The Stationers' Company

The Stationers' Company is a historic trade organization founded in 1557 in London, originally composed of publishers, printers, and booksellers. It regulated the publishing industry, ensuring the quality and licensing of printed materials. Over centuries, its role evolved from licensing to maintaining standards, protecting copyrights, and supporting intellectual property rights. Today, it functions as a professional guild, promoting the interests of those involved in publishing, printing, and related fields, while also preserving the heritage of the trade and fostering industry best practices.