Nice Classification (13-2026): WIPO announces major updates effective January 1, 2026

01.12.25

WIPO has released the final version of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, entering into force on January 1, 2026. The update includes structural reassignments, new basic numbers, deleted entries, and hundreds of wording changes, as reflected in the official revision file.

📌 Key changes

Optical products (corrective spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses) move from Class 9 to Class 10 as medical/therapeutic items.
Smart glasses remain in Class 9; costume glasses in Class 28.
Emergency and rescue vehicles move from Class 9 to Class 12.
Electric toothbrushes and some personal care devices now fall under Class 21.
Electrically heated clothing is transferred from Class 11 to Class 25.
Optician services are split between:
- Class 35 (retail),
- Class 37 (repair).
Essential oils are redistributed among Classes 3, 5, and 30, depending on purpose (cosmetic, medical, edible).

📌 Additional observations
The revision file reveals:

numerous wording updates (Change);
new entries across various classes (Add);
removal of obsolete terms (Delete);
modified explanatory notes;
clarification of classification principles for multipurpose and composite products.

📅 Entry into force

The new classification applies to all applications filed on or after 1 January 2026.
During renewal procedures, trademark offices may request reclassification and, depending on the jurisdiction, additional fees may apply.

💡 Comment
Despite many useful clarifications, a more comprehensive restructuring — especially the introduction of subclasses — was again not implemented, leaving very broad classes (notably 3, 9, 16, 35, 41) unchanged.

📎 Official WIPO page (Nice Classification):
https://www.wipo.int/en/web/classification-nice