Author: Boyana Boyadzhieva
A new version of the Twelfth Еdition of the International Classification of Goods and
Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (“Nice Classification”) will enter into force
on 1 January 2024. The new version is available on the website of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at: https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/en/.
All 45 classes of goods and services have been updated, with several significant additions. The changes are intended not only to bring the Nice Classification in line with technological advances but also to reflect societal changes, environmental awareness, and the growing importance of mental health, such as:
– The 2024 Nice Classification includes terms that represent the limits of travel, both within and beyond the Earth’s atmosphere with “space transport” and “self-driving cars.”
– Technological advances are reflected in a number of new cryptocurrency trading terms, as well as terms involving augmented reality.
– Societal changes are reflected in terms such as „content moderation for internet chatrooms“, „online retail services with virtual downloadable virtual clothing“ or „simulated travel services provided in virtual environments for entertainment purposes“.
– As environmental challenges are an important topic, the Nice classification system introduces terms such as „production of renewable green energy” or “light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs”
– A set of terms for specialized consumer goods such as „jewelry for pets“ is also included.