Class 33 under the Nice Classification covers alcoholic beverages, excluding beers.

Scope

Class 33 includes all alcoholic beverages other than beers.

Goods covered under this class generally include:

• Wines, spirits, and liqueurs
• Whisky, vodka, rum, gin, and brandy
• Alcoholic cocktails and pre-mixed drinks
• Sake and traditional alcoholic beverages
• Alcoholic extracts and essences
• Cider and perry

Classification principle: If the beverage contains alcohol and is not beer, it generally falls within Class 33.

Key Updates – Nice Classification (2026 Update)

As per the Nice Classification updates 2026, the following clarifications are particularly relevant to Class 33:

• Clearer separation between:
  • Alcoholic beverages (Class 33), and
  • Non-alcoholic beverages (Class 32)
• Refined terminology to reduce overlap with:
  • Low-alcohol or alcohol-free alternatives (Class 32)
  • Alcoholic food extracts for cooking (Class 29 / Class 30)

Low-alcohol spirits, ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktails, and craft alcoholic beverages are now more clearly classified based on alcohol content and intended use.

Practical takeaway: Products marketed as non-alcoholic belong in Class 32 even if they mimic alcoholic beverages.

Goods NOT Included in Class 33 (But Commonly Confused)

The following goods are excluded from Class 33, despite frequent misclassification:

• Beers (Class 32)
• Non-alcoholic beverages (Class 32)
• Alcoholic food essences for cooking (Class 29 / Class 30)
• Beverage packaging and glassware (Classes 20 / 21)