Trademark news flash: Norway implements the 13th edition of the Nice Classification
Views for the optical industry and eyewear brand owners
A clearer vision on classes of glasses
Nothing stays the same, so also the look on glasses in the Nice Classification. Since the early 60ies, Norway has adapted the international classification regime for goods and services listing optics and eyewear in class 9. On 1 January 2026 came a significant change, moving prescription and non-prescription spectacles, sunglasses and lenses to class 10. Perhaps logical, as class 10 already harbors a wide range of therapeutic aids.
Eyewhere?
Looks clear? Alas, the new classification regime keeps a wide range of eyewear still in class 9 as before, typically safety glasses, sports glasses, smartglasses and the likes. If distinguishable from the new class 10 prescription and non-prescription spectacles, sunglasses and lenses, what then for prescription sports glasses?
From a legal perspective, the classification change shall not affect the protection afforded already registered trademarks. From a practical point of view, however, protection in class 10 would better signal and secure the position of your eyewear brand by the relative grounds examination procedure of the Trademark Office, and also by third-party clearance projects.
Reglassify?
How to extend your class 9 registration for spectacles, sunglasses and lenses to the now appointed class 10? For international registrations, refiling in class 10 is the only option. For national registrations, however, the Trademark Office allows for reclassification by simply moving the eyewear into class 10.
Double vision?
If you vision your eyewear brand on glasses in classes 9 and 10 both, reclassification of national registrations allows you to double up. If your existing class 9 coverage includes the entire class, the class heading or broader terms such as “optical apparatus and instruments” or “eyewear”, you can appoint class 10 to cover spectacles, sunglasses and lenses whilst keeping all remaining goods in the original class 9, a procedure that ensures maintenance of protection and priority dates.
Envision a cost
Reclassification of national registrations does not incur official fees other than a potential additional class fee by future renewals. Your local IP counsel will necessarily charge for their work on reclassification procedures, so ask an estimate for your eyewear portfolio.
Written by:
Astrid Solberg , attorney-at-law and partner at Bryn Aarflot, is a highly experienced trademark expert advising Norwegian and international brand owners on how to secure, develop, maintain and enforce trademark rights in Norway and internationally. She assists clients with strategic trademark counselling, clearance, filing and prosecution, oppositions, administrative and legal proceedings, negotiations and agreement drafting, always with a clear focus on practical solutions and commercial value. With more than three decades in the IP field, Astrid helps clients build robust trademark portfolios, handle complex prosecution matters and navigate disputes efficiently across jurisdictions. She advises businesses from start-ups to international market leaders across a wide range of sectors, and is particularly valued for her responsiveness, diligence and business-oriented approach.