In today’s competitive market, branding is everything — especially if you’re dealing in stationery, printed materials, or packaging products. To protect your brand, it’s crucial to register your trademark under the right class. For businesses dealing with paper goods, books, notebooks, office supplies, or art materials, Trademark Class 16 is the correct classification.
But before you can secure your trademark rights, you must prepare and submit the right documents. Filing without the necessary documents can delay your application or even lead to rejection.
In this blog, we’ll give you a complete, updated, and simple guide on:
- What is Trademark Class 16
- Which businesses should register under it
- List of documents required for Class 16 trademark registration in India
- Format and filing tips
- Common document-related mistakes
- Expert guidance on smoother approval
Let’s dive in.
✅ What Is Trademark Class 16?
Under the Nice Classification system, Class 16 is defined as:
“Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites; instructional and teaching material.”
In simpler terms, Trademark Class 16 covers:
- Stationery items (notebooks, pens, diaries, files, folders)
- Printed materials (books, magazines, journals, catalogues)
- Paper and packaging goods (wrappers, cartons, paper bags)
- Office supplies (labels, tags, office paper, clipboards)
- Art & teaching materials (paintbrushes, sketchbooks, drawing paper)
If your products belong to any of these categories, Class 16 is where you must register your trademark.
🧾 Documents Required for Class 16 Trademark Registration in India
Whether you’re an individual, startup, MSME, or a private limited company, submitting the right documents is the first step in the trademark process.
Here’s a full list of documents needed for Class 16 trademark filing in India:
1. Trademark Applicant’s Identity Proof
Why it’s needed: To verify who is claiming ownership of the trademark.
Accepted documents:
- For Individuals/Proprietors:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- For Companies (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership):
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Partnership Deed
- GST Certificate
- PAN card of the company
Tips:
- Make sure the document clearly shows the name and photo.
- The name should match the one on the trademark application form.
2. Address Proof of the Applicant
Why it’s needed: For official communication and to confirm jurisdiction.
Accepted documents:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, telephone)
- Rent agreement
- Property documents
- Registered office address proof for companies
Tips:
- Should be recent (not older than 3 months).
- Use the same address on all trademark documents.
3. Brand Name or Logo
Why it’s needed: The entire application is based on this — your brand identity.
Options:
- Wordmark: A unique word (e.g., “NoteLuxe”, “Penly”)
- Logo/Device mark: Visual symbol, icon, or design
File format:
- JPEG or PNG format
- Maximum size: 200 x 150 pixels
- Resolution: 72 dpi
Tips:
- If you’re applying for a logo, submit a clean digital image.
- Use high contrast (preferably black on white background)
- For a wordmark, logo is optional.
4. Goods/Services Description for Class 16
Why it’s needed: To define the exact nature of your business and ensure proper classification.
How to write it:
- Be specific — instead of saying “stationery,” write “school notebooks, spiral-bound notebooks, exam pads.”
- You can list multiple items under Class 16, but all must belong to that category.
Tip: Do not list items from other classes here — for example, “plastic pens” or “computer software” (which belong to Class 9).
5. Power of Attorney (Form TM-48)
Why it’s needed: If you’re hiring a trademark agent, lawyer, or consultant, this form allows them to file the trademark on your behalf.
Details:
- Must be signed by the applicant
- Should be printed on plain paper
- Must contain the name of the agent and applicant
- One form per class
Format: Download TM-48 from IP India website
6. MSME / Startup Certificate (Optional)
Why it’s needed: To avail a 50% discount on the government filing fees.
Eligibility:
- Sole Proprietors / Individuals
- Registered MSMEs
- Startups under Startup India scheme
Required document:
- Udyam Registration Certificate or
- Startup Recognition Certificate
Tip: Attach this document at the time of application to claim reduced fees.
7. Signed Trademark Application Form (Form TM-A)
Why it’s needed: This is the main application form for filing a trademark.
Includes:
- Applicant name
- Trademark type (word/logo)
- Class details (Class 16)
- Description of goods
- Address and contact info
Filing Options:
- Online at IP India Portal
- Offline through a trademark office
Fees:
- ₹4,500 for MSMEs, startups, individuals
- ₹9,000 for companies, LLPs (without MSME status)
✅ Checklist: Trademark Documents for Class 16
| Document | Who Needs It | File Format |
| Aadhaar/PAN/ID Proof | All applicants | PDF/JPEG |
| Company Registration Docs | LLP, Pvt Ltd | |
| Brand Name or Logo | All | JPEG (200×150 px) |
| Address Proof | All | |
| TM-48 (Power of Attorney) | If agent is involved | |
| TM-A Form | All | |
| MSME/Startup Certificate | Optional |
🛑 Common Mistakes in Trademark Document Filing
Avoid these errors while submitting your trademark documents for Class 16:
❌ Submitting Blurry Logos or Incorrect File Sizes
- A low-quality image or incorrect size (e.g., larger than 200 x 150 px) may result in rejection.
- Use clean, high-contrast images.
❌ Forgetting TM-48 When Using an Agent
- Without TM-48, your consultant or CA cannot legally file on your behalf.
- Always sign and submit this form.
❌ Listing Products Outside Class 16
- Don’t mix goods from other trademark classes (e.g., plastic pens or electronic stationery items).
- Doing so can lead to objection or rejection.
❌ Name Mismatch Between Documents
- Your PAN, Aadhaar, and trademark application name must match.
- For companies, use the name as per ROC (Registrar of Companies).
❌ Missing MSME Certificate
- If you’re eligible and forget to upload the MSME/Startup certificate, you’ll pay ₹9,000 instead of ₹4,500.
📥 Where to Submit These Documents?
You can file your trademark application:
- Online via IP India portal: https://ipindiaonline.gov.in
- Offline at one of the regional trademark offices (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad)
Online filing is faster, more efficient, and provides real-time tracking.
🧠 Expert Tips for Successful Trademark Filing in Class 16
- ✅ Do a preliminary trademark search on the IP India site to avoid existing names.
- ✅ Use a unique, non-descriptive name for better approval chances.
- ✅ Register both wordmark and logo separately for stronger protection.
- ✅ Keep a copy of all documents submitted for future renewals and disputes.
- ✅ Track the status regularly post-filing to respond to any objections.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Registering your trademark under Class 16 is a crucial step for any stationery, paper, or printed goods business. But the registration is only successful if the documents are complete, clear, and correctly submitted. Avoiding minor documentation errors can save you weeks (or months) of delay, and protect your brand from copycats.
With the right paperwork and a little expert guidance, your brand can enjoy full legal protection and peace of mind in India’s competitive marketplace.
📞 Need Help Registering a Class 16 Trademark?
VMK Professionals specializes in trademark registration for businesses across India. Whether you’re a solo creator, school supplies startup, or large publishing house — we can help you file correctly and avoid costly mistakes.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation