Trademark Class 16 for Protecting Stationery, Printed Material & Office Supply Brands
If your business deals in paper goods, printed publications, stationery items, or office and school supplies, you’ll need to register your brand under Trademark Class 16. This class includes a wide range of non-digital printed and paper-based products used in homes, offices, and educational institutions.
Whether you’re selling notebooks, books, pens, calendars, packaging paper, or art supplies, protecting your brand through online trademark registration ensures that your identity is legally secured in a category driven by creativity, functionality, and wide consumer use.
Let’s explore what’s included in Trademark Class 16, what’s not, and how to register your brand under the correct trademark classification.
Understanding Trademark Classification in India
The Trade Marks Act, 1999, along with the internationally accepted Nice Classification system, categorizes all goods and services into 45 trademark classes—Classes 1 to 34 for products and Classes 35 to 45 for services.
Each trademark application must be filed under the correct class depending on the nature of the goods or services. Filing under the wrong class can result in objections, delays, or limited protection for your brand.
What Products Can You Trademark Under Class 16?
Trademark Class 16 covers a wide variety of printed materials, stationery, office supplies, and paper-based goods. Whether your business creates educational content, manufactures paper goods, or sells writing instruments, this class provides the right trademark protection.
Here’s a breakdown of products included in Trademark Class 16:
- Printed publications and books – including novels, textbooks, magazines, catalogues, and journals
- Stationery and writing instruments – such as pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, and erasers
- Notebooks and writing pads – used in schools, offices, and personal settings
- Calendars, diaries, and planners – including wall calendars, desk diaries, and dated organizers
- Packaging materials made of paper or cardboard – like gift wrap, paper bags, cartons, and boxes
- Art supplies – including drawing paper, sketchbooks, watercolor pads, and calligraphy materials
- Printed advertising materials – such as brochures, flyers, banners, posters, and labels
- Office supplies – including files, folders, envelopes, staplers, index cards, and clips
- Educational charts and printed flashcards – used in schools or learning centers
- Greeting cards and invitations – for occasions like birthdays, weddings, and festivals
Whether you’re a stationery brand, printing business, or educational publisher, registering your products under Trademark Class 16 helps safeguard your brand in this creative and high-utility category.
Explore the Complete List of Products Classified Under Trademark Class 16
Browse this simplified list to check whether your stationery, printed materials, or office supplies are protected under Trademark Class 16.
Use the search function to quickly locate specific products and confirm if they’re included in this classification.
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Looking for the right trademark class for your product? Check out our detailed article on choosing the appropriate class for trademark registration to identify the best fit for your product.
What Is Not Included in Trademark Class 16?
While Trademark Class 16 covers a wide range of printed and paper-based products, not all visually similar or related items belong here. Misclassification can lead to delays or rejection of your trademark application.
Here are some commonly confused product types that do not fall under Class 16, and why:
- Electronic publications or digital books such as eBooks, audiobooks, and downloadable PDFs fall under the trademark class for electronics and software (Class 9), as they are digital files, not physical print goods.
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and technical design schematics for electronics manufacturing belong to the trademark class for industrial and scientific components (Class 9), not stationery or print classes.
- Packaging materials made of plastic (e.g., polybags, shrink wrap, or plastic containers) are categorized under the trademark class for household and packaging goods (Class 21), as they are non-paper materials.
- Business consulting or publication services, such as marketing or editorial services, fall under the trademark class for advertising and business services (Class 35), since they relate to commercial activities, not physical products.
- Educational training or publishing services, like coaching centers or online course providers, are considered services and belong to the trademark class for education and entertainment (Class 41).
Determining the exact trademark class for your product can be confusing, especially with overlapping categories. If you’re unsure where your goods fit, our Trademark Class Search tool can simplify the process and guide you to the right classification.
Intellectual Properties You Should Trademark Under Class 16
If you’re creating or selling stationery, books, printed promotional items, or packaging materials, protecting your intellectual assets under Trademark Class 16 is essential for brand recognition and legal security.
Here’s what you should consider trademarking:
- Company Name – Safeguard your official business name (e.g., WriteRight Papers Pvt. Ltd.) to avoid misuse in the stationery or publishing industry.
- Brand Name – Register consumer-facing brands like Navneet, Classmate, or Papergrid that appear on printed goods or writing supplies.
- Product Line Names – Protect individual collections or editions, such as Navneet Youva or Classmate Pulse, used in notebooks, art materials, or planners.
- Logo or Visual Elements – Secure your logo or unique design used across notebooks, books, and promotional materials.
- Slogans or Taglines – Register catchy lines like “Your Ideas. Our Paper.” or “Write Bold, Write Right” to build brand recall.
