Effective 27 January 2026
The United Arab Emirates has formally implemented the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification, with effect from 27 January 2026, further reinforcing its alignment with global trademark practice.
Although the 13th Edition officially entered into force internationally on 1 January 2026, adoption across the MENA region remains gradual, resulting in differing classification standards between jurisdictions.
Alignment with International Trademark Standards
By transitioning to the 13th Edition, the UAE continues to modernize its trademark framework and maintain consistency with international classification practices. While the update does not introduce new trademark classes, it refines class headings, some explanatory notes and numerous individual terms across all 45 classes. The objective is to improve clarity and better reflect current commercial and technological realities. For brand owners, this development enhances predictability in examination and contributes to a more structured classification approach.
Noteworthy Developments Introduced by the 13th Edition
While the 13th Edition does not alter the overall structure of the Nice system or create additional classes, it introduces targeted refinements that affect how goods and services are categorized in practice. These updates reflect a more function-driven and commercially realistic approach to classification.
Among the more relevant adjustments:
- Certain products are now categorized according to their actual purpose and technical characteristics, resulting in the movement of some non-connected optical items away from Class 9.
- The treatment of essential oils has been reassessed. Where such products are positioned or marketed for therapeutic or medical use, they may now be examined under Class 5 rather than being routinely accepted in Class 3.
- The growing digital economy is further acknowledged through the explicit inclusion of Artificial Intelligence delivered as a service (AIaaS) within Class 42.
- Service classifications have been refined to eliminate ambiguity, including clearer placement of airport lounge and related hospitality services under Class 43.
Although these revisions may seem subtle, they are significant from a prosecution standpoint, as they directly influence specification drafting strategies and the likelihood of classification objections during examination.
Classification Landscape Across MENA
The region currently applies multiple editions of the Nice Classification, creating a parallel system of standards:
- 13th Edition: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, United Arab Emirates
- 12th Edition: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
- 11th Edition: Iraq, Oman, Qatar
- 10th Edition: Kuwait
- 8th Edition: Libya
This uneven implementation means that identical goods or service descriptions may be accepted in one jurisdiction yet objected to in another, depending on the edition applied.
Practical Considerations for Applicants
- The update primarily affects new filings in jurisdictions that have adopted the 13th Edition. Existing registrations generally remain unaffected unless amendments are requested within the permitted scope.
- Applicants filing through the Madrid System should exercise particular caution, especially where the Office of Origin applies the 13th Edition while designated MENA countries continue to rely on earlier editions. Divergent examination standards may result in classification objections or specification adjustments.
- Careful drafting of goods and services remains essential to ensure consistency across multiple jurisdictions.
For guidance on trademark classification strategy in UAE or across the MENA region, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.atb-ip.com for further information about our intellectual property services.