New Bermudian Trademark Laws Are Here

Summary of Key Developments

• The Bermudian government has announced that its new trademark laws will finally go into effect August 1, 2025

• Much-needed overhaul of 50-year-old legislation includes non-traditional trademarks and provides for collective and certification marks

• New law paves the way for Madrid Protocol implementation

Background and Timeline

In September 2024, Bermuda’s Registry General announced the approval of the Trademarks Act 2023. Although initially expected to come into force in January 2025, implementation faced several delays. On May 30, 2025, Bermuda’s Minister of Economy and Labour tabled the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025. The law is now confirmed to take effect on August 1, 2025, alongside updated fee schedules.

Key Legal Updates

Broader Trademark Definition

The new law significantly expands the definition of a trademark. It now includes non-traditional signs such as colors, sounds, and the shape of goods or packaging—aligning Bermuda’s regime with international standards.

Multi-Class Applications and Streamlined Processes

Applicants can now file multi-class applications, removing the need to associate related marks and reducing overall administrative burden and cost—an important shift given Bermuda’s relatively high official fees.

Learn more about our Caribbean trademark services on our page here.