On 1 August 2026, Jersey introduced significant reforms to its trade mark system. The changes move Jersey away from its previous UK-linked protection model and introduce a standalone local filing regime.
The main practical implications for brand owners are summarised below.
Position before 1 August 2026
National UK trade mark registrations did not extend automatically to Jersey. Protection was generally obtained by re-registering a granted UK trade mark locally in Jersey.
EU trade marks and cloned EU rights did not extend to Jersey. This has been the position since 2009, although the point has sometimes caused confusion in practice.
UK designations of International Registrations were treated differently and extended automatically to Jersey, so separate local re-registration was not required for those rights.
Position from 1 August 2026
National applications in Jersey
Applicants can now file directly with the Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property (JRIP). It is no longer possible to base a new Jersey application on a granted UK trade mark, although priority may still be claimed where the usual requirements are met.
National applications will be examined, published and open to opposition. Multi-class filings, priority claims, collective marks and certification marks are also available, and a Jersey address for service is required for domestic applications.
Fees are expected to increase and align more closely with UK IPO fees. Additional classes will also attract separate official fees for the first time.
UK designations of International applications and registrations
- Registrations in force on 1 August 2026: no action should be required. WIPO will automatically create a corresponding Jersey designation, meaning that protection in Jersey will continue but will operate independently from the UK designation. An additional fee for Jersey will, however, be payable on renewal.
- Applications pending on 1 August 2026: WIPO will only record a Jersey designation once the UK has issued a statement of grant of protection or a final decision confirming protection. If UK protection is refused or invalidated, no Jersey designation will be recorded. Where Jersey is commercially important and there may be an issue with the UK designation, a separate national Jersey filing or subsequent designation of Jersey should be considered.
- New International applications and subsequent designations from 1 August 2026: designating the UK will no longer automatically extend protection to Jersey. Jersey must be designated separately when protection there is required.
- Existing national Jersey registrations and relevant International Registrations designating the UK are expected to transition onto the new Jersey register, so existing rights should not be lost as a result of the reforms.
Recommended next steps
Brand owners should review existing portfolios and factor Jersey into future filing strategies as a separate jurisdiction. Attention should be given to UK registrations that have not been re-registered in Jersey, pending International Registrations designating the UK, and any key brands for which Jersey is commercially important.
If you need any assistance, our team at IP Asset would be happy to help.