The Nice Classification is an international classification system adopted by over 150 countries worldwide to classify trademarks into 45 classes of goods and services. The international system was established by the Nice Agreement of 1957 and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Since then, WIPO has been publishing new editions periodically every three years, with updates released annually. The editions do not operate retrospectively, and the changes and reclassifications do not apply to trademarks already grouped into classes under earlier editions. The latest edition, the 13th one, published by WIPO, became effective on January 1, 2026, and introduced significant structural changes, including the reclassification of certain goods and the introduction of new goods and services into existing classes.
Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses are now treated as medical/protective products rather than optical apparatus and have been moved from Class 9 to Class 10.
Emergency vehicles (fire engines, lifeboats, etc.) have been moved from Class 9 to Class 12 to bring consistency in the classification of vehicles.
Electrically heated clothing has been reclassified as clothing, despite the presence of integrated heating components.
Essential oils, which were largely grouped in Class 3, are now classified based on their purpose.
With respect to yoga products, yoga blocks are now placed in Class 28 as sports equipment, and yoga gloves have been introduced in Class 25.
Reflecting market evolution, certain new goods have been introduced that were previously unclear or inconsistently classified, including life jackets for pets under Class 9, wall coverings made of artificial plants under Class 27 and stress balls under Class 28.
Apart from goods, certain changes in service classifications have also been introduced. Artificial intelligence is now expressly recognized under Class 42, marking a commercially significant development for AI companies. Airport lounge services are classified under Class 43, notarial services under Class 45, and rage rooms/smash rooms are now formally recognized as entertainment services.
To date, the following jurisdictions have adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification: Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Benelux, EUIPO (EUTM), Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.