List of Popular Brands Registered Under Class 16
Many top stationery and publishing brands have registered under Trademark Class 16 to protect their printed products, office supplies, and brand identity across the education and business sectors.
Here are some notable examples:
- Classmate – A leading Indian brand offering notebooks, pens, geometry boxes, and student supplies.
- Navneet – Known for educational books, notebooks, drawing materials, and paper-based products.
- Camlin (now Kokuyo Camlin) – Offers art supplies, stationery items, and school essentials.
- Papergrid – Specializes in notebooks, registers, and office writing products.
- Apsara – Popular for pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and stationery accessories.
- JK Paper – One of India’s largest paper manufacturers, serving both B2B and branded B2C markets.
- Faber-Castell – Known for art materials, sketchbooks, pens, and educational kits.
- Oxford – International brand offering premium notebooks, planners, and paper-based office supplies.
These brands rely on Trademark Class 16 to secure their product names, logos, and packaging designs across competitive offline and online markets.
Why Register Your Trademark Under Class 16?
Key Benefits for Stationery & Print Brands
If your brand operates in publishing, paper products, or stationery, securing a trademark under Class 16 provides crucial legal protection and helps your products stand out in a crowded market.
- Exclusive Brand Rights
Prevent others from using your name or logo on similar stationery, books, or packaging items. - Combat Counterfeit Goods
Protect your notebooks, planners, or printed products from imitation, especially in retail and school supply sectors. - Build Consumer Trust
A registered trademark adds legitimacy to your brand, especially when selling through online platforms or distributors. - Expand Product Lines Safely
Trademark protection allows you to launch new designs or categories under the same trusted brand name. - Strengthen Market Presence
Stand out in a competitive industry where visual branding and product quality are closely linked.
If you’ve read this far, you probably have a good idea whether your product falls under Class 16. If it does, now’s the right time to take the next step—register your trademark today with expert guidance from LegalWiz.in.
Still weighing your options? These helpful resources can guide your decision:
- When and why you should trademark a name
- What can be registered as a trademark
- Different types of trademarks in India
- Trademark registration fees and costs in India
- Documents required for trademark registration
10,000+ Brands Trust LegalWiz.in for Trademark Protection
From stationery manufacturers and book publishers to art supply startups, thousands of businesses have chosen LegalWiz.in to protect their brand under the right class.
If you deal in paper goods, school supplies, packaging materials, or printed publications, our experts ensure your application is correctly filed under Trademark Class 16, with complete legal support from start to finish.
Why Choose LegalWiz.in for Your Trademark Registration?
LegalWiz.in offers a seamless and expert-driven process for registering your trademark under the correct class. Here’s why over 10,000 businesses trust us:
- Expert Guidance: Our team ensures your application is filed under the appropriate class, minimizing the risk of objections or delays.
- End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to final registration, we handle all aspects of the process.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. Know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Timely Updates: Stay informed at every stage of your trademark application.
- Client-Centric Approach: We prioritize your business needs, ensuring a smooth registration experience.
Get Your Trademark Registered Today!
Don’t let your stationery or publishing brand go unprotected.
Secure your identity in Class 16 with fast, expert-led trademark filing. Start your trademark registration today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are digital books or eBooks included in Class 16?
No, digital content such as eBooks or downloadable PDFs fall under the trademark class for electronics and software (Class 9).
Can packaging materials be registered under Class 16?
Only if they are made from paper or cardboard. Plastic or metal packaging falls under other classes, such as Class 21 for household goods.
Are services like publishing or printing included in Class 16?
No, service-based offerings like publishing or training fall under Class 41 for education and entertainment.
Can I register a brand for notebooks or writing instruments under Class 16?
Yes, products like notebooks, pens, and writing paper are all covered under Trademark Class 16.
How long does the trademark registration process take?
Trademark registration in India typically takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on any objections or third-party opposition. For a detailed overview of the process, read our complete guide on trademark registration process in India.
How long is a trademark valid?
In India, a registered trademark is valid for 10 years. You must renew it every 10 years—either within 6 months before or after expiry—to maintain your rights.
What happens if I file in the wrong class?
If you choose the wrong trademark class, your application may still get processed, but your trademark won’t be legally protected for the relevant goods or services. This means others could legally use a similar mark in that correct class, and you wouldn’t have grounds to stop them. Moreover, trademark fees are non-refundable, so you’d have to file a new application in the correct class and pay the fees again.
Can I file a trademark application before launching the product?
Yes, you can file based on intended use. You’ll need to show your bona fide intent to use the mark commercially.

Amisha Shah
Amisha Shah heads content at LegalWiz.in, where she transforms complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insights. With extensive experience in legal, fintech, and business services, she helps startups and enterprises navigate regulatory challenges through engaging, accurate content that empowers informed business decisions.