In India’s growing paper and stationery industry, trademarks have become more important than ever. Whether you are a notebook manufacturer, a packaging supplier, or a retailer of school and office supplies, protecting your brand is a critical step toward building business credibility. However, for your trademark to be valid and enforceable, it must be filed under the correct trademark class.
If your products are related to paper, print, or stationery, Trademark Class 16 is likely where you belong. This article provides a comprehensive guide to all items covered under Trademark Class 16 in India. Whether you’re an artisan creating handcrafted journals or a printing company offering brochures and catalogues, this list will help you make informed trademark decisions.
✅ What Is Trademark Class 16?
Trademark Class 16 is one of the 45 trademark classes under the Nice Classification System, adopted in India under the Trade Marks Act, 1999. This class specifically pertains to:
“Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; 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 (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging; printers’ type; printing blocks.”
In simpler terms, if your business produces or sells paper-based products, stationery, printed materials, or art supplies, it falls under Class 16.
🛍️ Complete Trademark Class 16 Product List in India
To help you understand what exactly is covered, here is a categorized breakdown of all products and goods under Class 16 in India:
📝 1. Stationery Products
These are commonly used for writing, drawing, office use, or school supplies.
- Pens and pencils
- Erasers
- Pencil sharpeners
- Highlighters and markers
- Rulers and measuring instruments
- Correction fluid and tapes
- Ink and refills
- Staplers and staples
- Paper punches
- Notebooks, writing pads, and diaries
- File folders and binders
- Sticky notes and index cards
- Envelopes and letterheads
- Desk organizers made from paper/cardboard
Trademark Tip: If your brand sells office kits or school supply sets, trademark protection under Class 16 is essential.
📄 2. Paper and Cardboard Products
This includes raw paper materials and finished paper-based products.
- Paper sheets, rolls, or reams
- Handmade paper
- Tissue paper and napkins
- Paper for printing and photocopying
- Cardboard sheets and boxes
- Greeting cards and invitation cards
- Postcards
- Wrapping paper
- Paper bags, paperboard cartons, and gift boxes
- Tags and labels made of paper
- Origami papers and paper crafts
These products are commonly used by packaging suppliers and craft item sellers across India.
🖨️ 3. Printed Matter
This refers to commercially printed materials that are distributed or sold.
- Books (fiction, non-fiction, textbooks)
- Magazines and journals
- Newspapers and newsletters
- Flyers, leaflets, and brochures
- Catalogues and manuals
- Printed advertisements
- Posters
- Calendars and planners
- Comic books
- Business cards and ID cards
- Stickers and decals (paper-based)
Note: While digital versions (eBooks, digital posters) do not fall under Class 16, their printed counterparts do.
🎨 4. Artistic and Creative Materials
If your business is involved in selling art supplies, this is the relevant list:
- Drawing paper
- Sketchbooks and artist pads
- Paint brushes
- Canvas boards made from paper or cardboard
- Artist charcoals and chalks
- Palettes and painting kits (paper-based)
- Watercolors, crayons, and pastels
- Easels (if paper or cardboard-based)
- Drawing templates
- Calligraphy sets
- Coloring books
If you’re a seller of artistic or educational kits, registering under Class 16 is a must to protect your designs and brand name.
📦 5. Packaging Materials
Many packaging solutions fall under Class 16, especially if made from paper or plastic (non-rigid).
- Paper-based wrapping films
- Gift wraps
- Packaging boxes made of cardboard or paper
- Tapes and labels for packaging
- Paper or plastic bags for retail
- Paperboard sleeves
- Plastic pouches for non-industrial use
- Bubble envelopes (non-metallic)
If you sell packaging products online or supply them to brands, Class 16 trademark registration helps protect your designs and brand.
📚 6. Educational and Instructional Materials
Products intended for learning (excluding electronic devices or apparatus) fall into Class 16:
- Flashcards
- Activity workbooks
- Educational charts and posters
- Teaching manuals
- Instructional paper-based guides
- Puzzle books and quiz books
- Exam practice books
- School papers and test materials
Many edu-tech companies and content creators in India are printing and distributing such materials. Filing a trademark ensures brand exclusivity.
🖼️ 7. Photographic and Visual Products
These include still visuals or print-based photography.
- Printed photographs
- Framed or mounted photos (on paper/cardboard)
- Photo albums
- Collage posters
- Polaroid sheets
- Printed visual art
- Scrapbooks
Photographers and photo printing businesses can register their branding for these products under Class 16.
🧴 8. Adhesives and Office Consumables
Everyday office consumables made of paper or adhesives also belong to this class:
- Glue sticks and paper adhesives
- Office tapes and sticker tapes
- Paper clips and pins
- Memo cubes
- Index tabs and dividers
- Rubber bands (stationery type)
- Typewriting paper
- Office stamps and ink pads
🚫 What’s NOT Covered Under Class 16?
Not everything used in an office or school falls under Class 16. Avoid filing your trademark here if your product belongs to another category.
| Item | Correct Trademark Class |
| Office furniture (desks, chairs) | Class 20 |
| Printing machines or photocopiers | Class 7 |
| Inks for printing or photocopying | Class 2 |
| E-books or online publications | Class 9 |
| Advertising and printing services | Class 35 or Class 40 |
If your business includes products that cross into multiple areas, you may need to register in multiple classes for complete brand protection.
🧾 Benefits of Registering in Class 16
- Exclusive Rights: Prevent others from using a similar name or design for the same goods.
- Legal Protection: Take action against counterfeit or copied products.
- Boosts Credibility: Customers trust registered brands more—especially in school, art, and print sectors.
- Mandatory for E-commerce: Amazon, Flipkart, and others may require a registered trademark to enroll in Brand Registry.
- Brand Expansion: Securing your name in Class 16 prepares your business for national and international growth.
📝 Examples of Trademark Class 16 Registrations in India
Many successful Indian brands have registered under Class 16, including:
- Navneet Education – textbooks, notebooks, guides
- Camlin (Kokuyo) – art supplies and stationery
- Classmate (ITC) – school notebooks and pens
- FlintoBox – activity books and kits for children
- Paper Boat (Hector Beverages) – packaging design elements
You can search for registered trademarks on the official IP India Public Search tool.
📋 Required Documents for Class 16 Trademark Filing
Here’s what you need:
- Brand name/logo in JPEG format
- Description of goods (clearly mention it falls under Class 16)
- Proof of applicant (PAN, Aadhaar, etc.)
- MSME/Startup certificate (if applicable)
- Signed TM-48 form (for agent or attorney)
💰 Trademark Class 16 Registration Fees in India
| Applicant Type | Govt. Fee (Per Class) |
| Individual / Startup / MSME | ₹4,500 |
| Company / LLP / Firm | ₹9,000 |
Professional fees for trademark consultants vary from ₹1,000–₹5,000 depending on services.
🏁 Final Words: Know Your Product Class, Secure Your Brand
Trademark Class 16 is one of the most commonly used classes for businesses dealing with paper products, print materials, packaging, stationery, and art supplies. Filing under the right class is not only legally necessary but also ensures that your brand is protected in the market where you operate.
If your products fall within any category listed above, act now to protect your business identity and gain exclusive rights in India.
🤝 Need Expert Help with Class 16 Trademark?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping Indian brands:
✅ Identify the correct trademark class
✅ File and manage trademark applications
✅ Handle objections and renewals
✅ Monitor infringement and protect your brand
Let us guide you through every step with our affordable and expert trademark services.