Class 16 is one of the 34 goods classes in the Nice Classification, which India follows under the Trade Marks Act. It covers paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery and office requisites; adhesives for stationery; artists' materials; instructional and teaching material; plastic sheets and bags for wrapping. Paper products, printed publications, stationery and packaging made of paper or plastic film.
Government fee ₹4,500 per class (₹9,000 for non-MSME companies); our professional fee ₹10,000, search to certificate. Fees page.
What Class 16 covers
Official heading: Paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery and office requisites; adhesives for stationery; artists' materials; instructional and teaching material; plastic sheets and bags for wrapping.
Typical goods filed in Class 16 in India:
- Books, magazines and newspapers
- Notebooks, diaries and planners
- Pens, pencils and markers
- Printed packaging, cartons and labels
- Paper bags and tissue paper
- Greeting cards and posters
- Calendars and printed forms
- Art supplies and paintbrushes
- Office stationery such as staplers and files
- Educational charts and flashcards
- Stickers and adhesive tapes for stationery
- Photographs and photo albums
Who files in Class 16
- Publishers and magazine titles
- Stationery brands
- Packaging and label printers
- Paper mills and converters
- Education-material publishers
Classes often filed alongside Class 16
A trademark protects the mark only for the goods it is registered for. These are the classes that Class 16 applicants most often need as well, and why:
- Class 41, Education and entertainment: publishing services, online magazines and education.
- Class 35, Advertising, business and retail: advertising materials and retail of stationery.
- Class 9, Electronics and software: e-books, apps and digital publications.
- Class 42, Software, IT and design services: graphic design and printing-design services.
What to watch in Class 16
Filing in Class 16
Describe the specific goods you deal in rather than the whole class; the class cannot be changed after filing. We search Class 16 and its companions free of charge before you file. See the process, objection and status guides for what follows.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Class 16 in trademark registration?
Class 16 is the Nice Classification class for paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery and office requisites; adhesives for stationery; artists' materials; instructional and teaching material; plastic sheets and bags for wrapping. In India a trademark is registered class by class, so a Class 16 registration protects the mark for those goods only.
What is the difference between Class 16 and Class 35?
Class 16 covers paper, printing and stationery; Class 35 covers advertising, business and retail. Class 35 is the one for advertising materials and retail of stationery.
Should I file in Class 16 and Class 41 together?
Often, yes. Class 41 is the one for publishing services, online magazines and education. A mark registered in one class does not stop a competitor using it in another, and we advise on the class set before filing so you pay only for the classes you need.
Are books, magazines and newspapers in Class 16?
Yes. Books, magazines and newspapers are among the typical goods filed in Class 16, along with notebooks, diaries and planners and pens, pencils and markers.
Which businesses usually register in Class 16?
Typically publishers and magazine titles, stationery brands, packaging and label printers, paper mills and converters and education-material publishers. Each files for the specific goods it deals in, often alongside Class 41.
Information only. This guide explains a legal process in general terms; it is not legal advice and not a solicitation. Wording of statuses is as shown on IP India's public portal at the date above and may change.