Adopting the 13th edition of the Nice Classification marks a significant shift in trademark application processes. Although both the UAE and Qatar have implemented this new version, their approaches differ, which has practical implications for trademark filing strategies and existing registrations.

UAE and Qatar: Nice Classification 13th Edition

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Implementation Date: The UAE officially adopted the 13th edition of the Nice Classification on January 27, 2026.

• Filing Flexibility: Applicants can continue to freely draft their lists of goods and services without being restricted to a predefined list.

• Practical Impact: While terms must be clear and appropriate for each class, applicants are not required to use exact wording, offering flexibility in application strategy.

• Matters to be Clarified: Guidance regarding renewals, reclassification, and amendments has not yet been issued. Key questions remain unresolved, including whether existing trademarks must be reclassified upon renewal or if they can retain their original specifications of goods/services.

• Background Reference: Previously, when the UAE Trademark Office updated its classification system (notably when Class 42 was revised and new classes were introduced), existing registrations were allowed to remain as they were and be renewed in their original classes. Meanwhile, new applications had to be filed according to the updated, correct classes.

• At that stage, clients effectively maintained a portfolio consisting of both legacy registrations based on previous classifications and new applications compliant with the revised classes.

• Given the continuous evolution of the Trademark Office's practices, it is anticipated that a different approach may be taken this time, and updates will be provided once further guidance is available.

Qatar

• Implementation Date: Qatar also adopted the 13th edition of the Nice Classification on February 16, 2026, but has taken a more stringent approach.

• Mandatory List: Applications must use approved terms from the official Excel list provided by the Qatar Trademark Office. Failure to do so may result in the application being returned for amendment.

• Practical Impact: Using expressions outside the approved terms carries risks. Currently, the safest approach is to select items directly from the Trademark Office's list. Attempting to use broader wording may be possible but brings risks of delays, rejections, or requirements for modification. How the Qatar Trademark Office will apply the predefined list and the degree of its strictness remains to be observed.

• Existing Applications: As with the UAE, further guidance regarding the reclassification or amendment of existing applications is still pending.

Key Issues Common to Both Jurisdictions

Several questions remain outstanding:

• Will existing trademarks remain as they are, with reclassification issues only addressed at the time of renewal?

• Does the 13th edition of the Nice Classification require the filing of new applications or recordal of amendments for reclassified goods/services?

• Upon renewal, can a trademark be renewed in the class in which it was originally registered, even if it no longer aligns with the 13th edition of the Nice Classification?

• How will specific reclassified items, such as "sunglasses" (which have now moved from Class 9 to Class 10), be handled in practice?

Conclusion

Both the UAE and Qatar have adopted the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, but Qatar's approach is more restrictive, requiring the use of mandatory terms, while the UAE allows for flexible descriptions of goods/services.

Clients and brand owners should:

• Review existing trademark portfolios for goods and services affected by reclassification;

• Closely monitor further guidance regarding renewals, amendments to registrations, and the handling of pending applications.