WIPO releases 13th edition of the Nice Classification: Key points

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, introducing changes across all 45 classes of goods and services, effective January 1, 2026. Brand owners are encouraged to review specifications in future filings to ensure alignment with the revised classes and descriptions.

WIPO’s full list of updates to each class may be reviewed here by selecting the relevant class and navigating to the “modifications” tab.

Key highlights are summarized below.

Goods

WIPO has reclassified several goods to better reflect function and intended use:

• Non-smart optical goods, such as glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, have moved from Class 9 to Class 10, aligning with their medical purpose
• Essential oils will no longer be exclusively in Class 3, as their classification will now depend on intended use
  • Essential oils for fragrance and cosmetic purposes will remain in Class 3
  • Other oils, such as those intended for aromatherapy, are now classified in Class 5 to reflect their medical purpose
• Electrically heated garments shift from Class 11 to Class 25, reflective of their character as wearable apparel
• Yoga-related articles have been redistributed according to their nature into the appropriate classes; for example, yoga blocks are found in Class 28 to reflect their use as athletic equipment

Services

• WIPO now recognizes artificial intelligence (AI) as a service (AIaaS) in Class 42, a significant update reflecting market trends
• Providing airport lounges is now recognized as a service in Class 43, likely due to the uptick in premium credit card rewards programs that include this service

Effective date and application

The 13th Nice Classification edition applies to all new applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 in countries and jurisdictions that have adopted this edition. Many countries that are signatories to the relevant treaty automatically adopt the latest edition, so widespread adoption is expected. This new edition also applies to any international applications that WIPO receives on or after January 1, 2026.

Key considerations

Trademark owners and applicants are encouraged to assess descriptions of goods and services for accuracy under the revised classifications, particularly where reclassification may affect search, clearance, or portfolio strategies. Applicants preparing new filings may wish to review goods and services descriptions to ensure alignment with these changes to prevent examination issues.

At the time of renewal or another opportunity to voluntarily amend an application or registration, trademark owners should consider updating their descriptions of goods and services, where possible and within the existing scope, to ensure proper wording and classification.

For technology-driven offerings, including AI-related solutions, trademark owners that are offering AI services should consider incorporating AIaaS in Class 42 in their upcoming trademark filings and file supplemental trademark applications for their existing trademarks with this specific coverage.

Learn more

For more information, please contact the authors.