TIPO Announces Changes to the Names of Designated Goods and Services for Trademark Applications, Effective 1 July 2026

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO), Ministry of Economic Affairs, has announced changes to the “Classification and Cross Reference Index of Goods and Services for the Purpose of the Registration of Trademarks.” To ensure that the classification of goods and services better reflects the latest market trends, the review resulted in a total of 27 additions or revisions and 7 deletions, as well as additions or revisions to 14 group or subgroup names or remarks. The changes will take effect on 1 July 2026.

AIPT Group notes that the selection of designated goods or services in a trademark application directly affects the scope of the application, examination efficiency, subsequent rights protection, and brand strategy. If enterprises continue to use outdated names or fail to verify the latest classification content, the application materials may require amendment, potentially affecting the progress of the case.

Key Changes

The adjustments made by TIPO primarily respond to changes in the types of goods available in the market, service models, and industry terminology by updating the names of goods or services that may be designated in trademark applications for registration.

• Additions and Revisions to Goods or Services Names: Certain designated names have been added or revised to reflect emerging goods, service models, and terminology used in market practice.
• Deletion of Certain Names: Names that are no longer applicable, insufficiently precise, or subject to adjustments in classification requirements have been removed.
• Adjustments to Groups and Subgroups: Certain group or subgroup names and remarks have also been revised to help applicants determine the scope of designation more precisely.
• Corresponding Update to the Electronic Application System: The data under “Classes and Names of Designated Goods or Services” in the electronic trademark application system will be updated accordingly.

Impact on Trademark Applicants

A trademark application requires more than submitting a name and representation. The designated goods or services are equally important as a basis for determining the scope of rights. If the designated scope is too narrow, it may not fully cover the actual business activities; if it is too broad or imprecise, it may increase examination risks or subsequent disputes.

Enterprises, brand owners, e-commerce businesses, and startup teams preparing to file trademark applications in Taiwan are advised to review the goods or services for which their brands are actually used before filing, confirm whether the updated names should be adopted, and assess whether the application classes and scope of protection should also be adjusted following these classification and name changes.

Special Considerations for Fast-Track Applications

Applicants wishing to use the fast-track mechanism for electronic trademark applications should pay particular attention to whether the designated goods or services names established in the TIPO electronic application system have been updated and should download or verify the latest information before filing an application for registration.

One of the key requirements for a fast-track application is that the designated goods or services names must conform to the standard names accepted by the system. The use of self-drafted wording, outdated names, or wording inconsistent with the system data may prevent the application from meeting the fast-track requirements and may consequently affect the speed of examination.

Recommendations for Intellectual Property Strategy

AIPT Group recommends that, before filing a trademark application, enterprises assess the “trademark name search,” “classification of designated goods and services,” “actual scope of brand use,” and “future market strategy” together, rather than basing the application solely on a single product or service currently offered.

• Confirm the Latest Designated Names Before Filing: Avoid using outdated goods or services names that have been deleted or are no longer applicable.
• Review the Actual and Intended Scope of Brand Use: Ensure that the designated trademark items cover current operations and short- to medium-term development plans.
• Pay Attention to Fast-Track Application Requirements: To improve examination efficiency, first confirm whether the designated names comply with the standards of the electronic application system.
• Plan Domestic and International Strategies Concurrently: If the brand will enter overseas markets, enterprises are advised to assess differences between Taiwan and overseas trademark classifications and designated items at the same time.

Trademark Classification Updates Also Require Periodic Review of Brand Protection

Changes to the names of goods and services reflect the continuing evolution of market structures and industry terminology. For enterprises, trademark strategy should not be considered only when a brand is created or when the first application is filed. It should be reviewed periodically as product lines expand, service models change, e-commerce channels develop, and overseas market plans progress.

AIPT Group will continue to monitor developments in trademark legal frameworks, the classification of designated goods and services, and trademark application systems in different jurisdictions, assisting enterprises with trademark searches, classification assessments, application strategies, rights maintenance, and cross-border brand protection.

Source: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan Intellectual Property Office｜Notice of Changes to the Classification and Cross Reference Index of Goods and Services for the Purpose of the Registration of Trademarks