Jersey Trade Mark System

From 1 August 2026, Jersey becomes its own independent designation under the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) Madrid System for international trade mark registration. This is a procedural change that affects anyone who holds, or is applying for, an international trade mark registration that currently covers Jersey through a UK designation.

Background

Previously, designating the UK in a Madrid System application automatically extended protection to Jersey, along with England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and the Falkland Islands. Brand owners did not need to take any separate steps to obtain protection in Jersey if they already held a UK-based international registration.

What is changing?

From 1 August 2026, a UK designation will no longer automatically extend to Jersey. Instead, Jersey becomes a separate designation, administered by a newly established Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property. To obtain protection in Jersey going forward, applicants will need to expressly designate Jersey, whether through a new international application, a subsequent designation, or at renewal.

What happens to existing registrations?

Existing international registrations designating the UK are not affected immediately. Where UK designation is already protected before 1 August 2026, WIPO will automatically create a corresponding Jersey designation, and no action is required to trigger this. From that point onwards, however, the UK and Jersey designations will operate independently of one another. For example, a change or cancellation affecting one will not automatically affect the other. Renewals will also need to select the UK and Jersey separately in order to maintain the same coverage as before.

What brand owners should do?

• Review existing international trade mark portfolios to understand current coverage in Jersey.
• Ensure jersey is expressly designated in any new applications, subsequent designations, or renewals where protection there is required.
• Pay particular attention if there is commercial activity, clients, or customers based in Jersey, including in the finance and private wealth sectors.
• Note that Jersey is also introducing its own standalone applications system, including examination and opposition procedures, removing the previous dependency on a UK parent registration.

Briffa bites

If your business has any connection to Jersey, check your trade mark portfolio and make sure Jersey protection is being actively maintained, rather than assumed.

If you need IP advice, get in touch with our legal team at info@briffa.com or through our website form. Our IP experts are here to help.