Key Changes to Class 9 in the Nice Classification Effective 1 January 2026

The Nice Classification, the international system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration, will undergo important changes affecting Class 9, effective January 1, 2026. Two categories of goods will be reclassified to improve clarity and reduce overlap in trademark filings:

• Eyewear products (including spectacles, sunglasses, and contact lenses) will be moved to Class 10.
• Emergency and rescue vehicles (such as fire engines and lifeboats) will be reclassified under Class 12.

These changes result from a coordinated effort by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with member states and based on proposals submitted by the International Trademark Association (INTA). The goal is to better reflect the evolving landscape of digital and technological goods.

The reclassifications will be implemented in the upcoming 13th edition of the Nice Classification and are expected to support more consistent and efficient trademark practices across jurisdictions.

Brand owners and IP practitioners are encouraged to consider these updates when planning future filings or reviewing existing trademark portfolios