What trademark class is a printing company in?

Most printing companies register in classes 40 and 16. Class 40 covers material treatment & printing; Class 16 covers paper & stationery. You only ever register the classes that match what you actually sell.

Do printing companies need to register in more than one class?

Often, yes. A trademark is only protected in the classes you register, and you pay a fee for each one. Many printing companies file in classes 40 and 16 together, then add others as the business grows.

How much does it cost a printing company to register a trademark?

Filing direct with the UK IPO costs £205 for the first class and £60 for each additional class, so a printing company covering classes 40 and 16 pays about £265. The fee isn't refunded if your mark is refused — which is why checking the name is free first matters.

Trademark classes · By business type

Which trademark classes does a printing company need?

Most printing companies register in class 40 (Material treatment & printing) and class 16 (Paper & stationery).

Commercial printing is a service in the material-treatment class, while the printed items you produce, from cards to brochures, are goods in the paper class. Studios that design the artwork too add the technical-design class.

Last reviewed June 2026

Before you file in class 40, make sure the name is free. If it's already taken, your application can be refused — and the £205 IPO fee isn't refunded. Checking takes seconds and costs nothing.

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The classes printing companies usually register in

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Frequently asked questions

What trademark class is a printing company in?: Most printing companies register in classes 40 and 16. Class 40 covers material treatment & printing; Class 16 covers paper & stationery. You only ever register the classes that match what you actually sell.
Do printing companies need to register in more than one class?: Often, yes. A trademark is only protected in the classes you register, and you pay a fee for each one. Many printing companies file in classes 40 and 16 together, then add others as the business grows.
How much does it cost a printing company to register a trademark?: Filing direct with the UK IPO costs £205 for the first class and £60 for each additional class, so a printing company covering classes 40 and 16 pays about £265. The fee isn't refunded if your mark is refused — which is why checking the name is free first matters. See the full cost breakdown.

Check your name before you file

A trademark only protects you in the classes you register — and only if the name's free to begin with. Search the UK and EU registers in seconds. Free, no sign-up.

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These are the classes printing companies most commonly register, not a full legal specification — when you file, you list the exact goods or services you need. This is general information, not legal advice. See also our guide toregistering a UK trademark, orbrowse other business types.