12Jul, 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Class 16 Trademark in India

In India’s highly competitive stationery, publishing, and printing industry, your brand is your identity. If you manufacture or sell products like books, notebooks, calendars, posters, or any other printed educational material, chances are you’ve already registered a trademark under Class 16. But registering a trademark is only the beginning — renewing it on time is just as crucial.

Failure to renew your trademark can lead to loss of legal rights, making your brand vulnerable to misuse, counterfeiting, or even theft. In this guide, we will explore when and how to renew your Class 16 trademark in India, including deadlines, processes, fees, legal implications, and expert tips.

📚 What Is Class 16 in the Trademark Classification?

Before we dive into renewal specifics, let’s quickly revisit what Trademark Class 16 covers.

Trademark Class 16 includes:

  • Printed books, magazines, manuals
  • Educational charts, flashcards
  • School and office stationery (notebooks, paper, pens, pencils)
  • Teaching and instructional materials (excluding electronics)
  • Calendars, diaries, posters
  • Wrapping paper, cardboard, paper packaging

Any business that deals with the production, manufacturing, selling, or branding of these goods needs to register and renew under Class 16 to maintain exclusive rights.

🕒 When Should You Renew Your Trademark?

A trademark in India is valid for 10 years from the date of application (not from the date of approval). You must apply for renewal:

  • Before the expiry date of the trademark
  • Or within 6 months after expiry (with an additional late fee)

Here’s a quick timeline:

PeriodRenewal TypeFee Implication
Within 1 year before expiryNormal renewalStandard government fee applies
Within 6 months after expiryRenewal with surchargeLate fee applicable
After 6 months of expiryRestoration + renewalSeparate restoration fee + renewal fee

🔁 What Happens If You Don’t Renew?

If you forget or fail to renew your trademark:

  • It will be removed from the register
  • You lose all exclusive rights
  • Third parties may register similar names
  • You cannot take legal action against infringers
  • You may face rebranding costs, especially if you’ve built a strong presence

For example, a notebook manufacturer who forgets to renew their Class 16 trademark might find their name used by a counterfeit seller on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart — and they won’t be able to remove it without a valid trademark.

✅ Benefits of Renewing Your Class 16 Trademark on Time

  1. Continued Legal Protection
    You maintain exclusive rights over your brand name/logo/design for Class 16 goods.
  2. Business Continuity
    Prevent competitors from using similar names or confusing the market.
  3. Avoid Reapplication Costs
    Re-registering a new trademark is more expensive and time-consuming.
  4. Maintain Online & Offline Brand Control
    Keep control over eCommerce listings, product packaging, and retail presence.
  5. Eligible for Brand Licensing or Franchising
    Trademarks with uninterrupted validity attract more business collaborations.

📝 Documents Required for Renewal

The process for renewal is relatively simple and doesn’t require re-submitting the full set of original documents. You will typically need:

  • Copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate
  • Power of Attorney (if filed through an agent)
  • Address and ID proof of the applicant
  • Details of the trademark (class, registration number, wordmark/logo)
  • Form TM-R with the prescribed fee

If you’re restoring an expired trademark, you’ll also need:

  • Form TM-13 (for restoration)
  • Justification for delay (if required)

💻 How to Renew Your Class 16 Trademark – Step-by-Step

Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Track the Renewal Date

Use your original Trademark Registration Certificate or search your trademark using the IP India website to note the 10-year validity period.

Set reminders at least 6 months in advance.

Step 2: Fill Form TM-R

Form TM-R is the official renewal form. It is filed either:

  • For renewal as it is
  • Or renewal with modification (if you want to update ownership, logo, or class)

You must choose Class 16 as the product category while filing the form.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Applicant TypeFee per Class (Online)
Individual / Startup / MSME₹4,500
Company / Others₹9,000
Late Renewal (within 6 months)+ ₹4,500/₹9,000 (surcharge)
Restoration (after 6 months)₹9,000 + ₹9,000

Payment can be made online through the official IP India portal.

Step 4: Submission and Acknowledgement

After filing TM-R and making payment, you’ll receive an acknowledgment number. Save this for tracking.

If submitted correctly, your trademark will be marked as “Renewed” and will get another 10 years of validity.

Step 5: Publication and Confirmation

The renewed trademark is published in the Trademark Journal. If there are no objections or opposition, the renewal process is complete.

You will receive a Renewed Trademark Certificate.

🔄 What If Your Trademark Has Expired?

If you miss the renewal window, don’t worry. You still have options:

🔁 Apply for Restoration

  • File Form TM-13 within 12 months after the expiry date
  • Submit a reason for non-renewal (technical error, unawareness, etc.)
  • Pay restoration + renewal fee
  • Your trademark will be restored and renewed for another 10 years

But keep in mind:

You cannot restore a trademark after 12 months from its expiry. In that case, you must file a new application from scratch, risking the loss of brand recognition.

🧠 Smart Tips to Manage Your Trademark Renewals

  1. Maintain a Trademark Docket
    Keep a digital record of your trademarks, classes, expiry dates, and documents.
  2. Set Calendar Reminders
    Schedule a reminder at least 8 months before expiry to avoid missing deadlines.
  3. Use a Trademark Consultant
    Professional firms like VMK Professionals can track and renew your trademark without hassle.
  4. Renew All Related Classes
    If you have multiple classes (e.g., Class 16 and Class 41), renew all relevant ones together.
  5. Monitor for Objections or Similar Trademarks
    Regularly check the Trademark Journal for similar marks that could cause conflicts.

🏷️ Case Study: Stationery Brand That Lost Its Trademark

A Mumbai-based stationery brand called “PenMart” registered its logo under Class 16 in 2012. However, they forgot to renew it in 2022. In 2023, a competitor launched a brand called “PenMartX” with similar logo styling.

Since the original trademark was expired, PenMart had no legal ground to challenge the new brand. Their only option was to reapply from scratch, costing time, money, and brand trust.

Moral: Trademark renewal is a critical business priority — not just a legal formality.

🏢 Let VMK Professionals Handle Your Class 16 Renewal

Don’t let your valuable Class 16 trademark expire due to missed deadlines or incorrect filings. At VMK Professionals, we specialize in:

  • Timely tracking of trademark expiry
  • Filing TM-R for renewal
  • Late renewal with surcharge
  • Trademark restoration (TM-13)
  • Updating ownership or brand details

We serve clients across India — from publishing houses in Delhi to stationery startups in Mumbai.

📞 Contact us today for hassle-free renewal services.

📌 Conclusion

Your Trademark Class 16 registration is your legal shield in the competitive world of books, stationery, and educational materials. But this shield needs timely renewal to stay active.

Renewing your trademark ensures:

  • Brand security
  • Uninterrupted legal rights
  • Market credibility
  • Protection from competitors

Don’t wait until the last minute. Keep your Class 16 trademark alive — renew it on time, every time.