On January 1, 2026, the new edition of the Nice Classification, the 13th edition (version 2026), entered into force. Trademark applications filed as of that date are classified in accordance with this new edition.
The new edition of the Nice Classification, Nice 13-2026, introduces several significant changes compared to previous amendments, including the addition and transfer of goods and services from one class to another. Examples of the most significant changes concerning goods include the following:
- Essential oils are now classified according to their purpose. Those used in manufacturing are classified in Class 1, those for perfumery remain in Class 3 together with fragrances, while those for medical use are classified in Class 5. It has also been clarified that all food flavorings are now classified in Class 30 (whereas those consisting of essential oils may previously have been classified in Class 3).
- Corrective glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, as optical goods, have been transferred from Class 9 to Class 10 to reflect their medical and therapeutic use. However, smart glasses remain in Class 9, as they are considered electronic and technological products.
- Emergency and rescue vehicles: fire engines, fire boats, and rescue boats have been transferred from Class 9 to Class 12, as they are considered to fall within the broader category of vehicles.
- Clutch linings have been removed from Class 17. They will now be classified according to their purpose—if for land vehicles, in Class 12; otherwise, in the appropriate class depending on their nature.
- Certain personal care products, such as electric toothbrushes, have been transferred from Class 10 to Class 21.
- Parasols are now classified as follows: hand-held parasols are in Class 18, while patio parasols have been added to Class 22, clarifying that only hand-held umbrellas and parasols are classified in Class 18.
- Electrically heated clothing not intended for protection against accidents or injury, nor for medical purposes, has been transferred from Class 11 to Class 25 and is classified according to its primary nature as clothing.
- Yoga equipment has been placed in the appropriate classes according to its nature. Yoga and meditation cushions are in Class 20, yoga gloves in Class 25, meditation mats in Class 27, and yoga blocks in Class 28.
With regard to services, the following changes may be highlighted:
- Artificial intelligence as a service [AIaaS] has been included as a new entry in Class 42.
- Reservation and arrangement of access to airport lounges are new services included in Class 43.
- Changes also concern the rental of glasses and the rental of sunglasses, which are now classified exclusively in Class 44.
The updated version of the Alphabetical List of Goods and Services of the Nice Classification for 2026 is available on the Office’s website here.
What are the consequences of these changes?
When examining new trademark applications, it is necessary to take these changes into account and to search for relevant goods in their newly assigned classes, while also considering the classes in which those goods or services were previously classified.
The amendments aim to adapt the Nice Classification to new market needs and technological innovations, as well as to formulate existing terms with greater precision and clarity.
The changes do not apply retroactively.
The new classification applies to trademark applications filed as of January 1, 2026.