USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 16 – Paper Goods and Printed Materials

Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we help businesses navigate the trademark classification system to ensure their brand is properly protected.

In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 16, which includes paper goods, printed materials, and stationery products.

If your business produces, sells, or distributes books, office supplies, packaging materials, or printed publications, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my book brand?” or “Does my product fall under Class 16?”, this guide will help you determine whether this classification is the best option for your brand.

What is Trademark Class 16?

Trademark Class 16 covers paper products, printed publications, office supplies, and stationery items. This class applies to publishers, authors, stationery brands, office supply manufacturers, and packaging companies.

Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 16 include:

• Printed Publications: Books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, journals

• Office Supplies: Notebooks, binders, folders, planners, calendars

• Stationery Products: Greeting cards, writing paper, envelopes, pens, pencils

• Art Supplies: Paintbrushes, sketchbooks, drawing pads, canvas

• Adhesives and Paper Materials: Stickers, labels, paper bags, gift wrapping paper

• Packaging Materials: Cardboard boxes, paperboard, paper bags

• Educational and Instructional Materials: Manuals, workbooks, flashcards, printed guides

If your product is made of paper, involves printing, or is used for writing, reading, or packaging, Trademark Class 16 is likely the correct classification.

Why Trademark Class 16 Matters for Your Business

Registering a trademark under Class 16 helps protect your brand within the publishing, stationery, and office supply industries. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:

1. Secures Your Brand Identity in Publishing and Printing

   • Book titles, magazine brands, and printed materials are often subject to copying or imitation. A trademark ensures exclusive rights to your brand name.

2. Protects Against Counterfeit Stationery and Packaging

   • Many notebook, planner, and paper product brands face copycats. A trademark helps prevent unauthorized sellers from using your name.

3. Prevents Market Confusion Among Readers and Buyers

   • Printed materials, educational guides, and packaging designs often have similar names. A trademark ensures that your brand is distinct.

4. Expands Your Business Growth and Licensing Potential

   • If you plan to sell books, branded packaging, or stationery, a trademark helps build brand value and can even support licensing agreements.

Examples of Trademarks in Class 16

Many well-known brands in publishing, stationery, and office supplies have trademarks registered under Class 16. Here are a few examples:

1. Oxford® – Protects its brand for notebooks, planners, and stationery products.

2. Sharpie® – Covers permanent markers, pens, and writing instruments.

3. Moleskine® – Trademarks its name for luxury notebooks and paper planners.

These companies rely on trademark protection to preserve their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their name and designs.

Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 16?

A comprehensive trademark search is strongly recommended before applying in Class 16. Publishing and stationery brands often have overlapping names, making conflicts common in this category.

At Brand Diplomacy, we conduct in-depth trademark searches to ensure your brand has the best chance of approval. Here’s how we help:

• USPTO Database Search – Identifying similar trademarks that could cause conflicts.

• Approval Risk Assessment – Evaluating potential obstacles and improving your application’s success rate.

• Trademark Strategy Development – Refining your application to reduce the risk of disputes.

How to Determine if Class 16 is Right for Your Trademark

If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 16 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:

1. Is Your Product a Printed or Paper-Based Material?

   • If it’s a book, magazine, newspaper, journal, or printed guide, Class 16 is likely appropriate.

2. Does Your Product Involve Writing or Stationery?

   • Notebooks, planners, pens, markers, and art supplies belong in Class 16.

3. Does Your Product Overlap with Other Classes?

   • Some paper and printed products may require multiple classifications. Examples include:

     • E-books or digital magazines may also require Class 9 (Software & Digital Media).

     • Printing and publishing services might need Class 41 (Education & Publishing Services).

     • Advertising materials and branding designs could belong in Class 35 (Advertising & Marketing Services).

If your product crosses multiple categories, filing in more than one class might be necessary for full brand protection.

How Brand Diplomacy Can Help

At Brand Diplomacy, we simplify the trademark process for publishing companies, stationery brands, and office supply businesses. Whether you’re launching a new book series, protecting your office supply brand, or expanding into international markets, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Here’s how we assist with Class 16 trademark registrations:

• Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring your brand name is available before filing.

• Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 16 is the right choice or if additional classes should be included.

• Application Filing & Management – Handling the USPTO process to maximize approval success.

• Trademark Monitoring & Enforcement – Protecting your trademark from unauthorized use and counterfeits.

If you’re ready to secure your brand in Class 16, contact us today to get started.

What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?

Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 16: Paper Goods and Printed Materials with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 17: Rubber, Plastics, and Insulation Materials, where we’ll discuss trademarks for industrial plastics, rubber goods, and flexible packaging materials.

Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!