Procedural changes for trade marks in Jersey
From 1st August 2026, Jersey will have its own Office of origin as it will be an independent designation under the Madrid System.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced procedural changes for Jersey, meaning UK designations in international trade mark applications will no longer automatically extend protection to the island.
Key changes
Whether you’re filing a new international application, extending an existing registration, or renewing one, if you wish to protect a trade mark in Jersey, you will need to select Jersey as a separate designation.
Jersey will also gain its own Office of origin, meaning applicants based on the island will file international applications directly through the Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property, rather than via the UK IPO.
Fees and requirements
WIPO has also confirmed that individual fees will apply whenever Jersey is designated, whether through a new application, a subsequent designation, or a renewal. The relevant fee amounts will be published on WIPO’s Individual Fees webpage once confirmed.
If you designate Jersey, you will also need to make a declaration of intent to use the trade mark, or permit its use with your consent, for the goods and services covered by the application or registration.
Impact on existing registrations
For international registrations that designate the UK and were recorded before 1st August 2026, WIPO has set out three scenarios:
- Where UK protection is already granted: no action is required. WIPO will automatically record a separate Jersey designation, after which the UK and Jersey designations will operate independently.
- Where the UK refusal period has not yet expired: WIPO will only record the Jersey designation once the UK issues a statement of grant of protection or a final decision on protection.
- Where UK protection has been refused or invalidated: no Jersey designation will be recorded.
For further information on the changes, visit WIPO’s website here.