark, or even amend the description of the goods. The signature of Kaagzaat’s objection guide is that “the Indian Trademark Office shall object a trademark application on grounds of Section 9 and 11. “This could result in refusal if an objection is not overcome.

In summary, while the principles applicable to other classes also apply to Class 18, applicants filing for such goods must simply exercise caution with respect to descriptive terms (eg LEATHER, GOLD, and others) as well as in connection with existing marks. Also, of course, doing a good search (as above) helps one to avoid the obvious conflicts. And, if an objection should arise, it can be overcome – by prompt, well-reasoned responses, the strong majority of Section 9/11 objections are overcome and the registration continues to registration.