The 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (Nice Classification 13 – 2026), which constitutes the basis for international trademark registration, entered into force on 1 January 2026. All new trademark applications filed after this date will be examined on the basis of this edition.
Key Changes:
Optical products (spectacles, sunglasses, lenses, etc.) are now classified under Class 10 instead of Class 9; smart glasses with electronic features remain in Class 9.
Emergency and rescue vehicles have been classified under Class 12.
Electrically heated clothing has been transferred from Class 11 to Class 25.
Essential oils are now classified according to intended use: cosmetic (Class 3), medical (Class 5), food-related (Class 30).
Certain service definitions have been restructured for clearer class distinctions.
Impact on Practice — Applications and registrations filed before 1 January 2026 remain valid under their existing classifications but are not automatically transferred. All applications filed on or after 1 January 2026 must comply with the 13th Edition.
It is observed that these changes have not yet been fully reflected in Turkish practice — the Communiqué last published on 20 December 2024 remains in force. Updating it in line with the Nice 13th Edition is particularly important for foreign trademark applications, international registrations, and Madrid System procedures.