{"id":3211,"date":"2026-01-02T08:33:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T08:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wmw-patent.de\/?p=3211"},"modified":"2026-01-02T08:42:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T08:42:21","slug":"nizza-klassifikation-2026-die-wichtigsten-klassenaenderungen-im-ueberblick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wmw-patent.de\/en\/nizza-klassifikation-2026-die-wichtigsten-klassenaenderungen-im-ueberblick\/","title":{"rendered":"Nice Classification 2026: What trademark applicants need to know as of 1 January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of 1 January 2026, the 13th edition of the Nice Classification applies. In addition to numerous new and revised terms, this update also includes genuine class reassignments\u2014with immediate practical relevance for drafting the goods and services specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are \u201cNice classes\u201d in the first place?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When filing a trademark, you must specify which goods and services the mark is to be protected for. To ensure international consistency, the Nice Classification is used: a global classification system that divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What changes as of 1 January 2026?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For new applications filed on or after 1 January 2026, the new class structure applies\u2014 including the corresponding ordering in the goods and services specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Existing trademarks will not be \u201creclassified\u201d\u2014neither in pending proceedings nor upon renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key class changes in 2026<\/strong><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Essential oils: classification by intended use instead of a blanket Class 03 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until now, essential oils were classified in Class 03 (cosmetics, personal care, cleaning preparations) regardless of purpose. Going forward, classification will depend on the intended use (e.g., cosmetic, medical, industrial, or for food purposes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Aromatherapy: preparations move from Class 03 to Class 05<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aromatherapy preparations will in future be classified\u2014like other therapeutic preparations\u2014in Class 05 (pharmaceutical and medical products); conflicting entries in Class 03 (cosmetics, personal care, cleaning preparations) will be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Spectacles & contact lenses: from Class 09 to Class 10 (with exceptions)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spectacles and contact lenses (including sunglasses) move from Class 09 (optical and scientific apparatus and instruments) to Class 10 (medical apparatus and instruments). Sports goggles remain in Class 09 due to their protective function; \u201cnovelty glasses\u201d remain in Class 28 (games, toys, sporting articles). Related accessories (cases, cords) are also affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the rental of spectacles will be classified in Class 44 (medical services).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4) Firefighting and rescue vehicles: from Class 09 to Class 12<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighting and rescue vehicles will no longer fall under Class 09 (apparatus\/instruments, including safety and rescue equipment), but will be treated as vehicles in Class 12 (vehicles) (other firefighting\/protective devices remain in Class 09).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) Nose clips for swimmers: now Class 10<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nose clips for swimmers move from Class 09 (protective\/safety articles, apparatus) to Class 10 (medical\/health-related articles); nose clips for divers remain in Class 09 as protective equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) Electrically heated clothing: from Class 11 to Class 25<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrically heated garments will in future be classified like ordinary clothing in Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear) (instead of Class 11 (lighting, heating, cooling) due to the heating function).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7) Clutch linings: split from Class 17 into Classes 12 and 07<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The non-specific term \u201cclutch linings\u201d (previously Class 17 (rubber, plastics, sealing and insulating materials)) will no longer be used in this form:<\/p>\n\n\n\n