General

Recently, a significant revision concerning the classification of goods and services has come to the fore. As is well known, the Nice Classification is a dynamic international system that is periodically updated in line with technological developments and evolving commercial practices. Within this scope, certain goods and services have been reclassified, and their allocation among classes has changed. For instance, some products that were previously examined under one class are now assessed under a different class pursuant to the revised structure.

From a Turkish perspective, although a communiqué regarding these changes has been issued, Turkish Patent and Trademark Office have not yet officially published an updated list of goods and services on its website, nor has a comprehensive implementation framework been announced through the Official Gazette. Nevertheless, in practice, it is observed that the EPATS electronic filing system already reflects the updated classification, and newly filed applications are examined in accordance with the revised class scope. This has resulted in a transitional period where the practical implementation precedes the formal publication of the updated classification list.

At the international level, the revised Nice Classification is already being applied by major authorities such as the World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Union Intellectual Property Office. In particular, for international trademark applications filed under the Madrid System and for EU trademark applications, the use of updated and accurate goods and services descriptions in line with the current Nice Classification is essential to avoid formal objections and potential refusals.

During this transitional phase, the most prudent approach for trademark applicants and practitioners is to align trademark filings with the current practical application of the classification system, while ensuring that goods and services descriptions remain clear, precise, and consistent with international standards. Until the national framework is formally updated, adopting a harmonized strategy that takes into account both domestic practice and international classification principles will be critical for securing effective and sustainable trademark protection.