The tenth edition of the Nice Classification is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2017 in Kuwait, thus replacing the outgoing eighth edition. The adoption of the 10th edition will not affect trademarks already filed and registered in Kuwait. Upon next renewal, goods and classes affected by this change in formalities should be reclassified accordingly by the Trademark Office.

It is important to note that regardless of which edition of the Nice Classification is being used, the trademark offices across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which Kuwait is a member of, will depart from the Nice Classification when dealing with items that contradict Sharia law. For example, trademarks covering alcoholic goods and related retail or wholesale services are prohibited. By way of background, the GCC member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.