The Nice Classification, an international classification of goods and services applied for the registration of trademarks, is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and aligned with modern advancements and market reality. With the 2025 version of the 12th Edition of the Nice Classification coming into effect on 1 January 2025, it is important to examine the introduced changes.

Numerous terms have been added, modified, or deleted in nearly all classes to reflect new trends and contemporary language use. It appears that one of the key goals was to enhance the clarity of descriptions and terminology across class headings and explanatory notes. For instance, Class 9 has been expanded to address the growing significance of digital and virtual products. The term “security tokens being encryption devices” has been deleted and replaced with the term “security token hardware for user authentication” to reflect contemporary usage. The term “nursing pillows” has been deleted from Class 10 and transferred to Class 20. Similarly, Class 29 now includes “cut fruits”, “cut vegetables” and “tofu-based snack food”, while Class 40 has refined its scope by replacing “services of a dental technician” with “custom manufacturing of orthodontic appliances,” reflecting a growing demand for customized solutions.

In addition, there are changes that are structural in nature and involve format updates designed to improve technical consistency without altering the content.

The changes carry significant implications for businesses and legal professionals involved in trademark registration. Each modification, however minor it may seem, requires a careful consideration to ensure that companies and individuals are classifying their goods and services accurately and in accordance with the latest standards.

By: Dora Klančnik

For more information, please contact Dora Klančnik at our Slovenia office.