A large part of the Island’s source of income is through the provision of financial services as well as agriculture and tourism.
Historically, a trade mark proprietor wishing to protect their trade mark in Jersey would first have to obtain a UK trade mark registration and then apply to extend those rights into Jersey; noting here that a UK designation of an International Registration did automatically extend to Jersey.
There was previously a view that Jersey was covered by an EU trade mark registration. However, in March 2024 the government of Jersey stated that EU trade mark registrations do not provide protection in Jersey, nor have they done so since 2009.
What’s changing?
On 1 August 2026 Jersey will introduce their own trade mark legislation and trade mark proprietors wishing to protect their trade mark there will be able to file an application that does not need to be supported by a UK registration.
Jersey will also become a signatory to the Madrid Protocol/International Trade Mark Registration system, therefore from 1 August 2026 can be included or added as a subsequent designation to an International Registration. This also means that a business based in Jersey can file an International Registration as their address will now be seen as an office of origin.
Existing registrations
Existing trade mark registrations, originally obtained through an extension of a UK registration, will automatically move to the new Trade Marks Register and will be independent from their UK registration. Therefore, if the UK registration is allowed to lapse or is withdrawn this will no longer affect the registration in Jersey.
A protected UK designation of an International Registration will also move to the new Trade Marks Register as a separate Jersey designation. The designation will need to be renewed, as its own designation, through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Pending UK designations of an International Registration will only be added if they are granted protection in the UK. If the UK designation fails and the trade mark proprietor wants protection in Jersey, then a direct application or the filing of a subsequent designation of the International Registration into Jersey will be required.
What you’ll need to do
As a trade mark applicant, if you are not based in Jersey, you will need to appoint a Jersey address for service to act before the Jersey Intellectual Property Office.
You should also note that Jersey registrations are now maintained separately from the UK. Once your rights sit on the new register, allowing a UK mark to lapse will no longer affect your Jersey protection — but the Jersey registration must be renewed in its own right to stay in force.
Get in touch
If you need any further information concerning protection in Jersey, or the renewal of registrations there, please contact a member of our trade mark team.