Class 18 vs Class 25 — which trademark class do you need in India?

Leather brands hit this confusion constantly: Class 18 covers leather goods like bags, wallets and luggage, while Class 25 covers clothing and footwear. The classic trap — a leather belt is Class 25 (a clothing accessory), not Class 18 — because use, not material, decides the class.

Class 18

Goods · Leather goods & bags

Leather and imitations of leather; luggage and carrying bags

Leather and imitations of leather; Animal skins and hides; Luggage and carrying bags; Umbrellas and parasols; Walking sticks; Whips, harness and saddlery; Collars, leashes and clothing for animals

Class 25

Goods · Clothing & footwear

Clothing, footwear, headgear

Clothing, footwear, headwear

Class 18 vs Class 25 at a glance

	Class 18 · Leather goods & bags	Class 25 · Clothing & footwear
What it covers	Leather & imitation-leather bags, wallets, luggage, umbrellas	Clothing, footwear, headgear (incl. leather belts)
Decided by	The item is a bag / carrying good	The item is worn as clothing or an accessory
Leather belt	No	Yes — treated as a clothing accessory
Leather shoes	No	Yes — footwear is Class 25

Which class should you choose?

Choose Class 18 if…

Your product is a bag, handbag, wallet, suitcase or other leather carrying good.

Choose Class 25 if…

Your product is worn — a leather jacket, belt, gloves or footwear.

File both if: You sell both leather bags and leather garments/footwear — most full-range leather brands file both, plus Class 35 for retail.

Frequently asked questions

Is a leather belt Class 18 or Class 25 in India?

A leather belt is Class 25, because it is treated as a clothing accessory — even though it is made of leather. This is the most common leather class-confusion example: the use of the item, not its material, decides the class.

What class are leather bags and wallets?

Leather bags, handbags, wallets, luggage and travel bags are Class 18 in India, which covers leather and imitation-leather goods. Leather garments and footwear, however, are Class 25.

Why does a leather brand often need two classes?

Because leather goods split by use: bags and wallets are Class 18, while belts, garments and footwear are Class 25. A brand selling several of these needs both, and usually Class 35 for its stores.

Related class guides

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