Up until now, Jersey was automatically covered by a UK designation of an International filing, and the holders of existing UK trade mark registrations could apply for protection in Jersey based on their existing UK registration.
Starting 1 August 2026, Jersey will introduce a new trade mark regime independent from the UK system meaning that direct national applications can be filed in Jersey and can be designed through the Madrid international filing system.
What is Changing on 1 August 2026?
National filings in Jersey
Historically, the holders of UK trade mark registrations could seek protection in Jersey by requesting an extension to their UK registration, with this process being very straightforward and inexpensive. However, as of 1 August 2026, Jersey will have its own trade mark office and filing system independent from the UK trade mark system (the Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property).
As such, applicants will be able to file direct national trade mark filings through the Jersey office regardless of whether they have a UK trade mark registration. These applications will be subject to examination and higher official fees (modelled on the UKIPO official fee schedule). As such, the holders of existing UK trade mark registrations will not be able to obtain protection simply by requesting an extension to their existing UK registration.
International Registrations
At this time, designating the United Kingdom in an international trade mark registration (or adding it later via a subsequent designation) automatically extends protection to Jersey.
However, from 1 August 2026:
- Selecting the UK will no longer automatically cover Jersey. To secure trade mark protection in Jersey, you must specifically select Jersey as a distinct designation, whether in a new international application, through a subsequent designation, or upon renewal.
- Jersey will operate its own Office of Origin. Applicants based in Jersey will be able to file international trade mark applications directly through the Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property.
Requirements for Designating Jersey
- Individual Fees: Separate individual fees will apply whenever you designate Jersey in a new application, expand an existing international registration to cover Jersey, or renew an existing Jersey designation. Exact fee schedules will be published on WIPO's Individual Fees page once finalized.
- Intent to Use Declaration: When designating Jersey, you must formally declare an intention to use the trade mark (or allow its use with your consent) for the specified goods and services. This declaration will be integrated into the relevant official forms.
Impact on Existing International Registrations
For international trade mark registrations designating the UK recorded before 1 August 2026, the transition will be handled as follows:
- Protected UK Registrations: If your UK designation is already protected by 1 August 2026, no action is needed. WIPO will automatically create a separate Jersey designation for your mark. From then on, your UK and Jersey designations will function independently.
- Pending UK Applications: If the UK refusal period has not yet ended, WIPO will hold off recording the Jersey designation until the UK IPO issues a formal statement of grant or a final decision granting full or partial protection.
- Refused or Invalidated UK Registrations: If your UK designation has been refused or invalidated, WIPO will not create a Jersey designation for your mark.