USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 18 – Leather Goods and Travel Accessories
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we break down the different trademark classes to help businesses understand how to properly classify and protect their brands.
In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 18, which includes leather goods, travel accessories, and animal skins. If your business designs, manufactures, or sells handbags, luggage, wallets, or leather products, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.
If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my handbag brand?” or “Does my product fall under Class 18?”, this guide will help you determine whether this classification is the best option for your brand.
What is Trademark Class 18?
Trademark Class 18 covers leather and imitation leather goods, along with travel accessories and certain animal-based materials. This class applies to fashion brands, luggage manufacturers, and leather goods producers.
Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 18 include:
Handbags and Purses: Tote bags, crossbody bags, clutch bags
Wallets and Small Leather Goods: Billfolds, cardholders, key cases
Luggage and Travel Accessories: Suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, garment bags
Leather and Imitation Leather Materials: Tanned leather, faux leather, rawhide
Animal Skins and Hides: Cowhide, sheepskin, exotic animal skins
Equestrian Equipment: Saddles, harnesses, bridles
Umbrellas and Walking Sticks: Rain umbrellas, canes, sunshades
If your product is made from leather, imitation leather, or designed for carrying personal belongings, Trademark Class 18 is likely the correct classification.
Why Trademark Class 18 Matters for Your Business
Registering a trademark under Class 18 helps protect your brand within the leather goods and travel accessories industries. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:
Protects Your Brand Identity in the Luxury Goods Market
The handbag, luggage, and leather goods industry is highly competitive, and a trademark helps establish exclusivity.
Prevents Counterfeiting and Brand Imitation
Designer handbag and luggage brands are often copied, and a trademark helps combat fake products and unauthorized sellers.
Strengthens Consumer Trust and Brand Recognition
Customers associate quality and craftsmanship with strong brand names. A trademark reinforces your reputation in the market.
Supports Business Growth and Licensing Opportunities
If you plan to expand into multiple product lines, a trademark in Class 18 can support brand collaborations and licensing deals.
Examples of Trademarks in Class 18
Many renowned luxury fashion and travel brands have trademarks registered under Class 18. Here are a few examples:
Louis Vuitton® – Protects its brand for designer handbags, wallets, and travel luggage.
Samsonite® – Covers suitcases, carry-ons, and business travel bags.
Coach® – Trademarks its leather handbags, wallets, and accessories.
These companies rely on trademark protection to preserve their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their names and designs.
Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 18?
A comprehensive trademark search is strongly recommended before applying in Class 18. Luxury goods, handbag, and luggage brands often have similar names, making conflicts common in this category.
At Brand Diplomacy, we conduct in-depth trademark searches to ensure your brand has the best chance of approval. Here’s how we help:
USPTO Database Search – Identifying similar trademarks that could cause conflicts.
Approval Risk Assessment – Evaluating potential obstacles and improving your application’s success rate.
Trademark Strategy Development – Refining your application to reduce the risk of disputes.
How to Determine if Class 18 is Right for Your Trademark
If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 18 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:
Is Your Product Made of Leather or a Leather Substitute?
If it’s a leather bag, wallet, belt, or saddle, Class 18 is likely appropriate.
Is Your Product Designed for Carrying Personal Items?
Handbags, backpacks, luggage, and briefcases belong in Class 18.
Does Your Product Overlap with Other Classes?
Some fashion and travel accessories may require multiple classifications. Examples include:
Clothing, belts, and footwear may need Class 25 (Clothing & Apparel).
Retail store services for bags or luggage could belong in Class 35 (Retail & Business Services).
Protective covers for handbags or luggage might require Class 9 (Electronics & Accessories).
If your product crosses multiple categories, filing in more than one class might be necessary for full brand protection.
How Brand Diplomacy Can Help
At Brand Diplomacy, we simplify the trademark process for handbag brands, luggage manufacturers, and leather goods companies. Whether you’re launching a new luxury handbag line, protecting a travel accessories brand, or expanding internationally, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Here’s how we assist with Class 18 trademark registrations:
Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring your brand name is available before filing.
Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 18 is the right choice or if additional classes should be included.
Application Filing & Management – Handling the USPTO process to maximize approval success.
Trademark Monitoring & Enforcement – Protecting your trademark from unauthorized use and counterfeits.
If you’re ready to secure your brand in Class 18, contact us today to get started.
What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?
Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 18: Leather Goods and Travel Accessories with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 19: Building Materials and Non-Metallic Construction Goods, where we’ll discuss trademarks for wood, stone, glass, and construction materials.
Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!
Commenti