HSM IP LTD
HSM IP to Attend MARQUES Annual Conference 2024
HSM IP’s Intellectual Property Manager, Kate Cleary, will attend MARQUES Annual Conference 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden from 24-27 September 2024. The theme for the MARQUES Annual Conference 2024 is ‘The Many Traits of the Trademark Expert’. Sessions will cover diverse Read more +
HSM IP Contributes Cayman Trade Mark Chapter in ICLG 2024
HSM IP has once again contributed to the International Comparative Legal Guide (ICLG) to Trade Marks. Click here to read our Cayman Islands 2024 Trade Mark chapter by Huw Moses, Mrinali Menon and Kate Cleary. This guide is now in Read more +
IP Reform Enactment Imminent for Bermuda
As reported by HSM IP, Intellectual Property (IP) reform is in the pipeline in Bermuda, with the Government of Bermuda’s Registry General sharing recently that the enactment of its updated Trade Marks Law is anticipated later in 2024. The Registry Read more +
WTR 1000 Recognises HSM IP and Huw Moses in 2024 Guide
World Trade Mark Review (WTR) has recognised HSM IP and Huw Moses in their latest guide: WTR 1000 2024 (Pan-Caribbean). This is the seventh year in a row that HSM IP has been recommended by WTR 1000. HSM IP is Read more +
IP Reform Enactment Imminent for Bermuda
As reported by HSM IP, Intellectual Property (IP) reform is in the pipeline in Bermuda, with the Government of Bermuda’s Registry General sharing recently that the enactment of its updated Trade Marks Law is anticipated later in 2024. The Registry advises that the enactment is likely to be after 1 April 2024 and is looking to update and disseminate Practice Notes to guide IP practitioners through the transition from current to new provisions.
Such guidance is likely to be welcomed by practitioners given that Bermuda’s current trade mark laws were originally enacted nearly 50 years ago, as well as the fact that the new provisions governing the validity terms of trade mark registrations is being adjusted to bring Bermuda in line with the UK and other major global jurisdictions: Bermuda’s trade mark registration and renewal periods are to be amended to cover 10-year terms, while the current registration period is seven years and renewal period 14 years.
While the new trade marks legislation received Royal Assent in late 2023, a date for the enactment is yet to be fixed, but is being eagerly anticipated by both brand owners and IP practitioners alike.
The Government’s objective in updating the legislation governing not just trade marks, but also patents, registered designs and copyrights, is to ally Bermuda’s IP legislation more closely with UK and global standards and best practices, allowing it to better compete for business.
With regard to Bermuda’s patent legislation, work is already underway to modernise the law and it will likely follow a similar course to that of the trade marks legislation.
The last update to Bermuda’s intellectual property laws occurred for the Copyrights and Designs Act, 2004. However, updates are still needed to enhance the regime, including the ability to voluntarily register copyright ownership.
HSM IP is monitoring developments and look forward to updating clients further in due course.
Click here to read HSM IP’s current Bermuda trade mark guide.