Changes to the Nice Classification from January 2026
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The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services came into effect on 1 January 2026, introducing significant changes for trade mark owners.
The Nice Classification is an essential tool that divides goods and services into 45 classes. It is periodically updated to reflect market developments and technological advances.
In the new edition, several goods and services have been transferred to different classes, and some new goods and services have been introduced.
Key changes under the 13th Edition
The most significant updates include the following:
Eyewear products:
Corrective spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses, frames and similar optical products have moved from Class 9 to Class 10 (reflecting their healthcare/medical nature), while tech-related “smart glasses” remain in Class 9.
Emergency and rescue vehicles:
Emergency and rescue vehicles such as fire engines, lifeboats and lifesaving rafts have been reclassified from Class 9 to Class 12 (the vehicle category).
Electrically heated clothing and accessories:
These have been transferred from Class 11 (heating articles) to Class 25 to reflect their nature as articles of clothing.
Personal care products:
Personal care items such as electric toothbrushes and tongue scrapers have moved from Class 10 (medical) to Class 21.
Essential oils:
Essential oils are now classified dependant on their intended use. Essential oils for cosmetic use belong in class 3, essential oils for medical or therapeutic use belong in class 5 and essential oils intended for food use belong in class 30.
Optician services:
Optician services are also affected by these changes. Retail-related services now fall in Class 35, while repair services now belong to Class 37, having previously been classified in Class 44.
Artificial intelligence:
Artificial intelligence as a service is now a recognised service in Class 42.
These changes will not affect trade marks filed before the 1 January 2026, however, any applications filed on or after this date will have to comply with the new requirements.
What Does This Mean for Trade Mark Owners
- Applications filed on or after 1 January 2026 will need to use the updated classes and terminology. Although existing registrations are not retroactively reclassified, modifications may be required to ensure adequate protection.
- Clearance searches involving the affected goods and services should cover both the old and new classes.
- Trade mark watches covering the impacted classes should be reviewed and updated if required.
- It is also recommended to review existing co-existence and consent agreements to ensure that they relate to specific goods and services, rather than the classes in general.
If you would like any further information or advice, please contact one of our Trade Mark Attorneys using the form below.
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