Insights
March 13, 2026
UAE adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (Effective 27 January 2026)
The United Arab Emirates has officially adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services as the mandatory system for trademark registrations, effective 27 January 2026. This update represents one of the most significant classification changes in recent years and aligns the UAE with the latest international standard published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). UAE was earlier following the Nice Classification 10th edition.
What Is Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is a globally recognized trademark system used to group goods and services into 45 classes for trademark application purposes. It is used by trademark offices worldwide, including the UAE, to determine the scope of protection and to assess similarity during examination.
The classification system is critical because trademark rights are defined by the goods and services listed in the application. Accurate classification helps:
Ensure correct examination
Avoid office actions or refusals
Secure the intended protection scope
Facilitate international filings under the Madrid Protocol
Key Implementation Details in the UAE
Under the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s directive, all new trademark applications filed on or after 27 January 2026 in the UAE must comply with the 13th Edition. Applications filed before this effective date continue to be examined under the previous edition. Failure to update classifications may lead to examination objections, delays, or narrower protection than intended.
The 13th Edition can be accessed on:
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism website under Trademark Services
The WIPO official website, which provides full class listings and amendment.
Important Classification Changes in the 13th Edition
While the number of classes remains unchanged at 45, the 13th Edition introduces extensive updates that affect how specific goods and services are classified, including reclassification, redistribution, and updated categorization based on use and function.
Below are the major class level changes that practitioners and brand owners must consider when preparing trademark applications:
1. Reclassification of Eyewear and Optical Products
Corrective glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses have moved from Class 9 (previously technology/optical apparatus) to Class 10 (medical and therapeutic instruments).
2. Essential Oils Classification
During pEssential oils are now classified by intended use rather than a single class designation:
Cosmetic use: Class 3
Food use/flavoring: Class 30
Medical use: Class 5
Industrial/chemical use: Class 1
3. Emergency and Rescue Vehicles
Traditionally in Class 9, items such as:
Fire engines
Fireboats
Lifeboats
have been reclassified to Class 12 (vehicles).
4. Electrically Heated Clothing
Electrically heated garments and accessories, such as heated socks and footmuffs, have shifted from Class 11 (appliances) to Class 25 (clothing).
5. Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have been moved from Class 10 (medical apparatus) to Class 21 (household utensils).
6. Purpose Based Classification of Goods
The 13th Edition prioritizes function and purpose over composition.
Examples:
Yoga blocks → Class 28
Yoga gloves → Class 25
Meditation mats → Class 27
7. New Services and Digital Economy Terms
The updated classification recognizes modern commercial services that reflect evolving market trends:
Additional updates include new services such as “Artificial intelligence as a service (AIaaS)” in Class 42, reflecting advancements in technology.
Specific airport lounge services appear in Class 43
Practical Implications for Applicants
Clearer & More Precise Filings
The revised framework necessitates careful drafting of specifications. Vague or outdated descriptions may no longer fit new classification criteria, leading to potential objections.
Portfolios and Clearance Searches
Brand owners should:
Review existing portfolios
Update clearance search strategies to reflect new placements
Consider dual-class searches where prior classifications have changed
No Retrospective Reclassification
Existing registrations are not automatically reclassified. Registered marks maintain their original class designations even after the transition.
Conclusion
The UAE’s adoption of the Nice Classification 13th Edition represents a substantial modernization of trademark filing standards. Although the total number of classes remains the same, the detailed reclassification of many goods and services reflects a purposeful shift toward categorization based on function, use, and commercial relevance.
For trademark applicants and portfolio managers, understanding and adapting to these changes is essential to ensuring correct classification, avoiding examination delays, and securing robust legal protection under the updated regime.