Starting 1 January 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will implement the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (Nice 13-2026) as the latest international reference for the classification of goods and services in Trademark registrations.
For many Trademark Owners, this announcement is often misunderstood as a change that will automatically apply uniformly worldwide. In practice, however, the reality is far more complex—and misunderstanding this point can have a direct impact on your overseas Trademark filing strategy.
This article explains what is actually changing, what is not, and what foreign Trademark Owners need to consider strategically.
What Is the Nice Classification and Why Does It Matter?
The Nice Classification is an international system that divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 classes for goods and 11 for services). It is used by almost all Trademark offices worldwide for Trademark searches, filing, substantive examination, and enforcement.
In other words, the class you select determines the scope of legal protection of your Trademark. Errors in classification may result in rejection, limited protection, or protection gaps that only become apparent when a dispute arises.
What Will Change Starting 1 January 2026?
WIPO will begin applying the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification to new international Trademark registrations processed through the Madrid System (Madrid Protocol) as of 1 January 2026.
Key changes introduced in Nice 13 include:
- The transfer of certain categories of goods to different classes (e.g. optical products, emergency vehicles, electrically heated clothing).
- A classification approach that places greater emphasis on the function and intended use of goods.
- Terminology updates to reflect current commercial practices and technological developments better.
However, this is where an important and often overlooked issue arises.
Not All Countries Automatically Follow WIPO’s Nice 13
The fact is that not all countries will immediately adopt Nice 13, even though WIPO has put it into effect. While WIPO acts as the coordinator of the international system, each national or regional Trademark office retains sovereignty to decide when and how a particular edition of the Nice Classification is adopted—whether immediately, gradually, or with delay.
As a result, in 2026, the world will not be operating under a single, uniform version of the Nice Classification.
Countries That Have Announced Adoption of Nice 13
Several major jurisdictions have announced that they will adopt Nice 13 for applications filed from 1 January 2026, including Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong, as well as some European countries and other Madrid member states.
However, these announcements are not universal. Many countries have not yet issued official statements or continue to apply earlier editions of the Nice Classification—including Indonesia, which still adopts Nice Classification Edition 11.
Accordingly, overseas Trademark filings must follow different versions of the Nice Classification depending on the destination country. This also applies to foreign applicants filing Trademarks in Indonesia, who must still use Nice 11, with no official indication yet as to when Indonesia will adopt Nice 12 or Nice 13.
Instead of Uniformity, Trademark Class Strategy Becomes More Complex
Therefore, as a Trademark Owner, you must understand the following key aspects:
- Country Designation Strategy
Trademark Owners must identify which countries have adopted Nice 13 and which still apply earlier editions before determining the designated countries in an international application. - Clearance Search
Trademark searches must be conducted using the relevant classes under the Nice edition applicable in the destination country, in order to avoid future conflict risks. - Drafting of Goods and Services Specifications
The description of goods and/or services must be compatible with the Nice Classification edition applied in the destination country and should not merely replicate the specifications used in the local registration. - Trademark Portfolio Management
Changes in classification may create protection gaps or overlaps with other Trademarks, which should be anticipated and addressed through regular Trademark portfolio audits.
Should you need more information on Trademark filings in Indonesia and mapping the relevant Nice Classification classes, please contact us directly through the following channels and receive a FREE 15-minute consultation.
📩 E-Mail : [email protected]
📞 Book a Call : +62 21 83793812
💬 WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889
