In late January 2026, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) issued a directive that fundamentally changed the filing landscape for brand owners. By adopting the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification, the UAE has synchronized its Trademark Office with the latest global standards set by WIPO.
The 13th Edition doesn’t just add new terms; it reflects the medicalization of wearable tech and the digitalization of services—shifts that could lead to unexpected office actions if not addressed.
If you’re a brand owner in the UAE, now is the time to schedule a trademark portfolio audit to ensure your filings are fully compliant and enforcement ready.
The Migration from class 9 to 10: Eyewear- Medicalized
One of the most important changes in the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification involves optical goods. For decades, sunglasses and contact lenses were comfortably housed in Class 9 (Scientific and Optical Instruments).
However, under the new edition, corrective glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses have moved to Class 10 (Surgical and Medical Apparatus). As such, an applicant filing for an eyewear under Class 9 in 2026 will be asked to either reclassify or refused registration.
Although existing registrations under Class 9 will apparently remain valid for now, it is advisable to consider bridge filings in Class 10 to ensure that future expansions are protected
Emerging Tech: AIaaS and the Digital Economy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is finally explicitly recognized in Class 42. Previouslyб it was included as general software.
This is good news for UAE tech startups, especially as the country positions itself as a global AI hub.
Why it matters: In the UAE’s push to become a global AI hub, having a specific class for “AIaaS” allows for more precise enforcement. It prevents “class clutter” where a purely service-based AI company finds itself in conflict with a hardware manufacturer in Class 9.
If your company develops AI services, consult professional intellectual lawyers to ensure your AIaaS trademarks in the UAE are fully protected.
Intent-Based Classification: The Case of Essential Oils
In a significant departure from “product-only” classification, the 13th Edition now classifies certain goods based on their intended use. Essential oils are the primary example:
- Class 3: For fragrance or cosmetic use.
- Class 5: For medical or aromatherapy use.
- Class 30: For food flavoring.
- The Legal Hurdle: For a lawyer, this means “General Class Headings” are no longer sufficient. We must now demand specific “Statement of Use” declarations from clients during the drafting phase to ensure the application isn’t rejected for being “vague or misleading.”
Renewals and the Automatic Trap
A common misconception among brand managers is that renewals are a “copy-paste” exercise.
- The Reality in 2026: While the MOET generally respects the class of the original registration, a renewal is an opportunity for a “Voluntary Amendment.”
- Practical Advice: If a client is renewing a Class 9 mark for eyewear, we should advise them to use the renewal window to align with the 13th Edition. This cleans the portfolio and makes the mark more enforcement-ready if they ever need to file an infringement case with Dubai Customs or the Department of Economy & Tourism.
Conclusion: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
The adoption of the 13th Edition is a reminder that in the UAE, IP law is a moving target. The 2026 update provides a cleaner, more modern framework, but it also increases the risk of procedural “stumbling” for the unprepared. By auditing portfolios now—specifically looking for eyewear, essential oils, and AI-related services – we can provide high-value, pre-emptive protection that goes far beyond a simple filing receipt. Don’t let the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification catch your brand off guard. Schedule a comprehensive UAE trademark audit today to ensure your filings are fully compliant, your portfolio is optimized, and your trademarks are protected against potential actions. Strengthen your trademark strategy and turn compliance into a competitive advantage for your business in 2026.
Senior Legal Consultant, Corporate & Commercial