The aim of these articles is to keep our Clients and Associates updated about developments in the sector of Intellectual Property in general and our firm in particular. In this way, we wish to provide a broader view of the tools that the field of trade marks, domain names, patents, designs and related rights offers to entrepreneurs to enhance and protect their efforts in researching and developing new solutions and ideas.
New Nice Classification Now in Force
As announced in our November 2025 edition, we remind you that the 13th Edition (Version 2026) of the Nice Classification for trade mark registration came into force on 1 January 2026, introducing significant updates.
All trademark applications filed in Italy and at the EUIPO from 1 January 2026 onwards must therefore use the 2026 (NCL 13-2026) edition.
The key changes are the following:
- Essential oils are now classified according to their purpose, therefore, those used in manufacture are classified in Class 1 and those for fragrancing stay with all the fragrances in Class 3. It has also been clarified that all food flavourings are now classified in Class 30 (whereas those being essential oils may have been previously classified in Class 3).
- Corrective glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses are moved from Class 9 to Class 10.
- Emergency and rescue vehicles: Fire engines, fire boats and lifeboats have been moved from Class 9 to Class 12.
- Clutch linings have been removed from Class 17: these will now be classified according to whether they are for land vehicles (Class 12) or not (Class 7).
- Parasols have been changed to read hand-held parasols in Class 18 and patio umbrellas have been added to Class 22, to make it clear that only hand-held umbrellas and hand-held parasols are classified in Class 18.
- Electrically heated clothing not meant for protection against accident or injury nor for medical purposes has been moved from Class 11 to Class 25.
- Yoga articles have been put into their appropriate classes, according to their nature. Yoga and meditation cushions are in class 20, yoga gloves are in class 25, meditation mats are in Class 27 and yoga blocks in Class 28.
With regards to services, the following amendments can be mentioned:
- Artificial intelligence as a service [AIaaS] has been included as a new entry in Class 42.
- The booking and arranging of access to airport lounges have been included in Class 43.
- Changes to rental of spectacles and rental of sunglasses, both now classified only in Class 44.
Our trade mark attorneys at INTERPATENT will ensure that any new trade mark instructions entrusted to us will be fully aligned with the updated Nice Classification for goods and services and would be delighted to support you should you wish to benefit from a preliminary check.