Trademark Class 16: Paper, Stationery and Printing Goods

Trademark classification is a system that groups goods and services into specific categories for registration. The most widely used system for trademark classification is the NICE Classification (NCL). The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established this system. India follows the NICE classification for all trademark registrations under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, including trademark class 16. 

Trademark Class 16 is an important category under the NICE classification. It protects brands for goods such as paper, stationery, and printing materials. The NICE classification divides goods and services into 45 different categories: 

• Class 1-34: Classify Goods
• Class 35-45: Classify Services

Selecting the right class is extremely important because trademarks are protected only within the registered class. Using this classification system also helps standardize trademark registration globally. A brand can use a trademark class search tool to identify the right class for its product or service. This ensures the trademark is filed under the right category, providing them with complete legal protection.

What is Trademark Class 16?

Trademark Class 16 covers goods primarily made of paper and related materials. This includes paper, cardboard, printed matter, bookbinding materials, stationery, and office requisites. Supplements for stationery, artists’ materials, paintbrushes, packaging films, printing type, and printing blocks are also included in this category. 

One real‑world example is the “Classmate” stationery brand, owned by ITC. Classmate has registered its trademark under Class 16 for notebooks, pens, geometry boxes, and other paper‑based school supplies. With this protection, Classmate strengthened its legal rights to prevent others from selling similar products under the same name.

This registration helped Classmate become a leading and widely trusted stationery brand among students in India.

What are the Goods Covered in Trademark Class 16? 

Trademark Class 16 includes a wide range of products related to paper, printing, stationery, and office use. Breaking it down into categories helps to understand the scope clearly.

1. Paper and Paper Products

Paper products are widely used in offices, schools, and businesses. Trademark Class 16 protects the following items to secure your brand: 

• Writing paper
• Cardboard
• Envelopes
• Tracing paper
• Paper bags
• Filters

2. Printed Matter

Printed materials are key for marketing, publishing, and communication. Registering your brand ensures legal protection of the following printed goods: 

• Books
• Magazines
• Periodicals
• Brochures
• Flyers
• Posters

3. Stationery Items

Stationery products are essential for offices, schools, and personal use. Class 16 is a trademark class for stationery items that safeguards its brand identity. The following items are included in the stationery classification: 

• Pens
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Notebooks
• Diaries
• Files
• Paper clips
• Folders

4. Office Supplies and Requisites

Office tools and equipment fall under Trademark Class 16. Trademark registration prevents unauthorized use of your brand for the goods listed below:  

• Typewriters
• Duplicators
• Staplers
• Adhesives for office or household use

5. Artists’ Materials and Drawing Supplies

Art and drawing supplies are included in Trademark Class 16. Protecting these products helps creative brands stay secure.

• Paintbrushes
• Sketch pads
• Watercolours
• Modelling clay

6. Packaging Materials

Packaging items like bags and sheets are covered under Trademark Class 16. Trademark registration secures your brand’s identity on packaging products such as: 

• Plastic sheets
• Sacks
• Bags for wrapping and packaging

Below is a brief table to summarize the goods covered under class 16: 

Product Category	Examples
Stationery	Notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers
Printed Materials	Books, magazines, brochures
Packaging	Paper bags, cartons, wrapping sheets
Educational Materials	Workbooks, charts, manuals
Artists’ Supplies	Sketchpads, paints, brushes
Printing and Bookbinding	Printing blocks, types, binding materials

Choosing the right class from the trademark class list helps secure legal protection for your brand. It also reduces the risk of trademark conflicts. Proper registration of a trademark under Class 16 ensures long-term brand safety. It supports growth in both domestic and global markets.

What is Not Covered in Trademark Class 16? 

Many people often confuse certain goods as part of Trademark Class 16. This happens because these items relate to printing, writing, or packaging. However, not all products are covered under class 16 of trademarks. Understanding these exclusions helps avoid wrong classification and rejection.

Goods Not Covered Under Class 16: 

• Digital publications: Such as eBooks and PDF files. These fall under Class 9 because they are electronic content.
• Furniture items: Items like desks, chairs, and storage units. These are covered under Class 20.
• Hand tools for artists: Goods such as carving tools and sculpting instruments. These belong to Class 8.
• Non-paper packaging items: Items that are made of glass, metal, or ceramic. These fall under Class 21.
• Electronics and printing machines: Items that are not manual in nature. These are classified under other relevant classes.
• Advertising services and publishing services: These services fall under Class 35 or Class 41; they are not goods. 
• Digital printing software: These goods are classified under Class 9, not trademark Class 16. 
• Photographic equipment: Goods like cameras and lenses fall under Class 9.
• Plastic containers and storage boxes: The goods are not meant for paper packaging. These belong to Class 21.
• Industrial printing machines and presses: These goods fall under Class 7.
• Educational services: Services like training or coaching fall under Class 41.

Choose the right class and secure your brand today. Contact RegisterKaro for a smooth trademark registration process.

Who Should Choose Class 16 for Trademark Filing?

