[Effective in January 2026] Trademark classification has changed dramatically! The whole picture of the revision of examination standards and its impact on business, such as the movement of "eyegla...

Introduction: Common sense regarding trademarks will be overturned in 2026

There are only a few days left in 2025.

We have one of the last and most important announcements of the year for corporate managers and those in charge of public relations and intellectual property.

From the comingJanuary 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the "Similar Goods and Services Examination Standards", which is the rulebook for trademark registration, will be revised and new international rules (International Classification No. 13-2026 edition) will be applied.

"Laws are revised every year, right?"

"We already have the trademark, so it doesn't matter."

If you think that way and are trying to ignore this news, please give us a little time.

This revision has such an impact that for some industries, "common sense no longer applies."

For example, "eyeglasses (sunglasses)", which have been a representative product of "Class 9" for many years, will completely transition to "Class 10" with this revision.

This is a fundamental change in intellectual property strategy for companies that are planning to develop eyewear as apparel brands and for IT companies that are developing smart glasses.

Trademark registration is a "first come, first served" system, but if you do not apply in the "correct category" before then, your rights will not be recognized no matter how early you apply.

In addition, the change in classification means that the approach when investigating other companies' trademarks will also fundamentally change.

In this article, we will provide a more detailed and practical explanation of the key points of the 2026 revision of trademark examination standards than anywhere else, based on the latest information notified by the Japan Patent Attorneys Association and the Japan Patent Office.

In order to stand out from your competitors, please read to the end and use the knowledge to protect your company's brand.

Table of Contents

1. What exactly is the revision of "Similar Goods and Services Examination Standards"?

2. [Biggest shock] "Glasses" moved from class 9 to class 10! Background and countermeasures

3. [Complex and strange] Major reorganization of the "fragrance" business classification (aroma/fragrance)

4. Other notable changes (fire engines, parasols, lace fabric, etc.)

5. Why do "categories" and "criteria" change frequently?

6. Business decision: Should I apply within 2025 or wait until 2026?

7. The pitfalls of the "transition period" when the risk of self-application increases

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

9. Summary: Leave the response to the new standards to a patent attorney

1. First of all, what is the revision of the "Similar Goods and Services Examination Standards"?

Before we get into the specific changes, let's organize the prerequisite knowledge.

When registering a trademark, we apply to the Japan Patent Office for the trademark and the goods and services that use it.

This product is classified into "classes" from Class 1 to Class 45.

This classification is not unique to Japan, but is based on the "International Classification (Nice Classification)" based on the international treaty called the "Nice Agreement."

It is a system that allows countries around the world to classify products using a common yardstick, thereby facilitating global business development and trademark protection.

However, the business world is evolving every day.

Products that didn't exist a few years ago dominate the market, and the way products are used changes. This international classification is therefore regularly reviewed and updated (Nice meeting).

This revision is to comply with the "International Classification Version 13-2026", and at the same time, fine adjustments will be made to suit the actual situation of commercial transactions in Japan.

The application start date is January 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8).

All applications submitted to the Patent Office after this date will be examined using the new standards. Conversely, applications filed by December 31, 2025 will be examined using the old standards (current standards).

2. [The biggest shock] "Glasses" have been moved from Class 9 to Class 10! Background and countermeasures

With this revision, the most talked about topic among practitioners and industry insiders is the change in the classification of "eyeglasses."

Change details

• So far (until 2025): Class 9

  • Similar group code: 23B01 (same group as shortwave receivers, telephones, etc.)

• From now on (from 2026): Class 10

  • Similar group code: Subject to change (to medical equipment group)

Why the change?

Until now, eyeglasses and sunglasses were classified as "Class 9", the same as cameras, measuring instruments, and computers, because they function as optical devices that use lenses and as protective gear to protect the eyes.

However, in recent years, the function of ``correcting vision'', that is, the ``medical properties'' of assisting and restoring bodily functions, has become internationally important.

Contact lenses have long been treated as medical devices (sometimes they were included in Class 9, but they are medical in nature), but eyeglasses have finally been moved to Class 10, which is a group of medical devices.

(*Transition to "Cl.9 spectacles / eyeglasses")

Business impact and countermeasures

① If you are about to apply

After 2026, if you want to obtain a trademark for eyeglasses, you will need to indicate "Class 10" in your application.

If you accidentally write "Class 9" in your application, you will receive a notice of reasons for refusal (amendment order) from the Patent Office stating "Glasses are not included in Class 9."

To correct this, it is necessary to amend the classification change to "Class 10", but in some cases additional fees may be required or the procedure may be complicated.

② Development of apparel and miscellaneous goods brands

When a fashion brand sells sunglasses, until now it has been standard practice to keep them in "Class 25" for T-shirts, "Class 14" for accessories, and "Class 9" for sunglasses.

