The 13th edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13-2026) will apply from January 1, 2026. The changes mainly concern the allocation of individual goods and services to classes; some items have been “moved” to other classes.

The following applies to German trademarks: Applications filed with the German Patent and Trademark Office on or after January 1, 2026 will be classified according to the new classification; ongoing proceedings and renewals will not be reclassified.

The Nice Classification remains the standard for EU trademarks, as the lists of goods and services in the EU procedure are structured according to this system(European Union Intellectual Property Office).

The following applies to international trademarks in the Madrid system: New applications from the cut-off date onwards will be treated in accordance with NCL 13-2026; existing international registrations will not be reclassified(World Intellectual Property Organization).

What is the Nice Classification all about?

Every trademark application must specify the goods and services for which protection is claimed. This classification is largely based on a uniform international system: the Nice Classification. It divides goods and services into 45 classes (34 classes of goods and 11 classes of services).

Important: The Nice Classification is not a formal accessory, but the basis of the structure of the list of goods and services – and thus of the examination and administrative practice of the trade mark offices. The system is updated regularly; the 13th edition will apply from January 1, 2026.

Terms briefly explained

• List of goods and services: The list that defines what your trademark claims protection for. It defines the scope of protection.
• Nice class: One of the 45 categories for systematic classification.
• Basic trademark (Madrid/WIPO): National or regional application/registration on which an international registration is based.

What will change with the 13th edition (NCL 13-2026)?

The core of the change is pragmatic: certain goods and services will be classified differently in future – in some cases in other classes. Class titles and the alphabetical lists are also affected.

There is a simple reason why this is relevant in practice: Many applicants work with older text modules. If a term has “moved” in the meantime, a copy & paste list may no longer match the current system from 2026 – with queries, delays or corrections as a result.

Which brands does this apply to – and when?

1) German trademark (DPMA)

The following applies to trademarks protected in Germany:

• Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026 will be classified according to NCL 13-2026.
• No reclassification: Neither current registrations nor renewals will be reclassified due to a new edition – not even upon request.
• Relevance of fees: The class classification on the day of receipt of the registration is decisive.

2) European Union trademark (EUIPO)

Classification in the EU trade mark procedure is also based on the Nice system. With the entry into force of NCL 13-2026, the content of the list of goods and services should match the new classification, as the EU procedures are based on this system.

Delimitation: The Nice Classification does not determine the geographical scope of the EU trademark, but the classification of the goods and services for which protection is claimed.

3) International trademark (Madrid/WIPO)

There are two connecting factors for international registrations:

• New applications received by offices of origin on or after January 1, 2026 will be subject to NCL 13-2026.
• The same applies to applications received by WIPO after the two-month deadline.

Important for existing holders: International registrations dated before January 1, 2026 will not be reclassified. The label “NCL (13-2026)” will be visible in documents and in the eMadrid account; the Goods & Services Manager will be updated on the cut-off date.

Practical consequences: Who should pay particular attention now?

NCL 13-2026 is particularly relevant for:

• Companies in transition (new digital services, new product lines) that expand or reuse directories.
• Applicants around the turn of the year 2025/2026, because the relevant date determines the applicable edition.
• Madrid applicants with an older base mark that may require adjustment.

Typical errors

• Adopt old class logic: Terms may have changed class.
• Unclear terms instead of precise classification: This leads to queries and delays.
• Ignore base mark (Madrid): Classification deviations increase the reconciliation effort.