On January 1st, the 12th edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Registration of Trademarks (Nice Classification) entered into force with some meaningful changes. Although no new classes are incorporated, the Nice Classification introduces delimitations and extensions of products and services of specific classes. Some of the most outstanding cases would be these:
- There is an additional description about NFT in class 09.
- In class 36, financial businesses become financial services.
- Automobile subscription services are now in class 39.
- The virtual guided tour service, added to class 41.
- The home service for animal care and walking is now in class 45.
The inclusion of NFT as downloadable digital files authenticated by non-fungible tokens is remarkable in this new edition of the Nice Classification. However, the EUIPO considers that the term NFT in the product description just by itself is not enough. In order to reduce the risk of admission of the wording of the product and/or service statement during the registration procedure, it will still be necessary to specify the type of digital product represented by the NFT.
These changes follow the terms agreed at the 31st Meeting of Experts of the Nice Union. Every year, there is a revision of the Nice Classification in search of updates that allow it to include new elements that are increasingly common, such as the NFT mentioned before. This classification and the choice of classes are essential for intellectual and industrial property offices and registration holders to distinguish and protect trademark-related products and services.
If you need us to help you write the statement of products and services and protect your brand, to guarantee adequate coverage for your current activity, contact us at ponti@ponti.pro or by calling 93 487 49 36.
