Trademark Class 18 in India: Leather Goods, Bags & Accessories — Complete Guide (2026)
If your business manufactures, sells, or deals in leather goods, bags & accessories, you need to register your trademark under Trademark Class 18 in India. This guide explains exactly what Class 18 covers, which Indian industries must file under it, how to conduct a proper trademark search, and how to complete your application with IP India — with the correct fees, documents, and timelines.
What Is Trademark Class 18? Official IP India Definition
India follows the Nice Classification (NCL) 11th Edition, an international system that groups all possible goods and services into 45 classes. IP India (Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks) uses this classification to categorise every trademark application.
Trademark Class 18 officially covers:
This class falls under the Goods category of the Nice Classification.
Which Indian Businesses Need Class 18?
The following industries and business types must file under Trademark Class 18 to protect their brands:
- Leather goods brands
- handbag manufacturers
- luggage companies
- shoe component makers
- Agra and Kanpur leather exporters
India is the world's second-largest leather goods exporter. Agra and Kanpur produce millions of leather items annually — brands without trademarks face systematic copying by competitors both in India and abroad.
Trademark Examples in Class 18
Here are the types of brand names that are typically registered under Class 18 in India:
- Leather handbag brand names
- luggage product trademarks
- wallet brand names
- leather accessories marks
When searching the IP India portal for existing trademarks in your sector, always filter by Class 18 to see all registered and pending marks that could conflict with your proposed brand name.
How to Search Trademarks in Class 18 on IP India
- Go to ipindiaonline.gov.in → Trademark → Public Search
- Select Wordmark Search (for text names) or Vienna Code (for logos)
- In the Class dropdown, select Class 18
- Type your proposed brand name and click Search
- Review all results — check both exact matches and phonetically similar names
- Filter by status: "Registered" and "Objected" marks pose potential conflicts
- Also search in related classes: Class 25 (leather footwear), Class 14 (fashion accessories), Class 35 (retail trading)
How to File a Class 18 Trademark in India
The filing process for Class 18 is identical to any other trademark class. Here is the step-by-step process:
Verify that your goods/services fall within the official Class 18 definition. Consult an attorney if unsure.
Search IP India portal for Class 18 conflicts. Get a professional clearance report for high-stakes brands.
Compile: brand name/logo, business documents, Udyam certificate (if MSME), Power of Attorney.
Submit on IP India portal. Pay ₹4,500 (MSME/individual) or ₹9,000 (company) for Class 18.
Use TM application number on IP India to monitor status. Examination Report expected in 3–6 months.
File a detailed reply within 30 days of Examination Report. Attorney help strongly recommended.
After Journal publication and 4-month opposition window with no challenges, certificate is issued.
Trademark Class 18 Filing Fees (2026 — Official IP India Rates)
| Applicant Type | Online Filing Fee | Offline Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup / MSME (Udyam Registered) | ₹4,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Company / LLP / Partnership / Others | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Renewal of Class 18 Trademark (per class) | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Expedited Examination (additional fee) | ₹20,000 (MSME) / ₹40,000 (others) | N/A |
Related Trademark Classes to Consider Alongside Class 18
Many businesses that operate in the Class 18 sector also need to register in related classes to get full protection. Common companion classes include:
Class 25 (leather footwear), Class 14 (fashion accessories), Class 35 (retail trading)
For example, if you manufacture leather goods, bags & accessories and also provide installation, repair, or distribution services for them, you should file in both Class 18 and the relevant service class. Speak with a trademark attorney to map your full class portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions — Trademark Class 18 India
What is the difference between Class 18 and similar classes?
Class 18 specifically covers leather and imitations of leather; animal skins, hides; trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking stic... If your product also has characteristics that span multiple classes, you will need to file in each relevant class separately. An attorney can help classify accurately.
Can a service business file under Class 18?
Class 18 covers goods (physical products), not services. If you provide services related to these goods (e.g., repair, retail, installation), you would file separately in the appropriate service class (Classes 35–45).
How long does it take to register a trademark in Class 18?
Typically 18–24 months for a smooth application. If you face objections or opposition, it can take 2–4 years. Expedited examination (available for additional fee) can fast-track the examination stage to within 30 working days.
What documents do I need to file a Class 18 trademark?
You need: PAN card, business registration proof, Udyam certificate (for MSME rate), logo/wordmark file, Power of Attorney (if using an agent), and a user affidavit (if the mark has already been in use). Our team helps you compile all documents correctly.
Register Your Class 18 Trademark Today
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