Trademark International Class: Class 18 (Leather goods)
All goods or services are categorized within International Classes (IC hereafter). Goods run from classes IC 1-34, while Services are in IC 35-45. Please see a complete chart here. Let's take a closer look at one of these trademark classes - class 18.
What is International Class 18 All About?
Each class has a short title heading that gives a snapshot of what that class is all about -- IC 18's short title is leather goods. But, as with anything trademark, there's more to it than that.
The short title, leather goods, is a bit misleading as there are a number of items that aren't made of leather that reside in this class. Bags, purses, backpacks, wallets, luggage, etc. are all classified in IC 18 regardless if made of leather or not. There are a few exceptions such as paper bags (IC 16), cloth bags for laundry or storage (IC 22), bags for carrying sports equipment such as bowling bags, golf bags (IC 28).
The USPTO has 450 accepted descriptions that fit into IC 18; check them out here.
What Else is in International Class 18?
Seems like with any of these trademark classes, there always seems to be the oddball item or two and IC 18 is no exception. Here are a few items living in IC 18 that seem a bit off:
artificial fur
wading staff
Bitter tasting pet training aid in the form of a spray to prevent pets from licking, chewing and biting on objects
alpenstock
What's New for International Class 18?
The classification guide is constantly being updated with new goods or services. As the marketplace changes, the trademark office must adapt. Here are some of the 2009 listings for international class 18, good plus date added to the guide:
All-purpose reusable carrying bags 26 Mar 09
Carriers for suits, shirts and dresses 02 Jul 09
Dry bags 02 Apr 09
Pet products, namely, pet restraining devices consisting of leashes, collars, harnesses, restraining straps, and leashes with locking devices 4 Jun 09