Jersey joins the international trademark system as an independent designation
From 1 August 2026, the designation of the United Kingdom in an international trademark registration no longer automatically extends protection to the largest island in the English Channel 8 September 2026
Where is Jersey located?
The Bailiwick of Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, located between the United Kingdom and France, which has its own legal and administrative system.
What changes?
As of 1 August 2026, Jersey becomes an Autonomous Contracting Party to the Madrid Protocol. From that date, the designation of the United Kingdom (UK) in an international registration no longer automatically extends protection to Jersey.
Those who wish to obtain protection also in Jersey must therefore expressly designate this territory, both at the time of filing the international application and through a subsequent designation.
Main changes
Separate designation: Jersey may be designated independently within the Madrid System, independently of the United Kingdom.
Competent Office: The Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property will act as the Office of the designated Contracting Party.
Individual Fee: An individual fee will be applied for designations and renewals affecting Jersey.
Declaration of Intent to Use: The designation of Jersey shall imply a declaration of intent to use the trademark, or to authorize its use, for the goods and services claimed.
Transitional measures
International registrations that:
- included a designation of the United Kingdom prior to 1 August 2026, and
- were still protected in the United Kingdom at that date,
will continue to have effects in Jersey as well. WIPO will automatically register a corresponding designation of Jersey, which will subsequently operate independently of the UK designation.
Practical implications: what to do
- Check if Jersey falls within the territories of commercial interest.
- Expressly consider the designation of Jersey in addition to that of the United Kingdom in future international applications.
- Review trademark protection strategies in the Channel Islands in the light of the new rules.
We remain available to evaluate the correct management and enhancement of your brand portfolio.
