Trademark Class 16 vs Others: How to Choose the Right One for Your Product
If you’re starting a business that deals with paper, books, stationery, or packaging, it’s crucial to protect your brand legally. One of the most important steps in this process is registering a trademark. But trademark registration isn’t just about submitting a name or logo — you must also choose the right class. In India, trademarks are divided into 45 different classes, each representing specific goods or services. For those in the stationery, printing, packaging, or publishing industries, Trademark Class 16 is the one to consider.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Class 16 trademarks in India — what products it includes, when to use it, how to avoid common mistakes, and why choosing the right class is key to brand protection.
🧾 What Is Trademark Class 16?
Trademark Class 16 under the Nice Classification system includes:
- Paper, cardboard, and goods made from these materials
- Printed matter (books, magazines, catalogs)
- Bookbinding materials
- Photographs, stationery, adhesives for stationery or household purposes
- Artists’ materials (paintbrushes, sketchpads)
- Office requisites (excluding furniture)
- Instructional and teaching material (excluding apparatus)
- Plastic sheets, films, and bags for wrapping and packaging
This class is mainly applicable to businesses involved in:
- Stationery products
- Publishing (books, magazines, brochures)
- School or office supplies
- Art materials
- Packaging materials made of paper/plastic
- Educational and printed tools
🎯 Why Choosing the Right Trademark Class Is Crucial
Before diving into when to use Class 16, let’s understand why choosing the right trademark class matters.
1. Legal Protection Is Class-Specific
Trademark protection is only valid for the goods/services under the class you register for. If you file under the wrong class, your brand might remain unprotected in your actual business category.
2. Avoiding Rejection
If your product category doesn’t match your trademark class, the examiner may raise an objection or even refuse your application.
3. Brand Reputation and Security
Correct classification ensures you can legally act against copycats or counterfeiters trying to imitate your product packaging or name.
4. Better Searchability
When someone searches the IP India portal for trademarks, using the right class ensures your registration appears in the correct category.
📝 Common Business Types That Need Class 16 Trademarks
Wondering if your business needs a Class 16 trademark? Here’s a breakdown:
| Business Type | Is Class 16 Applicable? |
| Notebook or diary manufacturers | ✅ Yes |
| Printing presses (books, brochures, flyers) | ✅ Yes |
| Greeting card companies | ✅ Yes |
| Office supply stores | ✅ Yes |
| Art supply shops (paintbrushes, sketchbooks) | ✅ Yes |
| Paper bag manufacturers | ✅ Yes |
| Digital publishers (only if selling printed versions) | ✅ Yes |
| Packaging product makers (paper/plastic) | ✅ Yes |
| Software or digital media companies | ❌ No |
| Plastic box or metal packaging producers | ❌ No (check Class 20) |
📦 Examples of Products Covered Under Class 16
Here’s a product list to give you more clarity:
- Books, magazines, newspapers
- Posters, printed photographs
- Notebooks, diaries, journals
- Pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners
- Paper bags, wrapping paper, envelopes
- Calendars, planners, stickers
- Office files, folders, carbon paper
- Sketchbooks, coloring books, craft paper
- School and educational charts
- Bookbinding equipment
- Adhesives used for paper and arts
- Plastic packaging films and wrappers (non-industrial use)
If you sell or manufacture any of the above products, then Trademark Class 16 is likely the right fit.
❓ When NOT to Use Class 16
Class 16 does not cover:
- Packaging made of metal or glass – use Class 6 or Class 21
- Plastic packaging used industrially – check Class 17
- Printing machines – go to Class 7
- Teaching apparatus or devices – use Class 9
- Electronic publishing – typically under Class 9 or Class 42
- Furniture or storage boxes – covered under Class 20
Always align your product with its material use and functionality before selecting the class.
🧭 How to Decide If Class 16 Is Right for You
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my product made primarily from paper, cardboard, or plastic film?
- Is my product something a person might use for reading, writing, packaging, or education?
- Does my product fall under printed goods or artistic materials?
- Do I sell physical items rather than digital versions?
If your answers are mostly yes, then Class 16 is likely correct.
🔄 Can I Use Class 16 Alongside Other Classes?
Absolutely! Many businesses use multiple trademark classes to cover all aspects of their brand.
Example Scenarios:
| Business Type | Classes You Might Need |
| Book Publisher with eBooks | Class 16 (printed books), Class 9 (eBooks) |
| Art Supply Store with digital art kits | Class 16 (art tools), Class 9 (software) |
| Packaging company using paper and metal | Class 16 (paper wraps), Class 6 (metal containers) |
| Stationery brand selling apparel | Class 16 (notebooks), Class 25 (T-shirts, bags) |
If your business is diverse, consult a trademark professional to help you file under the right combination of classes.
📝 Steps to Register a Trademark in Class 16
If you’ve identified Class 16 as your product category, here’s how to move forward:
Step 1: Do a Trademark Search
Check if your brand name or logo is already registered. Use the IP India Public Search Portal.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- Applicant name and address
- Brand name/logo
- MSME/Startup certificate (if applicable)
- Signed Form TM-48 (for agents)
- Class 16 product description
Step 3: File Trademark Application
You can apply:
- Online through ipindia.gov.in
- Via a trademark attorney or registration agency
Step 4: Wait for Examination & Approval
The Trademark Registry will:
- Examine your application
- Issue examination report (if any objections)
- Advertise in Journal
- Register your mark (if no opposition)
💰 What Is the Cost of Class 16 Trademark Registration?
| Applicant Type | Government Fee (Per Class) |
| Individual / MSME / Startup | ₹4,500 |
| Company / Partnership Firm | ₹9,000 |
Professional or agent fees may apply separately.
📌 Tips for Class 16 Trademark Applicants
- Be specific in your product description (e.g., “notebooks and diaries” instead of just “stationery”)
- Consider logo protection using image + wordmark filing
- Don’t ignore phonetic similarity – even a different spelling can be rejected
- Use TM symbol after filing and ® after registration
- Renew every 10 years to maintain protection
🚫 What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Class?
Selecting the wrong class can have serious consequences:
- Application rejection or objection
- Loss of legal rights
- Inability to enforce trademark against infringers
- Waste of time and money on re-filing
- Reputational damage
Avoid this by carefully checking your product scope before submitting your application.
🧠 Real-Life Example: A Stationery Brand Case Study
Brand Name: PaperCraft India
Product: Designer notebooks, journals, packaging wraps
Correct Class: Class 16
Additional Classes: Class 35 (if selling online), Class 42 (if offering design services)
By registering under the right class, PaperCraft India:
- Prevented local competitors from copying their designs
- Successfully joined Amazon Brand Registry
- Built trust among customers with a legally secure name
🏁 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right trademark class is not a formality — it’s the foundation of effective brand protection. For any business that deals in paper goods, printed matter, educational tools, or packaging materials, Trademark Class 16 is essential.
Before filing, evaluate your product list, consider overlapping classes, and consult professionals when in doubt.
💡 Need Help With Class 16 Trademark Filing?
At VMK Professionals, we specialize in helping startups, MSMEs, and creatives protect their brands across India. Whether you’re in stationery, publishing, or packaging, we handle your trademark from start to finish.