Since January 1, 2026, trademark registration in Colombia has entered a new stage. This is not just a technical update: it changes how you must search, classify, and protect your trademark.
The Nice Classification 13-2026 entered into force, adopted in accordance with Notice No. 37/2025 of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and at the same time, the official registration fees before the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) were updated.
If you are thinking about registering a trademark — or you already have one — this article explains what changed, why it matters, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
What Does the Entry into Force of Nice Classification 13-2026 Mean?
Since 2026, all new trademark applications must be examined under Nice classification 13-2026.
Key point:
Trademarks registered before 2026 are NOT automatically reclassified.
They retain the original class under which they were granted.
New trademarks must comply with the new structure.
This creates a new scenario: identical or very similar products may coexist in different classes, depending on the year the trademark was filed.
👉 Practical result: trademark searches can no longer be conducted in a single class.
Most Relevant Structural Changes in Nice classification 13-2026
The new edition seeks to better reflect:
The actual use of the product
Its primary purpose
Consumer perception
Especially in technological, medical, textile, and consumer sectors.
Optical Products: From Class 9 to Class 10
Many products traditionally considered “technological” are now understood as visual correction or medical devices.
Among those moved to Class 10 are:
- Optical glasses and spectacles
- Corrective lenses and contact lenses
- Frames, cases, chains, and cords
- Color vision correction glasses
- Anti-reflective glasses and pince-nez
👉 If your trademark is in the optical sector, pay attention: the risk of conflict now exists in two classes.
Rescue and Safety Equipment: From Class 9 to Class 12
These products are now reclassified as means of transport or specialized equipment.
Moved to Class 12:
- Firefighting trucks
- Fireboats
- Life rafts and rescue boats
- Evacuation chairs
This impacts brands in industrial safety, emergency services, and logistics.
Electrically Heated Garments: From Class 11 to Class 25
Nice classification 13-2026 changes the focus:
Technology is no longer the determining factor — they are considered clothing items.
Moved to Class 25:
- Electrically heated garments
- Electrically heated socks
- Textile accessories with heating function
Key for brands in wearables, technical apparel, and outdoor clothing.
Food Adjustments: From Class 30 to Class 29
Some products change classification based on their composition and function.
Moved to Class 29:
- Butter creams
- Icings
👉 A detail that may seem minor, but it can determine the outcome of an opposition.
The Biggest Risk in 2026: Incomplete Searches
Since 2026:
There are older trademarks in the “old” class
And newer trademarks in the “new” class
If you search in only one class:
You may fail to detect real conflicts
The risk increases for:
Oppositions
Refusals
Future litigation
📌 The new rule is double searching (previous class + current class).
New Official Trademark Registration Fees in Colombia (2026)
The updated fee structure reinforces the importance of having a clear strategy from the beginning.
Fees in force before the SIC in 2026:
Registration in one class: $1,639,500 COP
Each additional class: $778,000 COP
Registering “just to try” or correcting later becomes expensive.
What Should Companies and Entrepreneurs Do in 2026?
With Nice classification 13-2026 already in force, it is essential to:
Review classification strategy
Expand search criteria
Evaluate whether protection in more than one class is advisable
Adjust feasibility analysis before filing the application
This is especially important in sectors such as:
- Technology
- Medical
- Fashion and wearables
- Food and consumer goods
A good decision today can prevent unnecessary costs and future conflicts.
Conclusion: Registering Trademarks in 2026 Requires More Strategy (Not Just Paperwork)
Trademark registration in Colombia is no longer a simple form submission.
With Nice Classification 13-2026 and the new fees:
Incorrect classification = paying more
Poor search strategy = losing your trademark
Late legal advice = costly corrections
In this new stage, prevention is the best investment to protect your business’s intangible assets.
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Get started with a free case assessment
What will happen after you fill out this form?
After submitting the form, your case undergoes a comprehensive review by our team of specialist to assess its viability. Providing clear and concise information about your objectives accelerates this process.
Subsequently, a specialist will be assigned to your case, reaching out to you within a day to clear up details about your case and outline the next steps to help you achieve your goals.