Trade Marks for beginners
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Jersey has always been closely linked to the UK when it comes to trade mark rights, despite it not being part of the UK. However, times are changing. The introduction of the Trade Marks (Jersey) Law 2026 will, as from 1st August 2026, take Jersey away from its historically UK-dependent trade mark registration system to a fully independent system.
What does this mean for new trade mark applications?
Up until now, trade mark protection in Jersey has required the existence of a UK registration, with protection being granted automatically simply by filing a request to extend the UK right. As from 1st August, however, applications will no longer be linked to a UK registration, and will instead have to go through the usual stages of examination and publication before registration will be granted.
Similar changes will be seen in relation to designations of International Registrations. A UK designation has until now included Jersey, but the new regime means that Jersey will have to be added as a separate territory. The Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property will also become a recognised office of origin, which means that Jersey-based applicants will finally be able to file an International Registration at the WIPO on the basis of a Jersey trade mark.
And what does it mean for existing registrations?
Jersey trade mark registrations that have been acquired via the extension of a UK trade mark will be included on the new register, but they will now be independent standalone rights that require regular renewal to remain in force.
UK designations of International Registrations that have until now automatically included Jersey will, as from 1st August 2026, be split into separate UK and Jersey registrations. Separate renewal fees will have to be paid if the rights owner wishes to retain registrations in both territories.
Author: Liz Lowe
Further advice
If you would like to discuss any trade mark matters, please get in touch with the Hindles Trade Mark Team.