The 13th Edition of the WIPO Nice Classification came into effect on 1 January 2026 and introduced important changes in the classification of certain goods and services for trademark registration.
These changes have a direct bearing on trademark filing, clearance searches, watch services, and portfolio management. While new applications now follow the revised classification framework, trademarks filed before 2026 continue to remain in their original classes. As a result, businesses and legal professionals need to account for both systems while conducting searches and monitoring activities.
At IP Owl Associates, we assist trademark owners in reviewing these changes and maintaining comprehensive protection during the transition period.
Key Changes Under the 13th Edition
The latest edition has reclassified several categories of goods to reflect their commercial use more accurately.
Some of the notable changes include:
- Eyewear and lenses have moved from Class 09 to Class 10
- Rescue vehicles have moved from Class 09 to Class 12
- Heated clothing has moved from Class 11 to Class 25
- Essential oils are now classified according to their medical, cosmetic, or food-related purpose
These changes affect how trademarks are searched, filed, and monitored. Businesses that continue using earlier search practices may miss relevant registrations that appear under different classes after January 2026.
The Importance of Dual-Class Searches
One of the immediate consequences of the updated framework is the need for dual-class searches in categories where goods have been reassigned.
Pre-2026 registrations remain in their original classes, while applications filed after the implementation date appear in the revised classes. A search limited to the new class may therefore fail to identify earlier trademarks that still enjoy legal protection.
Trademark professionals are now conducting searches across both classifications for affected goods.
This includes:
- Class 09 and Class 10 for eyewear products
- Class 09 and Class 12 for rescue vehicles
- Class 11 and Class 25 for heated apparel
- Case-specific classification assessments for essential oils based on their intended use
Including both classes in the search process helps provide a more complete picture of potential conflicts before filing or expanding a brand.
What Trademark Watching Services Need to Consider?
Trademark watch services also require adjustment under the new system.
Many businesses monitor specific classes to identify conflicting applications or registrations. Restricting monitoring activities to the revised classes can create gaps where earlier trademarks remain active under their original classification.
Dual-class monitoring has therefore become an important consideration for businesses dealing with reclassified goods.
Existing watch arrangements should be reviewed to determine whether additional classes need to be included so that monitoring remains comprehensive.
How IP Owl Associates Can Assist?
The implementation of the 2026 Nice Classification changes presents several practical issues for trademark owners, particularly those managing extensive portfolios or operating across multiple jurisdictions.
IP Owl Associates can assist with:
- Reviewing trademark portfolios to identify registrations involving reclassified goods
- Conducting dual-class clearance searches where necessary
- Evaluating existing trademark watch coverage
- Advising on classification issues relating to essential oils and other reassigned products
- Supporting trademark applications under the current Nice Classification framework
Our team works with businesses, startups, and brand owners to ensure that trademark protection remains aligned with the latest classification requirements.
Steps Businesses Should Take
Businesses that have not yet reviewed the impact of the 2026 changes should consider taking a few immediate steps.
Existing portfolios should be examined to identify trademarks connected with goods that have been moved to different classes.
Search protocols should include both the earlier and revised classifications wherever relevant. This approach can help identify conflicting rights that may not appear through a single-class search.
Trademark watch services should also be reviewed to confirm that monitoring activities continue to cover both classifications during the transition period.
Where classification issues arise, particularly for products whose categorisation depends on their commercial purpose, obtaining legal advice can help avoid filing errors and enforcement challenges.
The Way Forward
The introduction of the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification has changed several established practices in trademark filing and monitoring. The movement of specific goods between classes means that businesses need to revisit their search procedures and portfolio management processes to maintain complete protection.
A careful review of existing registrations and monitoring arrangements can help avoid unnecessary risks and ensure that trademark rights continue to receive effective protection under the current framework.
IP Owl Associates can assist businesses in reviewing their portfolios, updating clearance procedures, and maintaining full trademark protection under the 2026 Nice Classification system.
