Global Trademark Overhaul: Nice Classification 13th Edition Reclassifies High-Volume Goods Across Class 9 and 10

The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification is here. Learn how eyewear and emergency goods reclassifications impact your trademark monitoring and search strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:02 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Lexology

The Triennial Evolution of International Trademarks

Since its inception in 1961, the Nice Classification has served as the universal framework for organizing goods and services in trademark proceedings. While minor annual updates are standard, the system underwent a significant structural transformation in 2013, moving to a three-year cycle for substantial revisions. The 2026 edition represents one of the most impactful updates in recent history, specifically targeting the "decluttering" of Class 9. This class, which traditionally housed a vast array of scientific and digital goods, has been streamlined to improve the precision of global intellectual property registries.

The Great Eyewear Migration to Class 10

The most consequential change in the 13th Edition involves the total removal of eyewear from Class 9. Under the new rules, all eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses have been transferred to Class 10. Crucially, this move applies regardless of whether the items are intended for medical prescription or purely optical use. The reclassification also captures all related accessories, including frames, chains, cases, and specialized lenses. This shift reflects a broader administrative effort to group personal wearable optics with other medical and physical apparatuses, effectively ending decades of Class 9 dominance for fashion and medical eyewear brands.

Emergency Transport and Heated Apparel Shifts

The 2026 revisions extend beyond eyewear, affecting the classification of emergency response equipment and specialized clothing. Fire engines, fire boats, life-saving rafts, and evacuation chairs have been officially migrated from Class 9 to Class 12, aligning them with other transport vehicles. Furthermore, the burgeoning sector of "electrically heated clothing" has been removed from Class 11 and placed into Class 25. This change signifies a recognition of these items primarily as apparel rather than heating appliances, a move that directly impacts how outdoor and tech-integrated clothing brands must file their future applications.