USPTO Updates Trademark Classification System for 2027
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a final rule updating the international classification system used for trademark goods and services. The changes will take effect January 1, 2027, aligning U.S. trademark regulations with the latest version of the Nice Classification adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The Nice Classification is an international system containing 45 classes for organizing the goods and services identified in trademark applications and registrations. The system is established under the Nice Agreement and administered by WIPO. There are 34 classes for goods and 11 for services. Each class has a heading that generally describes the types of goods or services that fall within it.
The 2027 update is relatively limited. The USPTO is modifying the headings for Classes 6 and 9 to incorporate revisions approved during the 36th session of the Nice Union Committee of Experts in Geneva in April and May 2026.
The Class 6 (Common Metals and Metal Goods) heading receives a punctuation change, replacing the comma following “alloys” with a semicolon. The updated opening language reads:
“Common metals and their alloys; ores…”
Class 9:
Class 9 (Scientific, Technology and Safety Goods) receives several terminology updates involving diving equipment. The USPTO replaces older references to “divers” with more contemporary “diving” terminology. Among the changes:
“divers' masks” becomes “diving masks”
“ear plugs for divers” becomes “ear plugs for diving”
“nose clips for divers” becomes “nose clips for diving”
“gloves for divers” becomes “diving gloves”
The revised Class 9 heading will therefore include “diving suits, diving masks, ear plugs for diving, nose clips for diving, diving gloves” among the goods covered by the class.
The Nice Classification evolves as terminology, products, services and technology change. Member countries participate in the Nice Union Committee of Experts, which considers proposed revisions to the system each year. Annual updates can add or remove goods and services from the Alphabetical List and modify wording in class headings and explanatory notes. New editions are now published every three years and may include more substantial changes, such as transferring goods or services between classes or creating new classes.
The revisions taking effect in 2027 are intended to more clearly describe the types of goods belonging in the affected classes rather than change the substantive standards for obtaining a trademark registration.
The USPTO 2027 changes, which become effective January 1st will be straightforward. The update is nevertheless a useful reminder that trademark classification terminology is not static. Applicants should use current classification language when preparing identifications of goods and services and remain aware of Nice Classification updates that may affect how particular products or services are described.