10Jul, 2025
Complete Cost Breakdown for Registering a Class 16 Trademark in India

When you’re starting or growing a business in the stationery, printed material, or packaging industry, protecting your brand name becomes essential. One of the most effective ways to do that is by registering your trademark under the appropriate class — and for most paper-based or office supply products, that’s Trademark Class 16.

But how much does it actually cost to register a Class 16 trademark in India?

From government fees to professional charges and additional costs like renewals and objections, this complete guide breaks down all the expenses associated with Trademark Class 16 registration in India.

✅ What Is Trademark Class 16?

Before we dive into the costs, let’s first understand what Trademark Class 16 includes.

According to the Nice Classification (NCL), Class 16 relates to:

“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 (except apparatus).”

Popular Products under Class 16:

  • Notebooks, diaries, journals
  • Office stationery (pens, paper, files, folders)
  • School supplies (drawing books, sketch pads)
  • Printed publications (magazines, newspapers)
  • Labels, tags, packaging paper
  • Calendars, posters, envelopes
  • Paintbrushes, erasers, rulers, teaching charts

If your business deals with any of the above, Trademark Class 16 is the right category for registration.

💰 Trademark Class 16 Registration Fees in India – Overview

Let’s look at the total cost structure involved in registering a trademark in Class 16.

Cost CategoryFees (INR)
Government Filing Fee (Individual/MSME)₹4,500 per application per class
Government Filing Fee (Company/LLP)₹9,000 per application per class
Professional Fees (optional)₹2,000 – ₹10,000+
Trademark Search (optional)₹0 – ₹2,000
Objection/Reply Drafting (if needed)₹1,500 – ₹5,000
Opposition Defense (if any)₹3,000 – ₹10,000+
Trademark Renewal (after 10 years)₹9,000 (individual) / ₹18,000 (company)

Now, let’s break this down in more detail:

🔹 1. Government Filing Fees for Trademark Class 16

The official fee depends on the type of applicant:

✅ For Individuals / Sole Proprietors / MSMEs / Startups:

  • ₹4,500 per trademark per class (when filed online)
  • ₹5,000 per trademark per class (if filed physically)

✅ For Companies / LLPs / Trusts:

  • ₹9,000 per trademark per class (online)
  • ₹10,000 per trademark per class (offline)

Note: MSMEs and Startups must submit Udyam Registration or Startup India certificate to avail of the discounted fee.

Example:
If you’re a sole proprietor registering the wordmark “PaperVista” for Class 16:

  • You’ll pay ₹4,500 (govt fee only).

If you’re a private limited company without MSME registration:

  • The fee will be ₹9,000.

🔹 2. Professional/Consultant Fees

Hiring a trademark agent or consultant is optional but highly recommended to avoid errors, objections, or rejections.

Typical Charges:

ServiceFee Range
End-to-end filing₹2,000 – ₹6,000
Search & availability report₹0 – ₹2,000
Objection reply (Form TM-O)₹1,500 – ₹5,000
Drafting TM-A & TM-48 forms₹500 – ₹1,000
Tracking & updates₹1,000 – ₹2,000

Tip: Go for a consultant who offers a flat package that includes filing, TM-48, objection replies, and updates.

🔹 3. Trademark Search Cost (Optional but Smart)

Before applying, it’s smart to check if your desired name/logo is already taken under Class 16.

  • DIY Search on IP India website: Free
  • Professional Search Report: ₹500 – ₹2,000

Tip: A pre-filing search can save you time and money by avoiding names that are already registered or too similar.

🔹 4. Cost of Responding to Objections (If Any)

If the trademark examiner raises any issues (like similarity with another mark or being too generic), an objection under Section 9 or 11 will be issued.

To respond:

  • You (or your lawyer) must file a reply within 30 days.
  • Typical cost: ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 depending on complexity.

Tip: Most objections can be avoided by choosing a unique, creative name.

🔹 5. Opposition Cost (If Public Objects After Publication)

After your trademark is published in the Trademark Journal, any third party can oppose it within 4 months.

If someone files an opposition:

  • You must submit a counter-statement
  • You may have to attend hearings or submit further replies

Cost Estimate: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000+

🔹 6. Cost of Trademark Renewal (Every 10 Years)

Trademarks are valid for 10 years. To keep your Class 16 trademark active, you need to renew it before expiry.

Renewal Fees:

Type of ApplicantRenewal Fee (Online)
Individual / MSME₹9,000 per class
Company / LLP (non-MSME)₹18,000 per class

Late Renewal (within 6 months of expiry):

  • Add ₹4,500 to ₹9,000 as surcharge depending on entity type.

🔍 Total Cost Summary – Trademark Class 16 (Scenario-Based)

Scenario 1: MSME Owner Filing on Own

  • Govt Fee: ₹4,500
  • No agent: ₹0
  • Total: ₹4,500 only

Scenario 2: Individual with Consultant (No Objection)

  • Govt Fee: ₹4,500
  • Agent: ₹3,500
  • Total: ₹8,000

Scenario 3: Company with Agent + Objection Response

  • Govt Fee: ₹9,000
  • Agent Filing: ₹4,000
  • Objection Reply: ₹3,000
  • Total: ₹16,000

📝 Important Notes on Class 16 Filing Costs

  1. Each Class Is Billed Separately
    If you want to register under Class 16 and Class 35 (e.g., packaging + retail), you’ll pay fees for both classes separately.
  2. Logo + Wordmark = Two Applications
    Registering both the wordmark and the logo requires two separate applications, meaning double fees.
  3. No Refund on Rejection
    If your application is rejected or withdrawn, the government fee is not refunded.
  4. Fee Payment Method
    All online payments must be made via e-filing portal using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.

📍 Where to Pay Trademark Class 16 Fees?

You can pay fees and file applications online at the official IP India Trademark e-Filing portal:
👉 https://ipindiaonline.gov.in

You’ll need:

  • Valid DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
  • TM-A Form
  • TM-48 (if agent is filing)
  • Logo image (if applicable)
  • Description of goods (specific to Class 16)

🔐 Why Trademark Class 16 Registration Is Worth the Investment

Spending ₹4,500 – ₹9,000 might seem like a lot upfront, but the protection and brand value it gives are priceless.

Here’s why:

  • Prevents others from copying your name/logo
  • Builds trust and uniqueness in the stationery/printing market
  • Enhances brand recognition and legal rights
  • Adds value during business expansion or selling
  • Helps you win online listing disputes (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)

🤝 Get Expert Help with Class 16 Trademark Filing

Don’t risk your brand with incomplete filings or rejected applications. At VMK Professionals, we make trademark filing easy, affordable, and hassle-free.

We offer:

  • Complete TM filing package for Class 16
  • Free pre-filing search
  • Drafting of TM-A, TM-48
  • Objection & hearing support
  • Guidance on MSME/startup benefits

📌 Final Thoughts

Trademark Class 16 covers a wide range of essential goods — from books and notebooks to packaging paper and labels. Whether you’re a school supply manufacturer, stationery brand, artist, or publisher, trademarking under Class 16 ensures your brand is legally protected in India.

Understanding the full cost of registration helps you plan your budget better and avoid surprises. By combining government fees with the optional (but helpful) services of a professional, you can ensure a smooth and successful trademark journey.