3Jul, 2025
What Is Trademark Class 16 in India? A Complete Guide for Stationery and Print Businesses

In today’s competitive business landscape, brand identity plays a vital role in standing out from the crowd. For stationery and printing-related businesses in India, protecting your brand name, logo, or product packaging through trademark registration is a smart move. But did you know that registering your brand under the correct Trademark Class is crucial?

If you’re in the business of paper goods, school or office supplies, books, printed materials, or even packaging items like cardboard, Trademark Class 16 is where you need to focus.

This detailed guide will help you understand what Trademark Class 16 includes, how it applies to stationery and print businesses, and why choosing the right class ensures your brand is legally protected across India.

🔍 What Is Trademark Class 16?

Trademark Class 16 is part of the Nice Classification system, an international classification of goods and services applied during the registration of trademarks. In India, the Trade Marks Act, 1999 uses this classification system.

Class 16 specifically covers:

Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paintbrushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material; plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printers’ type; printing blocks.

📝 What Products Fall Under Class 16?

Here’s a more specific list of products that fall under Trademark Class 16:

Stationery Items:

  • Pens, pencils, markers, erasers, sharpeners
  • Notebooks, writing pads, envelopes
  • Folders, diaries, planners
  • Sticky notes, memo pads
  • Rulers, paper clips, files

Paper and Printed Products:

  • Paper sheets, art paper, cardboard
  • Greeting cards, invitation cards
  • Magazines, newspapers, newsletters
  • Brochures, catalogues, posters, flyers

Packaging and Wrapping Materials:

  • Plastic packaging films
  • Wrapping papers
  • Paper bags, boxes
  • Cardboard tubes or cartons

Educational and Artistic Materials:

  • Drawing instruments
  • Paint brushes, sketchbooks
  • Craft papers, origami sets
  • Educational charts and workbooks

Others:

  • Photographs
  • Bookbinding materials
  • Instructional materials
  • Office supplies like staplers, ink pads, stamps

🏢 Who Should Register Under Trademark Class 16?

If your business involves manufacturing, selling, printing, or distributing any of the above products, then Class 16 is essential. Here are examples of businesses that should consider registering under this class:

1. Stationery Manufacturers and Retailers

Whether you produce pens, notebooks, or school supplies, your brand must be protected under Class 16.

2. Printing Businesses

Printing flyers, brochures, wedding cards, or packaging designs? Class 16 protects your brand identity in these services.

3. E-commerce Sellers of Stationery

If you’re selling office supplies, printed goods, or paper packaging online—on Amazon, Flipkart, or your own site—you need a trademark in Class 16.

4. Educational Product Creators

Brands offering printed educational materials, coloring books, or DIY activity kits must register under this class.

5. Customized Gifting or Paper Product Brands

Selling personalized stationery, diaries, greeting cards, or gift boxes? You’re in Class 16 territory.

💡 Why Class 16 Trademark Matters for Your Business

✅ Legal Protection of Brand Identity

Once your trademark is registered under Class 16, you get exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan for the listed goods. No one else can use or imitate your brand within the same category.

✅ Prevents Brand Imitation

The stationery and print industry is highly susceptible to counterfeiting. A registered Class 16 trademark helps you take legal action against copycats or counterfeiters.

✅ Builds Customer Trust

Having ® next to your brand name boosts customer confidence. It signals professionalism and builds trust, especially when selling in bulk or B2B channels.

✅ Enables Online Brand Registry

To sell branded stationery on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, a registered trademark is often required to unlock seller privileges.

✅ Attracts Partnerships

A trademark strengthens your brand’s image and can be critical when entering distributor partnerships, franchise models, or investor deals.

🗂️ Similar or Confusing Classes: What to Watch Out For

Trademark Classes are unique but sometimes overlap. It’s important to understand what’s NOT included in Class 16 to avoid rejection.

Not Included in Class 16:

Product TypeCorrect Class
Office Furniture (Desks, Chairs)Class 20
Inks for Printing or PhotocopiersClass 2
Printing MachinesClass 7
Packaging ServicesClass 39
Advertising ServicesClass 35

Make sure to pick the right class or file in multiple classes if your business covers more than one.

📝 Trademark Registration Process for Class 16

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to register your trademark in Class 16 in India:

Step 1: Trademark Search

Check if your brand name or logo is already registered or similar to others using the IP India Public Search Tool.

Step 2: Draft the Application

Decide on:

  • Trademark name/logo
  • Description of goods (e.g., notebooks, greeting cards)
  • Trademark owner details

Step 3: File Trademark Application (Form TM-A)

You can file:

  • Online via ipindia.gov.in
  • Offline through a regional trademark office

Step 4: Examination by Registrar

If the Registrar finds the application valid, they issue an Examination Report. If there are objections, a reply or hearing may be needed.

Step 5: Trademark Publication

If approved, it is published in the Trademark Journal. Third parties have 4 months to oppose it.

Step 6: Registration Certificate

If no opposition occurs, the trademark is registered and a certificate is issued. Validity is 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

📁 Required Documents for Class 16 Trademark

  • Brand Name/Logo (in JPEG format)
  • Applicant’s ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
  • Proof of business (GST certificate, MSME cert.)
  • Signed Form TM-48 (for attorney authorization)
  • Product list falling under Class 16

💰 Trademark Registration Fees for Class 16

Applicant TypeGovt. Fee (per class)
Individual / Startup / MSME₹4,500
Company / Firm / LLP₹9,000

Professional fees for trademark experts or agencies may vary based on services like objection replies or monitoring.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Choosing the wrong class (like Class 35 for stationery products)
  • ❌ Filing only wordmark without logo (or vice versa)
  • ❌ Ignoring prior trademarks or not conducting a proper search
  • ❌ Not using the brand actively after registration
  • ❌ Forgetting to renew after 10 years

📦 How Class 16 Applies to Online Stationery Brands

With India’s growing online stationery market, brands on Amazon, Flipkart, and stationery e-commerce stores must protect their brand assets. Having a trademark in Class 16:

  • Prevents listing hijacking
  • Helps in brand registry
  • Boosts trust for bulk buyers
  • Enables exclusive product naming

📆 Renewal of Class 16 Trademark

Trademarks are valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years using Form TM-R.

It’s recommended to renew at least 6 months before expiry to avoid late fees or brand disruption.

🛡️ Trademark Watch: Stay Vigilant After Registration

Your trademark isn’t a one-time task. After registration:

  • Monitor competitors or similar listings
  • Send legal notices for infringement
  • Report copycats to marketplaces
  • Keep your contact info updated with IP India

🏁 Final Thoughts

If you’re running a business in the stationery, paper goods, or printing industry, Trademark Class 16 is not just a legal classification—it’s a shield for your brand identity.

By registering under the correct class, you prevent misuse, gain exclusive rights, and build a foundation of trust and professionalism in the market. Whether you’re a startup, a school supply retailer, or a well-known paper brand, this one step can protect years of branding and creativity.

📞 Need Expert Help?

At VMK Professionals, we help stationery and print businesses across India with:

  • Brand name searches
  • Class 16 application filing
  • Objection handling
  • Trademark renewals and more

Let us protect your brand while you focus on growing it.