The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has issued several key announcements. Firstly, the 2026 version of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification will come into effect on 1 January 2026. This update introduces significant reclassifications of goods and services, and it is essential for applicants, holders, and IP professionals to review these changes promptly.
Furthermore, according to WIPO Nice Notification No. 147, the Government of the State of Qatar deposited its instrument of accession to the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks on 10 November 2025. The Nice Agreement will enter into force with respect to the State of Qatar on 10 February 2026. This means that the Nice Classification system will become applicable for trademark applications designating Qatar.
Key Reclassifications of Goods and Services
A significant aspect of this update is the reclassification of several common product categories. Below are some of the notable changes:
Eyewear products formerly in Class 9 – including spectacles, lenses, frames, sunglasses, and contact lenses – have been transferred to Class 10.
Firefighting and life-saving equipment such as fire engines, lifeboats, and life-saving rafts have moved from Class 9 to Class 12.
Electrically heated clothing and socks have been reclassified from Class 11 to Class 25.
Nozzles for watering hoses are now classified in Class 17 (previously Class 21).
Tongue scrapers have been moved from Class 10 to Class 21.
Buttercream (icing) is now classified under Class 30 (previously Class 29).
Professional Recommendations
Please note that the International Bureau will not reclassify existing registrations with a date prior to 1 January 2026. Applicants filing new international applications under the Madrid System should ensure their lists of goods and services are aligned with the new edition to avoid objections and potential delays.
With the accession of Qatar, the Madrid Union continues to expand. Applicants should be aware that the Nice Classification will become applicable for trademarks designating Qatar.
For a comprehensive overview of all changes, we recommend consulting the detailed comparison file available on the WIPO website or using the updated Madrid Goods & Services Manager (MGS).
Source:
1. WIPO Madrid-System Information Notice No. 37/2025
2. https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/notifications/details/treaty_nice_147
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