Businesses should apply for Trademark Class 16 if they deal in physical paper-based products such as stationery, printed books, or paper packaging. This class fits manufacturers, publishers, printers, and stationery brands seeking legal protection for tangible printed goods.

1. Stationery brands: Stationery brands that sell pens, notebooks, files, and paper products fall under Trademark Class 16. These products are used daily in offices, schools, and homes.

2. Publishers and book producers: Publishers and book producers who deal in books, magazines, and other printed content should choose Class 16. 

3. Office supplies distributors: Office supplies distributors handle items like stationery and workplace materials, which are included in Class 16. 

4. Packaging manufacturers: Packaging manufacturers that produce paper or plastic packaging materials come under Class 16. 

5. Educational material suppliers: Educational material suppliers offer printed learning and teaching tools. These include books, charts, and study materials.

If your business works with paper, printing, or stationery goods, Class 16 is the right choice. Correct filing ensures strong trademark protection. It supports long-term brand growth. It also avoids legal disputes and extra costs.

When to Use Multiple Classes Along With Class 16? 

Choose Trademark Class 16 when your business deals only with physical paper, stationery, or printed goods. This class works best if all your products clearly fall under paper-based items. It keeps filing simple and also reduces costs. Other related items or close substitutes cannot be registered under the same class if they do not fall into the same category.

Business Scenario	Recommended Classes
Physical stationery and printed materials only	Class 16
Digital books, e-books, or downloadable content	Class 16 + Class 9
Educational or training materials alongside printed goods	Class 16 + Class 41
Merchandise with both physical and online products	Class 16 + relevant classes depending on product type (e.g., Class 9, Class 35)
Planning future expansion into different product lines	Class 16 + multiple relevant classes to cover potential new offerings

You must identify all relevant classes for your products or services and file a multi-class trademark application, paying separate fees for each.

How to Register a Trademark Under Class 16 in India? 

Registering a trademark under Class 16 involves a detailed process. Following the correct process reduces rejection risk and also saves time and cost.

1. Trademark Search

A trademark search is the first and most important step. It helps you check if a similar mark already exists. This avoids conflicts later.

Step-by-step search guidance:

• Check on the Indian Trademark Public Search portal or RegisterKaro Trademark Search portal for secured identification. 
• Select Class 16 from the goods category.
• Enter your brand name or keyword.
• Check for identical or similar trademarks.
• Review status like registered, objected, or abandoned.

This step helps you decide if your brand is safe to file. It also reduces the chances of objection.

2. Complete Filing Process 

After completing the trademark search, you can begin the filing process under Trademark Class 16. The application is submitted to the Indian Trademark Registry. The process follows a fixed legal flow.

Step-by-step filing process includes:

Step 1: Prepare the Application

Collect applicant details like name and address. Finalize the trademark logo or wordmark. List goods clearly under Class 16. Mention the date of first use if applicable.

Step 2: File Form TM-A

Submit Form TM-A online through the trademark portal. Choose Class 16 correctly. Pay the prescribed government fee. The fee starts from Rs. 4,500 for individuals and startups.

Step 3: Application Number Allotment

Once filed, you receive an application number. You can start using the Trademark symbol after this. This shows your claim over the mark.

Step 4: Examination by Trademark Office

The Trademark Examiner reviews the application. They check classification, distinctiveness, and conflicts. This stage may take a few months.

Step 5: Reply to the Examination Report

If objections are raised, you must reply within the given time. Proper response improves approval chances. In India, you get 30 days from the date of receipt to file a reply. If you miss this deadline, the application may get abandoned. 

If the trademark examiner is not satisfied with your written reply and wants more clarification, a hearing notice can be issued. For a hearing notice, the date is mentioned in the notice itself. You must attend or respond on that scheduled date.

Step 6: Publication in Trademark Journal

If accepted, the mark is published. After trademark publication, the public gets 4 months to object. A person may oppose if they feel the mark is similar to theirs. If no one objects within 4 months, the trademark moves to registration

Step 7: Registration and certificate

If no opposition is filed, the trademark gets registered. You receive a registration certificate. The ® symbol can then be used to show that a trademark is officially registered. 

3. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Many trademark applications get delayed or rejected due to small but common mistakes. Understanding these errors helps improve approval chances and also saves time and cost. 

Common errors include:

• Choosing the wrong trademark class: Applicants often select Class 16 for products that belong to other classes. Always check the correct class before filing.
• Incomplete or vague goods description: Using broad terms like “paper items” or “office products” can cause objections. The Trademark Office expects clear and specific descriptions. Mention exact goods such as notebooks, printed books, or stationery items.
• Incorrect ownership or applicant details: Wrong applicant name or missing business details can delay registration. The trademark must be filed in the correct owner’s name. Any mismatch may cause legal issues later. Always double-check applicant information before filing.

Review your product list carefully before filing. Match every item strictly with Class 16 goods. Separate digital and physical products into different classes if needed. This approach ensures smoother registration and fewer legal issues.

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