Entry into Force of the 12th Edition of the Nice Classification on 1 January 2023

Trade mark practitioners should be aware that the 12th edition 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 2023.  The 12th edition can be assessed here.    

In its recent Information Notice (here), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (“WIPO”) confirmed that the 12th edition will apply to any application for IR that is received by the office of origin or the International Bureau of WIPO on or after 1 January 2023.  

It's time again to take a careful review at the specifications.

As per usual, each edition of the Nice Classification will include new items as well as amendments and/or transfer of items.  This Kat finds the items below particularly interesting (but do note this is in the Kat’s purr-sonal view):- 

Class 9:-

• Addition of the items “downloadable digital files authenticated by non-fungible tokens [NFTs]”, “computer network routers”, “portable document scanners”, “cases for smartphones incorporating a keyboard”.
• Amendment of the item “downloadable computer software for managing cyptocurrency transactions using blockchain technology” to “downloadable computer software for managing crypto asset transactions using blockchain technology”. 

Class 10:- 

• Addition of the item “respiratory marks for medical purposes”. 

Class 20:- 

• Amendment of the explanatory note, stating that certain non-metal dispensing apparatus, automatic or non-automatic, e.g. towel dispensers and dispensers for dog waste bags, will be covered under Class 20.  This is subject to the function or purpose of the goods which may affect the classification. 

Class 24:- 

• Addition of the items “yoga blankets” and “yoga towels”.  

Class 28:- 

• Addition of the item “toy musical instruments”. 

Class 36:- 

• Amendment of the item “real estate affairs” to “real estate services”.

Class 42:- 

• Amendment of the item “information technology [IT] consultancy” to “information technology [IT] support services [troubleshooting of software]”. 
• Amendment of the item “cryptocurrency mining / cryptomining” to “mining of crypto assets / cryptomining”.  
• Addition of the item “archaeological excavation”. 

Class 45:- 

• Deletion of the class heading item “personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals”. 
• Addition of the class heading items “dating services, online social networking services; funerary services; babysitting”.