Nice Classification 13 Takes Effect in 2026 – What Trademark Owners Must Know When Filing Abroad - AFFA IPR

Nice Classification 13 Takes Effect in 2026 – What Trademark Owners Must Know When Filing Abroad

Intellectual Property, TrademarkLeave a comment

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

Indonesia Sets New Record for Madrid Protocol Trademark Filings in 2024 - AFFA IPR

Indonesia Sets New Record for Madrid Protocol Trademark Filings in 2024

Intellectual Property, Trademark

The use of the Madrid System — the international Trademark registration system administered by WIPO — continued to show positive growth globally throughout 2024. Indonesia has also become an important part of this growth, both as a designated country and as a country of origin for international trademark applications.   Throughout 2024, Indonesia received 8,678 international designations under the Madrid System. This means that thousands of global Trademark owners are now targeting Indonesia to secure exclusive rights in this strategically important domestic market. Compared to the previous year, designations to Indonesia increased by +10.3%, marking significant growth in the Southeast Asian region. Indonesia even entered the Top 20 destinations!   Together with Vietnam (+11.2%), Thailand (+11%), and Malaysia (+9.3%), Indonesia ranked among the countries with the highest growth in Trademark protection demand under the Madrid System in 2024. This reflects the global market’s growing confidence in Indonesia’s economic potential and the increasing importance of Trademark protection in the country. Outbound Trademark Applications from Indonesia Also on the Rise   Not only has Indonesia become more attractive to foreign applicants, but Indonesian Trademark owners are also increasingly utilizing the Madrid System to secure protection in multiple jurisdictions. In 2024, 113 Madrid applications were filed by applicants based in Indonesia, representing a 13% increase compared to the previous year.   This growth indicates rising awareness among Indonesian businesses — from SMEs to large corporations — of the importance of securing Trademark rights internationally at an early stage of business expansion. Strong Trademark protection in export destination countries has now become an integral part of the global business strategy for Indonesian companies. AFFA Intellectual Property Rights Handles 10% of Madrid Applications from Indonesia   Of these 113 outbound filings, approximately 10% were handled by AFFA Intellectual Property Rights, a registered Trademark consultant with an extensive international network.   With experience managing Madrid filings across major jurisdictions — including the United States, European Union, Japan, China, ASEAN, the Middle East, and Africa — AFFA IPR remains committed to being a strategic partner for Indonesian businesses expanding their international Trademark protection.   Read also: Trademark Registration Procedure in Bali   Should you need more information about filing Trademark applications designating Indonesia via the Madrid Protocol, please contact us at [email protected].   Source: WIPO Madrid Yearly Review 2025

Indonesia Adopts International Treaty for the Protection of Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge - AFFA IPR

Indonesia Adopts International Treaty for the Protection of Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge

Intellectual Property

After 11 days of intensive negotiations, the International Diplomatic Conference at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 24th, agreed on and adopted the International Treaty on the Protection of Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge. This is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge, and it is also the first to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.   The final round of negotiations, attended by 193 representatives of WIPO member states, Indigenous People, and Local Communities, also agreed on a new international law on transparency and protection of the global Patent system.   By definition and scope, Genetic Resources are contained in, for example, medicinal plants, agricultural crops, and animal breeds. While Genetic Resources themselves cannot be directly protected as Intellectual Property, inventions developed using them can, most often through a Patent. Some Genetic Resources are also associated with Traditional Knowledge through their use and conservation by Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, often over generations. This knowledge is sometimes used in scientific research and, as such, may contribute to the development of a protected invention.   With this treaty, Indonesia and countries that own Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge will gain several significant benefits as follows:   Transparency The global Patent system will experience increased transparency with the obligation of each country to disclose Patents globally. The Enactment of Sanctions Mechanisms The protection of Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge will be enhanced by imposing adequate sanctions. The Creation of Global Standards The treaty will promote standardization and harmonization of global regulations. Protection of Local Wisdom The treaty opens up opportunities to advance other issues related to traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expression.   The Treaty itself will be signed at the 65th WIPO General Assemblies in July. After the Diplomatic Conference in May, Indonesia signed the Final Act, a non-binding document serving as a record of the proceedings. However, signing the Treaty will not immediately lead to ratification or accession to this Treaty. It would have to go through internal processes with all the stakeholders in Indonesia, such as the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP), the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the House of Representatives.    Should you need more information about IP protection in Indonesia or abroad, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].   Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)