HSM IP LTD
From Goods to Goods AND Service Marks: Bahamas Expands Trade Mark Protection
Good news for brand owners seeking to protect their service marks in Bahamas, as the Registrar General’s Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun to allow applications to register marks for services. In 2025, the Bahamas Government took Read more +
WTR 1000 Recognises HSM IP, Huw Moses and Kate Cleary in 2026 Guide
World Trademark Review (WTR) has recognised HSM IP, and two individuals Huw Moses and Kate Cleary, in their latest guide: WTR 1000 2026 (Pan-Caribbean). This is the ninth year in a row that HSM IP has been recommended by WTR Read more +
Cayman Trade Mark Spotlight: Foster’s
HSM IP is a specialist intellectual property law practice based in the Cayman Islands and protects creative works (trade marks, patents, copyright, designs and domain names) throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Kate Cleary, Intellectual Property Manager at HSM IP, Read more +
HSM IP Presents INTA Unreal Campaign to 200 Students at John Gray High School
HSM IP was pleased to present the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) Unreal Campaign to over 200 students at John Gray High School (JGHS) on 24 September 2025. HSM IP’s Mrinali Menon (Senior IP Manager) and Shirly Ramirez (IP Administrative Assistant) Read more +
Empowering Creativity: How Cayman Island’s New IP Rules Will Support Domestic Entrepreneurs!
Good news for Caymanian brand owners! On 20 August 2024, the Cayman Islands Government announced its decision to amend the Trade Marks Act, 2016, and the Trade Mark Regulations, 2017, with the aim of making it more convenient and accessible for domestic entrepreneurs and creative individuals to protect their intellectual property.
This initiative is a positive step toward creating a more supportive regulatory environment, particularly for Micro[1] and Small Business[2] (MSB) owners. By making the process more affordable and user-friendly, the amendments are expected to encourage greater investment in and protection of invaluable intellectual property assets. The highlights being:
- Registration of IP without a registered agent: The existing act mandates all individuals and enterprises to seek assistance from an agent registered with the Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office (CIIPO) to make any official submissions. The upcoming amendment will no longer require that they appoint a registered agent to file IP documents at the CIIPO. However, they can still choose to use an agent such as HSM IP to alleviate the administration burden and guide them through the process.
Waiver of Official Fees:
- Annual Fee: Under the current laws, all registered trade mark holders are required to pay an annual fee of CI$200 to maintain their trade mark rights and ensure they remain in good standing. It is anticipated more fees will be waived for Micro & Small Businesses.
As a prominent advocate and supporter of local enterprise, Huw Moses, Managing Partner of HSM IP, welcomes this proposal by Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services and Commerce, the Hon. André Ebanks MP for making intellectual property more convenient and accessible to all.
Huw is an appointed member of the Intellectual Property Working Group (IPWG), which assists the Cayman Islands Government with intellectual property guidance. HSM IP will be actively monitoring this legislative change and will be updating our clients accordingly.
[1] ‘Micro businesses’ are those that, among other conditions, employ up to four employees (excluding the owner), and have an annual gross revenue not exceeding CI$250,000 in the preceding fiscal year.
[2] Small businesses are those that, among other conditions, employ up to 12 employees (excluding the owner), and have an annual gross revenue not exceeding CI$750,000 in the preceding fiscal year.