The Nice Classification system for trade marks was updated on 1 January 2026 with the introduction of the 13th edition. These updates introduce important changes to how goods and services are classified in new trade mark applications filed in the UK, EU, and other participating jurisdictions.
Whilst existing UK registrations should not be affected (albeit the UKIPO reserves the right to change its guidelines and procedures in light of the Nice amendments), brand owners and businesses planning new filings should understand the revised classification framework to avoid objections, delays, or gaps in protection.
What is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is the internationally recognised system used to classify goods and services for trade mark registration. Established under the Nice Agreement in 1957 and administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it provides a standardised framework used by trade mark offices worldwide, including the UK Intellectual Property Office and the EU Intellectual Property Office.
The system divides goods and services into 45 classes:
- Classes 1 to 34 cover goods
- Classes 35 to 45 cover services
When filing a trade mark application, applicants must specify the goods and services for which protection is sought by reference to the appropriate Nice classes. Proper classification is essential for examination, publication, clearance searches, and enforcement, and it helps define the scope of a trade mark’s protection.
Overview of the 2026 Nice Classification changes
The 13th edition introduces several important reclassifications, reflecting developments in technology, healthcare, and consumer products, and a growing emphasis on classifying goods and services by function and intended purpose.
Key changes include:
Eyewear
- Corrective glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses have moved from Class 9 to Class 10 to reflect their medical or therapeutic nature.
- Smart glasses remain in Class 9 due to their electronic functionality.
Emergency and rescue vehicles
- Fire engines, fire boats, lifeboats, and similar emergency vehicles are now classified in Class 12, aligning them with other vehicles already classified in Class 12.
Personal care devices
- Electric toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, and similar personal care items have moved from Class 10 to Class 21, recognising their domestic use rather than a medical function.
Electrically heated clothing
- Electrically heated garments and accessories have been reclassified from Class 11 to Class 25, bringing them within the clothing and apparel category.
Essential oils
Essential oils are now classified according to their intended use:
- Class 3 for cosmetic or fragrance purposes.
- Class 5 for medicinal purposes.
- Class 30 for food-related purposes.
Optician services
- Retail optician services now fall within Class 35.
- Optician repair services have moved to Class 37, having previously been included in Class 44, aligning them with other ‘repair and maintenance’ services.
Do the changes affect existing trade marks?
The updated Nice Classification applies only to trade mark applications filed on or after 1 January 2026. Existing trade mark registrations and pending applications filed before this date remain unchanged and should not need to be reclassified (albeit individual trade mark offices reserve the right to amend their guidelines/practice in light of the latest Nice amendments.
Practical implications for trade mark owners
Businesses preparing new filings should consider the following:
- Ensure goods and services are classified in accordance with the 2026 updates.
- Avoid outdated classifications, which may lead to objections, delays, or uncertainty regarding the scope of protection.
- Review ongoing and future filing programmes, particularly in sectors affected by reclassification such as healthcare, consumer goods, and technology.
- Consider the impact on clearance searches, portfolio management, and enforcement strategies.
Keeping trade mark protection up to date
The 13th edition of the Nice Classification highlights the importance of aligning trade mark filing strategies with current classification practices. As goods and services continue to evolve, accurate classification remains a critical part of securing effective and enforceable trade mark protection.
If you have questions about the 2026 Nice Classification or need support with your trade mark filings, contact our Trade Mark Attorney today.
For a complete list of all changes in the 13th edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13-2026), including full goods and services entries, see the official World Intellectual Property Organization page:
Nice Classification 13th Edition Resources.