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 +
Key Updates to IP Legislation in the Bahamas
On 25 February 2025 the Bahamas Intellectual Property Office (BahaIPO) officially announced significant updates to its IP laws, including changes to the legislation governing copyrights, patents, and trade marks.
The following Laws have been introduced:
- The Trade Marks Act 2024: Repealing the Trade Marks Act (Ch. 322) and Trade Marks Act, 2015 (No. 39 of 2015)
- The Patents Act 2024: Repealing the Industrial Property Act (Ch. 324) and Patents Act, 2015 (No. 40 of 2015)
- The Copyright Act 2024: Repealing the Copyright Act (Ch. 323)
These new laws became retroactively effective as of 1 February 2025. However, the related rules, regulations, and official fees are still pending final approval.
It has also come to our attention that the BahaIPO has currently paused processing new applications until these regulations are finalised. Applications are still being accepted and can be filed to preserve relevant dates. Once the regulations are passed, applications will proceed.
The BahaIPO is expected to send an announcement to all local IP practitioners concerning the relevant updates in the coming days. HSM IP continues to monitor the situation for any progress. If you need assistance navigating these changes in the Bahamas IP landscape, please do not hesitate to reach out.