The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification entered into force on January 1, 2026. While several MENA trademark offices have adopted the new edition, others continue to apply earlier versions, resulting in parallel classification standards across the region.

Status by jurisdiction

 What the 13th Edition Changes

The 13th Edition does not introduce new classes, but revises headings, explanatory notes, and individual indications across all 45 classes. The changes are largely technical, aiming to align classifications more closely with function, purpose, and commercial reality.

Examples of changes reflected in the 13th Edition include:

• Reallocation of certain goods based on intended use (for example, non-smart optical goods moving out of Class 9)
• Refined treatment of essential oils, which are no longer automatically classified in Class 3 and may fall under Class 5 when linked to therapeutic use
• Explicit recognition of artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS) in Class 42
• Clarification of service-based offerings that had previously been inconsistently examined, including airport lounge services now classified in Class 43

These changes are incremental rather than structural, but they affect how specifications are examined and interpreted.

Practical Implications in the MENA Region

Because adoption remains uneven across the MENA region, identical specifications may be accepted in one jurisdiction and queried in another, depending on the Nice Edition applied. This is particularly relevant for Madrid designations where the Office of Origin applies the 13th Edition while designated MENA offices continue to rely on earlier editions. Importantly, the 13th Edition applies only to new filings in adopting jurisdictions; existing registrations are generally unaffected unless amended voluntarily and within the permissible scope.

For further information or jurisdiction-specific guidance, contact news@sabaip.com.