The country has applied updated intellectual property classifications from the start of the year.
South Africa has implemented the new intellectual property (IP) categorisations under the Nice Classification. The IP framework, as outlined by the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), took effect in South Africa on 1 January.
The Nice Classification was introduced to the international IP landscape through the Nice Agreement in 1957, with the system classifying all international goods and services for the registration of trade marks.
New editions have been released every five years since the initial launch, with an update published every year for the edition currently in effect since 2013.
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 revised classifications applicable to all trade marks filed from 1 January.
Alterations to the Nice Classification include the categorisation of essential oils depending on their use, with some remaining in category three, concerning non-medicated toiletry preparations and cleaning preparations, while others have been moved to category five, covering preparations for medical or veterinary uses, and others have been placed in category one regarding chemicals used for reasons including industry, science and agriculture.
Additionally, fire engines and trucks have been moved from category nine – relating to safety and lifesaving equipment – to category 12, the class for vehicles.
Looking at services, the latest edition has also added rage rooms to category 41, defining them as a service intended to entertain or engage the attention of users.
AI has also been classified, as South Africa and the wider international community navigate the role of the rapidly evolving technology in society, falling under class 42 as a scientific and technological service, as well as the design and development of computer hardware and software.
South Africa and WIPO have been collaborating over recent years, with legal professionals including Justices Mahube Molemela and Wendy Hughes of the Supreme Court of Appeal contributing to editions of the WIPO Master Class on IP Adjudication over the years.
The South African Judicial Education Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WIPO to formalise efforts between the two entities to support IP adjudication in South Africa in June last year.