From now on, "Class 10" will also need to be included in the portfolio.

③ What will happen to smart glasses?

What I am interested in is the "smart glasses" developed by IT companies.

Smart glasses that are purely wearable devices that do not have a vision correction function are likely to remain in Category 9 (data processing devices, etc.), but what will happen to smart glasses that have a vision correction function?

In this way, it is necessary to determine the boundary between Class 9 and Class 10 depending on the function of the product. Self-judgment is dangerous, so be sure to consult a specialist.

3. [Complex Mystery] Major reorganization of the "fragrance" business segment

This revision is extremely complex and important for businesses that deal with scents, such as aromatherapy, food flavors, and fragrances.

Up until now, the judgment based on "whether it is an essential oil or not" has now been strictly subdivided based on "What is the fragrance used for?".

1. New establishment of "Aromatherapy oil" (Class 5)

"Aromatherapy oil" has been added to Category 5 as the place for aroma oils, which was unclear until now.

Class 5 is mainly a classification of "drugs". In other words, if you want to develop a product for medical/healthcare-oriented uses (aromatherapy), such as relaxing effects or health promotion, you will need to obtain Category 5 rights.

2. Fragrances for "fragrance" (Class 3)

On the other hand, the previous category 3 (cosmetics, soaps, etc.) "Fragrances" has been changed to "Fragrances (limited to fragrances)".

Fragrances such as room fragrances and perfumes that are used as luxury items to enjoy the scent itself will continue to be classified as Class 3.

3. Essential oil for manufacturing (Class 1)

Essential oils used as raw materials for industrial products have been added as "essential oils for manufacturing" to the Class 1, which includes chemicals.

4. Flavorings for food and tobacco (Class 30/Class 34)

There are also changes to food flavors (Class 30) and tobacco flavors (Class 34).

Until now, there was an exclusion clause such as "(excluding items consisting of essential oils)", but this has been deleted and organized. In other words, whether the raw materials are natural essential oils or synthetic fragrances, they will be judged simply based on their intended use, such as ``If used to flavor food, it's class 30.''

[This is the point]

Just saying ``We sell lavender oil'' is no longer sufficient to determine the classification.

• If you want to enjoy fragrance as miscellaneous goods Category 3

• For aromatherapy Class 5

• For sweets making Class 30

• For raw materials in soap factories Class 1

If you don't define how your products will ultimately be used by consumers, you won't be able to properly protect your rights.

4. Other notable changes

Here are some changes that may seem trivial at first glance, but have a big impact on certain industries.

① Fire engines moved from Class 9 to "Class 12"

Until now, fire trucks were classified as Class 9 "scientific machines" for extinguishing fires. However, with this revision, they will be moved to ``Class 12 (Vehicles)'', the same as cars and trucks. Although this can be said to be easier to understand intuitively, it is necessary for special vehicle manufacturers to change the management classification.

② Beach umbrellas changed from category 18 to "category 22"

Hand-held umbrellas and parasols remain in Class 18, but large parasols set up in gardens and beaches have been moved to Class 22 as they are similar to tents and sunshades. Organized as "Cl.22 patio umbrellas". Outdoor equipment manufacturers need to be careful.

③ Lace fabric moved from Class 26 to "Class 24"

Embroidered lace fabrics were previously classified as Class 26 (handicraft supplies), but with emphasis placed on their properties as fabrics and textiles, they will be moved to "Class 24". Those in the textile industry need to review their designated products.

④ Gas station equipment rental (to category 37)

This is a change in the classification of services. The rental of fuel supply equipment, which was included in Category 39 (Transportation), has been reorganized into ``Category 37 (Construction/Repair)'', along with the rental of construction machinery and repair machinery.

5. Why do "categories" and "criteria" change frequently?

You may think, "Once I decide, I don't want to change it." However, the trademark classification is "Mirror of the times".

For example, a few decades ago there were no concepts like "smartphones" or "subscriptions." When a new product is created, it is necessary to decide which box (category) to put it into. In addition, as with the case of eyeglasses, the perception of a product may change from being a mere tool to a device that complements bodily functions (medical).

Furthermore, the trademark system is operated under universal rules (Nice Agreement), increasing convenience for companies expanding overseas. If there is a discrepancy such as ``Class 9 in Japan, but Category 10 in the United States,'' it will take a lot of effort when filing an international registration application (MadPro application). In order to eliminate this discrepancy, periodic "international harmonization" is carried out.

Please consider this revision as "update to meet global standards".

6. Management decision: Should I apply within 2025 or wait until 2026

This is the most troublesome point in practice, and is where patent attorneys can show off their skills.

This revision will be applied to "Applications filed on or after January 1, 2026".

