Important Update: Nice Classification (NCL 12) 2025 Now in Effect
What You Need to Know
An important update regarding the International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification – NCL 12, 2025 Edition), which officially came into effect in Brazil on January 1, 2025.
As you know, the Nice Classification (NCL) is essential for trademark applications, ensuring that products and services are properly categorized for intellectual property protection. Every year, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) updates this classification to reflect new market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.
To help you navigate these updates and ensure full compliance, we have outlined the key changes and how they may impact your trademark applications and renewals.
🔹 What is the Nice Classification and Why Does It Matter?
When filing a trademark application, you must specify the products or services your mark intends to cover. The Nice Classification (NCL) provides a standardized international system for categorizing these goods and services into 45 classes:
✔ Classes 1 to 34 – Goods
✔ Classes 35 to 45 – Services
This classification system ensures that trademarks are properly protected, reducing conflicts and enhancing legal certainty. Staying updated with each NCL revision is crucial to maintaining the validity and strategic positioning of your intellectual property.
🚀 What Changes in NCL (12) 2025?
The latest edition brings new inclusions, exclusions, and modifications, impacting companies across multiple industries. Here are some of the most important updates:
📌 Newly Added Products & Services
To keep up with technological advancements and new business models, the NCL has introduced several new classifications, including:
✅ Blockchain and digital assets (Class 42)
✅ Virtual clothing and augmented reality applications (Class 9)
✅ Renewable green energy production (Class 40)
✅ New substances for the chemical and medical industries (Classes 1 and 5)
These additions reflect the evolution of global markets and the growing influence of digital transformation and sustainability.
⚠️ Removed Items from the Pre-Approved List
Several products and services have been removed from the classification system, including:
❌ Electronic cigarettes and accessories (Class 9)
❌ Unprocessed cannabis and hemp seeds (Class 31)
❌ Gaming machines and gambling tokens (Class 28)
These removals align with global regulatory shifts and stricter compliance requirements.
🛠️ Terminology Updates
Some terms have been revised to improve classification accuracy, including:
➡ "Non-edible fish oil" is now "Fish oil for industrial use" (Class 4)
➡ "Medical dressings" replaces "Dressing articles" (Class 5)
➡ "Lifts" have been redefined as "Passenger elevators" (Class 7)
These updates help ensure that trademarks are classified with greater clarity and precision.
🤝 How Can We Collaborate to Ensure a Smooth Transition?
With the new NCL (12) 2025 now in force, businesses need to quickly adapt to avoid potential classification errors. Here’s how we can assist you:
✔ 📚 Knowledge Sharing: We are happy to provide insights and best practices to help you navigate these changes.
✔ 🔍 Trademark Application Review: We ensure that all new applications align with the latest classification requirements.
✔ 🛠️ Compliance Check for Existing Registrations: If your trademark portfolio needs adjustments, we will guide you through the necessary steps.
📥 Access the Updated Materials
We have prepared a set of resources to help you easily transition to the NCL (12) 2025 system:
📌 Bilingual list (English-Portuguese) of NCL (12) 2025 Link: https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/servicos/marcas/arquivos/classificacao_de_marcas/PortalINPI_NCL122025ENPTBR_20250101c.pdf
📌 Official explanatory notes and category descriptions Link: https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/servicos/marcas/arquivos/classificacao_de_marcas/INPIBRNCL122025NotasExplicativas20250101.pdf
📌 Updated Auxiliary Lists of Products and Services Link: https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/servicos/marcas/arquivos/classificacao_de_marcas/PortalINPIListaAuxiliarDeProdutosNCL122025_20250101b.pdf
📌 Summary of WIPO’s classification changes for 2025 Link: https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/servicos/marcas/arquivos/classificacao_de_marcas/PortalINPIAtualizacoes202425b.pdf
🔗 These documents are available for download on the official INPI and WIPO portals.
💡 Why This Matters for Your Business
The adoption of NCL (12) 2025 is more than just a regulatory update—it represents an opportunity for businesses to strategically position their brands and secure intellectual property rights in a rapidly changing market. Being proactive about these updates helps ensure:
✔ Stronger legal protection for your trademarks
✔ More efficient application and renewal processes
✔ Better alignment with international best practices
As intellectual property experts, we are committed to helping you seamlessly integrate these changes into your trademark strategy.
📩 Need Support? Let’s Talk!
If you have any questions about the NCL (12) 2025 updates or need personalized guidance for your trademarks, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to collaborating with you and ensuring that your trademarks remain protected and compliant with the latest regulations.
Best regards,
Marcus Julius Zanon
IP Lawyer | MJZanon
Member, International Intellectual Property Law Association (IIPLA)
🔗 Connect with Me:
📞 Cell: +55 41 99137-1456
📧 Email: iplawyer@mjzanon.com | mjzanon@yahoo.com
💼 LinkedIn: Marcus Julius Zanon
🐦 Twitter: @mjzanon
🌐 Website:
http://www.mjzanon.com
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Pilarzinho, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, CEP 82100-500
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