Dear clients and friends,
On January 1, 2026, the 13th edition of the Nice Classification entered into force. The Nice Classification is the international system used to classify goods and services for trademark registration purposes.
This update forms part of the ongoing review process under the Nice Agreement, aimed at reflecting the evolution of markets, technologies, and economic activities.
Is an international system that organizes goods and services into classes in order to facilitate trademark registration and protection. It was established in 1957 and has been revised on multiple occasions to remain up to date. Today, it is used by most countries worldwide as a common reference for trademark registration.
Proper classification is essential to ensure adequate protection of a trademark and to avoid objections or inconsistencies during the registration process.
Countries that are parties to the Nice Agreement are required to adopt this classification for trademark registrations and to clearly indicate the relevant classes in their official documents and publications.
The 13th edition of the Nice Classification introduces adjustments to the classification of certain goods and services, some of which have been reallocated to different classes or have had their descriptions clarified.
These changes do not respond to a sector-specific focus, but rather to the need to improve the clarity, coherence, and technical accuracy of the classification in light of market and technological evolution.
Accordingly, it is particularly important to review these changes when filing new trademark applications, especially when relying on registrations or applications based on previous editions, in order to avoid objections or inconsistencies during prosecution.
Although the 13th edition does not introduce changes aimed at a specific sector, certain industries are more likely to be affected by adjustments in wording or reclassification of goods and services, including:
- Technology and digital products, including software, digital platforms, and smart products, whose classification no longer depends automatically on their technological components;
- Energy and sustainability, such as services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies;
- Mobility and transportation, including electric and hybrid vehicles and related services;
- E-commerce and digital services, as well as online intermediation business models.
For example, under the new edition, smart products are no longer automatically classified in Class 9 solely because they incorporate technology. Their classification depends on their primary function; thus, a smart toy is classified in Class 28, rather than in Class 9.
As of January 1, 2026:
- Goods and services are identified with the reference “NCL (13-2026)” in notifications, certificates, official publications, and in the information available through eMadrid.
- The eMadrid Goods and Services Manager was updated to reflect the new edition of the Nice Classification.
- Existing international trademark registrations with a filing date prior to January 1, 2026 will not be reclassified and will retain the classification in force at the time of their registration.
Conclusion
The entry into force of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification represents a relevant change that must be taken into account when planning new trademark applications, both at the national and international levels.
However, it is important to emphasize that these changes do not have retroactive effect: trademarks already granted, including international registrations with a date prior to January 1, 2026, will retain the classification applicable at the time of registration and will not be reclassified.
It is advisable to review the descriptions of goods and services when designing new trademark protection strategies, particularly when seeking to expand trademark portfolios, file new applications, or ensure adequate coverage in light of market and technological developments. Proper classification from the outset contributes to stronger, more efficient trademark protection aligned with current international standards.
At Ramos, Ripoll & Schuster®, we have extensive experience in the management of national and international trademark registrations and remain at your disposal to advise you on the impact of these changes on your trademark protection strategies.
Authors:
Edmundo Elías
eelias@rrs.com.mx
Alejandro Ripoll
aripoll@rrs.com.mx
Juan Rafael Amador-Espinosa
ramador@rrs.com.mx
Daniela Márquez Ledezma
Sofía Castañeda García