Nice Classification Changes from January 2026

Key Changes Coming in January 2026

The 2026 update will:

introduce new goods and services, reflecting the emergence of new technologies, industries, and consumer habits, such as artificial intelligence applications, sustainability solutions, and digital assets;
revise existing class headings, for increased clarity;
delete or merge outdated terms; and
reallocate some goods or services between classes to better reflect trade practices and industry standards, impacting how applicants classify their products and services.

With regard to the last point, some of the significant changes are:

eyewear products – move from Class 9 to Class 10 (although note smart glasses remain in Class 9 as they are an electrical product);
emergency and rescue vehicles – move from Class 9 to Class 12;
electric toothbrushes – move from Class 10 to Class 21;
electronically heated clothing and accessories – move from Class 11 to Class 25;
optician services – removed from Class 44 and retail related services move to Class 35, with repair services in Class 37; and
essential oils – will be classified according to intended use, so Class 3 for cosmetic applications, Class 5 for medical or therapeutic purposes and Class 30 for food use.

Preparing for the 2026 Update

It is strongly recommended that trade mark owners review their portfolios and pending applications to ensure compliance with the latest classification. Further, applications filed on or after January 2026 will need to use the updated terminology. Whilst existing registrations are not retroactively reclassified, future renewals or modifications may be required to ensure accurate protection.

For individuals and businesses launching new products or services, early awareness of classification changes helps avoid delays and complications in the trade mark registration process.

It is also worth reviewing existing co-existence and consent agreements to ensure that they relate to specific goods and services, rather than the Classes themselves, as this may cause confusion should there be changes to the relevant classes over time.

Please do consult with trade mark professionals to ensure your filings are up to date and to take advantage of any new opportunities presented by the revised classification. Keltie would be delighted to assist with any queries on this topic.

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Charlotte Wilding

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