USPTO Issues Rule to Adopt Changes from International Accord on Registration of Marks

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a final rule that incorporates certain changes that took effect in January 2012 under the Nice Agreement Concerning the Classification of Goods and Services for the Purpose of the Registration of Marks, to which the United States is a signatory. Among other matters, (i) Class 5 is changed from “dietetic substances adapted for medical use” to “dietary food and substances adapted for medical use”; and (ii) Class 32 is change from “non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks” to “non-alcoholic beverages; fruit beverages.” USPTO’s classification of goods and services under the Trademark Act is codified at 37 CFR part 6. See Federal Register, August 9, 2012.