13th Edition of the Nice Classification for the Registration of Trademarks Now Adopted in the Philippines

Starting 01 January 2026, the 13^th Edition of the Nice Classification for the registration of trademarks, denominated as “NCL (13-2026),” has taken effect.

The Nice Classification is an internationally recognized system of classifying goods and services for trademark registration and maintenance, established by the Nice Agreement of 1957 and promulgated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As one of WIPO’s 194 member states, the Philippines automatically adopts the 13^th Edition without need for further formal action from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Some notable changes in this new edition include:

Reclassification of goods

Introduction of new goods

Reclassification of services

Introduction of new goods

Practical effects of the New 13^th Nice Class Edition

This change is impactful in the practice of intellectual property law in the Philippines as it affects new trademark applications received by both the International Bureau for international registrations under the Madrid Protocol and the IPOPHL’s Bureau of Trademarks for national marks.

Take note, however, that the changes in the 13^th edition will only be applied prospectively and not retroactively. Only new applications shall apply the reclassification of goods, and Office Actions may be issued if the application does not conform with the 13^th edition. Trademark registrations applied for before January 2026 need not be reclassified, but upon renewal, an Office Action may be issued to align the classes of the registration with the current edition.

When filing new trademark applications, it is thus best check WIPO’s Madrid Goods and Services Manager for the correct classifications. For a smooth trademark application process without Office Actions that may cause delays, our experienced IP Team is ready to assist. You may reach out to us at ipteam@platonmartinez.com for inquiries.