Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
日本語
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced that the 13th edition of the Nice Classification will officially enter into force as of 1 January 2026. This is the international classification system for goods and services used worldwide in trademark registration.
Under established practice, the Nice Classification is issued in a new edition every three years and updated annually within each edition cycle. The 13th edition continues to revise and refine the classification framework to reflect developments in the market, technology, and commercial practice.
Notable changes
The new edition introduces several adjustments to the classification of goods and services, including the reallocation of certain products and services to different classes compared to previous editions.
Accordingly, applicants should carefully review these changes when preparing international trademark applications, particularly where the basic mark (national or regional application or registration) is classified under an earlier version of the Nice Classification.
Scope of application of the 13th edition
The 13th edition of the Nice Classification will apply to:
– All new applications received by Intellectual Property Offices from 1 January 2026 onwards.
– Applications received by WIPO from 1 January 2026 in cases where filing is made after the two-month time limit prescribed under Article 3(4) of the Madrid Protocol.
– International trademark registrations with a registration date prior to 1 January 2026 will not be reclassified under the new edition.
WIPO will add the notation “NCL (13-2026)” next to the list of goods and services in notifications sent to designated Members of the Madrid System, on International Registration Certificates, in official publications, and in the asset information section of the eMadrid system.
At the same time, the Goods and Services Management tool on eMadrid will also be updated accordingly as of 1 January 2026.
Download the Guideline concerning the classification of goods and services in international applications under the Madrid system here.
View the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement, Version 13-2026 (Applicable from January 1, 2026) here.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Intellectual Property Services. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
