South Africa Adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification
Important Topics
As of 1 January 2026, South Africa has implemented the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification.
South Africa Adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification
Following, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Official Circular No. 37/2025, announcing the implementation of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, South Africa has adopted the updated 13th Edition of the Nice Classification for all trade mark filings effective 1 January 2026.
The South African Companies and Intellectual Property Commission advised companies about the 13th edition of the Nice Classification via Practice Note 3 of 2025, which was published on 9 December last year. The publication laid out the updated classifications applicable to all trade marks filed from 1 January this year. The changes align the country with global filing standards and will affect brand owners operating in technology, FMCG, cosmetics and automotive fields.
Track-and-trace measures target illicit goods
South Africa is stepping up cooperation between the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) to combat illicit goods. The two authorities signed a Memorandum of ...
September 15 2026
Turning locally developed IP into battery-sector opportunities
South Africa is seeking to strengthen its position in the global electric mobility and battery value chains by supporting the development and commercialisation of locally developed technologies and in...
September 15 2026
Niger accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty
The Republic of Niger, a member state of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), has acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, V...
August 19 2026