Jersey Charts Its Own Course: New Developments in Trademark Protection in the Channel Islands

With the introduction of its own trademark legislation and a dedicated Trademark Office, Jersey will establish an independent trademark system, separate from that of the United Kingdom.

Going forward, Jersey will maintain its own trademark register and will participate in the Madrid System for the International Registration of Trademarks as a separate designated territory.

These changes have important implications for businesses with international trademark portfolios and should be taken into account when filing new trademark applications or expanding existing portfolios.

Until now, designating the United Kingdom in an International Registration automatically extended protection to Jersey.

This practice will come to an end.

From 1 August 2026, trademark protection in Jersey will require the express designation of Jersey as a separate territory.

For existing International Registrations designating the United Kingdom, protection in Jersey will continue and will be transferred automatically into the new system. Accordingly, proprietors of existing International Registrations covering the United Kingdom are not required to take any immediate action.

The new rules primarily affect new trademark applications, subsequent designations and renewals.

Businesses should also review license and coexistence agreements that define their territorial scope by reference to the United Kingdom to determine whether Jersey should be expressly included in the future.

If you have any questions about the impact of these changes on your trademark portfolio, please reach out to WEICKMANN. We are happy to advise you on the development and implementation of your trademark strategy.

Photo: iStock.com/Pontuse