If you’re planning to trademark a brand name, logo, or product in 2026, there’s an important update you should know about. The 13th edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services, known as the Nice Classification, officially entered into force on January 1, 2026—and it brings several meaningful changes that affect how trademarks are researched and filed.
While the Nice Classification is an international system, it directly influences how trademarks are classified in the United States through the USPTO’s Trademark ID Manual. In short: classification changes can impact both clearance research and application accuracy, and getting them wrong can lead to delays, refusals, or unexpected costs.
Let’s break down what changed, why it matters, and what business owners should keep in mind.
The Nice Classification is a global system that organizes goods and services into 45 trademark classes:
The goal is consistency. Whether a trademark is filed in the U.S., the EU, or elsewhere, the same general class structure applies.
However, each country applies the Nice Classification through its own rules. In the U.S., the USPTO uses the Nice framework but requires descriptions that align with its Trademark ID Manual. That’s why changes to Nice matter—even for U.S.-only filings.
The Nice Classification is updated regularly, but the 13th edition includes several reclassifications and clarifications that affect common consumer products, emerging technologies, and modern services.
If you rely on outdated assumptions—especially from older filings or online examples—you could:
Comprehensive trademark research looks at both current and older classifications, because trademarks filed before January 2026 remain listed in their original classes.
Essential oils are now classified based on their purpose:
In addition, all food flavorings are now classified in Class 30. Previously, some flavor-related products—especially those involving essential oils—were inconsistently classified.
Why this matters: A wellness or food brand could easily miss a conflicting mark if searches don’t account for these clarified boundaries.
The following items have been moved:
Why this matters: Older eyewear trademarks may still live in Class 9, meaning thorough research must cover both old and new classifications.
These are now in Class 12 instead of Class 9.
This aligns them with other vehicles rather than safety or technical equipment.
This eliminates confusion between personal accessories and outdoor furnishings.
This is especially relevant for apparel and lifestyle brands using heating technology.
Instead of lumping yoga products together, they are now classified by their nature:
Why this matters: A yoga brand may need multiple classes to properly protect its product line.
Artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS) is now a recognized entry in Class 42.
This is a major update for tech startups and SaaS companies using AI-driven platforms.
Beyond the headline changes, the 13th edition also introduces a range of modern and unexpected additions that reflect how quickly the marketplace is evolving. In Class 9, new entries now account for emerging technology and safety needs, including virtual mirrors, pet life jackets, and riot shields. Class 18 expands to include Nordic walking poles, while Class 20 now clearly covers items such as seed-based figurines and furniture altars.
Consumer lifestyle trends also make an appearance. Beard aprons have earned a place in Class 25, and stress balls are now specifically recognized in Class 28. The growth of electric vehicles and alternative fueling models is reflected in Class 37, which now includes EV battery swapping services and the rental of fuel dispensing machines.
Together, these additions underscore an important reality: as products, services, and business models evolve, trademark classification systems must evolve right alongside them.
Trademark clearance research isn’t just about what your brand is called—it’s about where and how it’s used.
With the 13th edition:
A comprehensive search accounts for both current and historical classification logic to properly assess risk.
When filing a U.S. trademark application:
Filing correctly from the start saves time, money, and frustration—and helps ensure your brand protection matches your actual business.
The Nice Classification 13th edition may sound technical, but its impact is very real for business owners looking to trademark their brands in 2026 and beyond. Classification changes affect what you search, where you file, and how strong your protection is.
Understanding these updates is a key part of making smart branding decisions.
At TradeMark Express, we help business owners navigate trademark research and application preparation with clarity and confidence. Our comprehensive trademark searches reflect the latest Nice Classification updates, and our application support is designed to help filings move smoothly through the USPTO.
Contact TradeMark Express today to make sure your trademark strategy is aligned with today’s rules—not yesterday’s assumptions.
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