Major Overhaul in Trademark Classification System Takes Effect January 2026

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has enacted the 13th Edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services (NICE Classification), a significant update that will redefine how new trademarks are registered globally. According to the official WIPO publication, the 13th edition of NICE classification came into force on 1 January 2026, mandating strict compliance for all applications filed on or after that date.

This update, published and maintained by WIPO, reclassifies several notable goods to reflect modern commercial and technological realities. The changes are designed to create greater precision and logical consistency within the system, which is used by intellectual property offices in over 150 countries.

Key Reclassifications with Strategic Impact

Based on the official WIPO classification materials, several high-profile shifts are poised to directly affect filing strategies across multiple industries:

Health & Wellness

In a move clarifying their primary purpose, optical goods, including spectacles, eyeglasses, and contact lenses, have been transferred from Class 9 (scientific apparatus) to Class 10 (medical devices). This aligns them more closely with other corrective healthcare products.

Chemicals & Cosmetics

Terpenes, organic compounds used in fragrances and flavours, are now expressly classified in Class 1 (chemicals) instead of Class 3 (cosmetics), correctly categorizing them by their fundamental chemical composition.

Automotive & Machinery

Clutch linings see a functional split: those for land vehicles move to Class 12 (vehicles), while linings for non-land vehicles (e.g., marine, aviation) remain in Class 7 (machinery). Furthermore, ambulances and fire engines are now expressly listed under Class 12, removing prior ambiguity.

Consumer Goods

Electrically heated clothing has been reclassified from Class 11 (appliances) to Class 25 (clothing), prioritizing its identity as apparel. Conversely, tongue scrapers move from Class 10 (medical devices) to Class 21 (household utensils).

Clear Distinction Between Existing and New Filings

WIPO guidelines provide crucial clarity on the transition. Existing trademark registrations and pending applications filed before 1 January 2026 will not be automatically reclassified. Their protection remains fully valid under the classes in which they were originally granted.

However, the mandate is absolute for new applications. “All filings submitted from the effective date onward must adhere to the 13th Edition,” states the WIPO notice. Failure to use the updated classifications will result in formal objections from examiners, leading to procedural delays and potential extra costs to rectify applications.

Intellectual property attorneys are urging clients to conduct immediate portfolio reviews. Using past year’s guidance will lead directly to a refusal or an office action.

The consensus among legal professionals is that proactive adaptation is key. Brand owners are advised to consult the official WIPO classification resources and work with trademark counsel to audit upcoming filing schedules, ensuring all new applications are strategically aligned with the revised framework to secure seamless and robust protection.