Jersey Trade Mark Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

05 Aug 2026

Businesses using the Madrid System for international trade mark protection should be aware of an important change affecting Jersey.

Until 31 July 2026, designating the United Kingdom in an international registration automatically extended protection to Jersey. From 1 August 2026, this is no longer the case. Businesses seeking protection in Jersey must now designate Jersey separately when filing a new international application or subsequent designation.

What happens to existing international registrations?

The good news is that most existing rights holders will not need to take any immediate action.

If your international registration designated the UK and protection had been granted before 1 August 2026, WIPO will automatically record a separate designation of Jersey. No action is required. Once recorded, the UK and Jersey designations will operate independently.

If your UK designation was still pending on 1 August 2026, WIPO will record the Jersey designation only once the UK has issued a statement of grant of protection, or a final decision granting protection in whole or in part.
If protection has been refused or invalidated in the UK, WIPO will not record a Jersey designation.

Why does this matter?

For many businesses, Jersey may not be a priority market. However, the change serves as a useful reminder that international trade mark protection is not always as straightforward as designating a single country or region.

Businesses filing new international applications should review where protection is required and ensure all commercially important territories are included in their filing strategy. Assumptions based on historic filing practices may no longer provide the desired scope of protection.

Key takeaway

For existing international registrations that already benefit from UK protection, there will generally be no immediate impact. However, for new Madrid System filings from 1 August 2026 onwards, businesses requiring protection in Jersey must ensure Jersey is specifically designated.

How NBR can help

NBR advises businesses on UK and international trade mark protection, portfolio reviews and brand protection strategies. Whether you are filing a new application, expanding into overseas markets or reviewing an existing portfolio, our team can help ensure your trade mark protection remains aligned with your commercial objectives. For specific advice you can contact NBR on 0121 678 9000 or by emailing info@nbrg.co.uk.

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Source: National Business Register