Iraq Adopts the Nice 11th Edition: What Trademark Owners Must Do Now

Iraq has adopted the 11th Edition of the Nice Classification, effective at the beginning of 2026. The Trademark Office has issued new guidelines on how trademarks registered under the former local classification system must be reclassified. Whether your mark needs action now or later depends on its current status and the procedure you file next.

What the 11th Edition means for Iraqi trademarks

The Nice Classification is the international system that groups goods and services into classes. Iraq’s move to the 11th Edition means every trademark in Iraq must describe its goods and services in the new structure, whether it was filed before or after the change. Two groups of trademarks are affected in different ways:

• Existing applications and registrations filed under the former local system
• New applications filed from the start of 2026 onward

Existing trademarks: reclassification is triggered by the next procedure

If your mark is already filed or registered, you do not need to reclassify it immediately. The Trademark Office requires a reclassification request whenever you take a later action, including:

• Paying official registration fees
• Renewing the registration
• Changing the owner’s name or address
• Assigning the mark
• Merging entities that hold the mark
• Granting a license

Each reclassification must be submitted on the Trademark Office’s specific reclassification form. The form must list your goods and services under the 11th Edition, corresponding to the goods originally covered in each class. The reclassification fee is added to the cost of the procedure you are already filing, so your total cost depends on how many goods the adjusted list contains.

New applications: comply with the 11th Edition from day one

New applications do not need a separate reclassification form. However, the goods and services must be drafted in line with the 11th Edition and the Trademark Office’s guidelines. Fees for new applications depend on the goods list, because a fee applies to each individual good or service in each class. The length and precision of your list directly affects the cost.

Class headings and fee planning

You may claim the class heading in your application. Fees are still charged for each specific good or service the heading covers, so claiming a heading does not reduce the fee on its own. A well-drafted list is the most effective way to control costs. Include the goods you trade or plan to trade, remove duplicates, and avoid broad wording that adds fees without adding protection.

At a glance: existing and new filings

Action plan for trademark owners

1. Audit your portfolio. List every Iraqi mark filed under the former local system, with its class and goods.
2. Calendar the next procedure. Note when each mark is next due for fees, renewal, or any listed change.
3. Redraft goods lists. Match each class to the 11th Edition and remove goods you no longer use.
4. Estimate fees. Count goods per class to forecast the cost of each procedure.
5. Verify current requirements. Confirm form and fee details on the official Iraqi Trademark Office website before filing.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until a renewal deadline to start the reclassification
• Copying old goods lists without checking them against the 11th Edition
• Claiming a broad class heading without understanding the per-item fees
• Filing a reclassification form that does not match the original class goods

Protect your Iraqi trademark with experienced professionals

Legacy Partners has more than 15 years of experience in trademark protection and acts as an authorised representative. Contact us to schedule a trademark audit and plan your Iraqi reclassification with confidence info@legacypartners.global