TRADEMARK CLASS 18: Leather and Leather Imitations Products

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) administers the country’s trademark system. To streamline applications, IPOPHL follows the Nice Classification, an international system that divides goods and services into 45 classes. This system ensures that businesses register their trademarks under the most relevant category, helping avoid overlap between unrelated industries.

What is Class 18?

Class 18 covers goods made of leather and imitation leather that are not included in other classes. It also includes travel goods and saddlery.

Examples of items under Class 18 are:

• Leather and faux leather products not classified elsewhere
• Animal skins and hides
• Travel bags, luggage trunks, and suitcases
• Umbrellas, parasols, and walking sticks
• Whips, harnesses, and saddlery

Important Note: Clothing, footwear, and headgear are not in Class 18. These fall under Class 25.

Examples of Class 18 Trademarks

Some well-known brands have registered marks in this category internationally and in the Philippines. For instance:

• CHANEL – for luxury bags and leather goods
• LOUIS VUITTON – for luggage and travel goods
• RUSTY LOPEZ – a Philippine brand known for bags and accessories

Related or Coordinated Classes

Sometimes, businesses may need protection in related classes. For Class 18, the most common coordinated classes include:

• Class 14 – Jewelry and precious metals
• Class 25 – Clothing and footwear
• Class 35 – Retail and business services
• Class 42 – Technology-related services
• Class 44 – Veterinary services

Applicants must remember that IPOPHL charges separate fees per class. For example, if you want to register your trademark for bags (Class 18) and shirts (Class 25), you must pay for both classes.

The Importance of Correct Classification

When filing, you must select the correct class. If you file in the wrong class, IPOPHL will reject the application, and you may have to restart the process.

For example, if you apply for a bag brand under Class 25 (clothing) instead of Class 18, your application will likely be refused.

Furnishing Specimens for Class 18

Trademark applicants must show specimens proving actual use of the mark in commerce. For Class 18, acceptable specimens include:

• Labels or tags attached to bags or luggage
• Photographs of the mark as stamped or imprinted on leather goods
• Brochures or advertisements showing the mark on Class 18 products
• Online sales receipts showing the goods sold in the Philippines

For instance, in the Philippines, IPOPHL accepted photographs of bags bearing the mark as valid evidence in several DAU (Declaration of Actual Use) filings.

Philippine Case Law Example

In Skechers U.S.A., Inc. vs. Inter Pacific Industrial Trading Corp. (G.R. No. 164321, March 23, 2011), the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of protecting trademarks in the correct classes to prevent confusion. While this case dealt with footwear (Class 25), it illustrates how similarity in marks, even across related goods, can lead to disputes. A Class 18 bag brand could be opposed if it is confusingly similar to an established Class 25 clothing or footwear brand.

Practical Tip

• Always ensure your goods are described clearly under Class 18.
• Submit proper specimens with your application and during DAU periods.
• Consider filing in coordinated classes if your brand covers both bags and clothing.
• If in doubt, consult an IP law firm in the Philippines such as Brealant, Federis, or Hechanova, which are authorized to handle filings with IPOPHL.

‍