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.
Major counterfeit merchandise bust ahead of Springboks clash
Law enforcement authorities seized more than 1 700 counterfeit sports items valued at over R1.5 million in the Johannesburg CBD days before a highly anticipated Springboks versus New Zealand rugby mat...
October 21 2026
Adams & Adams strengthens Africa-wide IP network as businesses face growing cross-border complexity
As businesses expand into Africa, managing intellectual property (IP) across different legal and regulatory systems is becoming increasingly complex. Adams & Adams says combining strong local expe...
October 21 2026
Navi Pillay: From Durban to the World
What does it take to make a difference? Can a young lawyer from Durban influence conversations on justice across the globe? The life of Navi Pillay answers that question with a resounding yes. Born an...
October 20 2026