Case A: If you want to trademark an eyeglass brand

What should I do if I want to obtain a trademark for eyeglasses now (December 2025)?

1. If applying within this year (by 12/31):

   • Specify "Class 9" and apply.

   • Advantages: You can register in familiar categories. Easy to unify with existing trademark management (if you have other Class 9 trademarks).

2. If applying in the new year (after January 1):

   • Specify "Class 10" and apply.

   • Advantages: Rights that comply with the latest international classification. When expanding overseas in the future, misalignment in classification is unlikely to occur.

[Important advice]

You could make a last-minute move to release it within the year, but from a long-term perspective, it is often recommended to acquire rights under ``Class 10'', which will be the mainstream in the future when it comes to eyeglasses. However, if you already have a number of registrations in class 9, you will need to consider the administrative costs.

Case B: For aroma-related products

Since aroma-related products have been subdivided, it is necessary to reconfirm your product lineup.

If you file an application within the year with ambiguity, there is a non-zero risk that the designated product will be found to be unclear in the future. On the other hand, filing under the new standards (2026) has the advantage of more clearly securing rights as a "Class 5 aromatherapy oil."

7. Pitfalls during the "transition period" that increase the risk of filing on your own

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of people using AI-based simplified trademark registration services or applying on their own by visiting the Japan Patent Office website.

However, it is precisely during this "transition period (timing of change) of standards revision" that it is dangerous to apply on your own judgment.

Information on the internet remains "old"

Even in 2026, many blogs and commentary articles on the Internet will not be rewritten immediately. If the top article that comes up when you search for "Trademark Glasses Classification" was written in 2024, it will proudly state that "Glasses are Class 9."

If you believe this and apply in January 2026, you will receive a notice of reasons for refusal as mentioned above. You may be forced to respond, incurring additional costs, or in the worst case scenario, your filing date may be pushed back and you may be passed over by another company.

Need for cross-search (multi-category research)

This is the scariest risk.

Even if you conduct a Class 10 search for "eyeglasses" after 2026, you may not find "Class 9 eyeglasses trademarks registered before 2025" (depending on the specifications of the search tool).

However, the Class 9 eyeglass trademark is still valid as a right.

In other words, during the transition period, if you do not conduct a cross-sectional investigation of both the "new classification (Category 10)" and the "old classification (Category 9)," there is a risk of overlooking the rights of other companies and leading to infringement lawsuits.

This complicated cross-search is extremely dangerous if judged by an amateur. This is an area that should be left to a professional patent attorney.

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from customers regarding this revision.

Q1. What will happen to already registered trademarks (glasses = Class 9)?

A. It will not be automatically changed to Category 10. Registered rights will remain valid as "Class 9." However, it may be necessary to read the old and new standards when updating or when exercising rights in the future (such as suing another company for counterfeit products).

Q2. I don't know which category my product will fall under under the new standards.

A. Don't worry. If you can view the product details (catalog or website), a patent attorney will select the appropriate classification based on the latest standards. It is especially difficult to judge aroma-related products and IoT devices, so self-judgment is prohibited.

Q3. I am planning to apply in January 2026, but I used the old application format.

A. If you apply as is, there is a high possibility that your application will be subject to formal deficiencies or a notice of reasons for refusal. You can make corrections before filing, but if you do so after filing, you may be charged an amendment fee. We recommend that you have your application checked by an expert before pressing the application button.

9. Summary: Leave the response to the new standards to a patent attorney

This 2026 revision will have an impact on many businesses.

• Glasses have been moved from class 9 to class 10 (most important).

• Aromas and fragrances are divided into categories 1, 3, 5, and 30 according to their use.

• Fire engines, parasols, lace fabrics, etc. were also moved.

• Applicable from filing on January 1, 2026.

Don't underestimate this as just a change in classification. Trademark rights are a "weapon" and a "shield" to protect your business. If the rules change, the way you use weapons will also need to change.

"Is my product safe?" "Which category will the trademark I was planning to release next year fall into?"

If you have any concerns, please consult an expert patent attorney.

Our office is fully aware of the latest "International Classification 13-2026 Edition" and the revised examination standards.

We will propose the optimal category selection and application strategy to ensure that your business is safely protected in the future.

Let's work together to build an intellectual property strategy for a new era.

[Inquiries]

Intellectual property office EVORIX

Representative Patent Attorney Takefumi Sugiura

https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry

06-7777-1884

[Office address]

*This article was created based on information published by the Japan Patent Attorneys Association and the Japan Patent Office as of December 2025. Please be sure to consult with a specialist individually regarding specific cases.

[Reference link]

Patent Office: Examination Standards for Similar Goods and Services [Compatible with International Classification No. 13-2026]

https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/rule/guideline/trademark/ruiji_kijun/ruiji_kijun13-2026.html