Trade mark application process

Change from secondary to primary registration

Jersey previously operated a secondary trade mark system. This meant you could only get protection if your mark was already registered in the UK or through an international registration that designated the UK.

Under the new Trade Marks (Jersey) Law 2026, Jersey now operates a primary trade mark registration system. You can apply directly in Jersey without needing a prior UK registration.

Applications are examined locally. Objections and appeals are also handled in Jersey This gives Jersey a more independent and modern system that aligns with international standards.

What this means for applications and renewals

New applications

You can apply for trade mark protection directly in Jersey. The previous system of re-registering UK trade marks no longer applies.

This means:

  • applications are examined by Jersey’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
  • UK registration is no longer required
  • the process is fully managed in Jersey
  • you can seek international protection through the Madrid Protocol once your application is submitted

Renewals

Trade marks registered under the previous system will remain valid until their renewal date. When you renew, you must use the Jersey system.

See our guidance on managing or renewing a trade mark.

Applying for a trade mark

Applying for a trade mark in Jersey is straightforward once you understand the steps. This guidance outlines what happens from preparing your application to obtaining registration.

Preparing your application

Before you apply, you should:

  • decide what your trade mark will be
  • make sure it is distinctive
  • select your goods and services using the Nice Classification
  • check whether similar trade marks already exist
  • preparing your application carefully can help avoid delays

Filing your application

You will need to submit:

  • your details as the applicant
  • a clear representation of your trade mark
  • a list of goods and services
  • the application fee

Applications are submitted via myIPO.

What happens during the examination process

After you apply, IPO Jersey examines your application to make sure it meets legal requirements. 

Formalities check

We check that:

  • all required information has been provided
  • the application is complete
  • the fee has been paid
  • the classification and supporting documents meet requirements

If anything is missing, you will receive a formalities notice explaining what needs to be corrected.

Classification review (goods and services)

Your specification must use acceptable Nice Classification terminology. We will check that:

  • the terms used are clear
  • the list is correctly classified
  • the wording is appropriate

If amendments are needed, you will be asked to revise your list.

Absolute grounds for refusal    

We will assess whether your trade mark is:

  • distinctive
  • not descriptive
  • not misleading or offensive
  • suitable for registration under Jersey law

If there are any concerns, you will receive a ‘Provisional Refusal’ explaining the issues and how you may respond.

Relative grounds for refusal

We conduct a search for earlier trade marks that may be similar.

This search is for information only - and do not refuse applications on these grounds. However, owners of earlier marks may oppose your trade mark after publication.

Responding to the Jersey Intellectual Property Office

If you receive a notice, you can:

  • submit written arguments
  • amend your specification
  • clarify aspects of your application

We will consider your response and continue the examination.

See our contact details.

Acceptance and publication

If your application meets all legal requirements, we will issue acceptance notice.

Your trade mark will then be published in the official journal. This allows others to oppose it if they believe it conflicts with their rights.

If issues remain unresolved, we may issue a final refusal.

You may request a review or appeal through the process set out under Jersey law.

Registration

If no oppositions are filed, or an opposition is resolved, your trade mark will be registered.

You will receive:

  • a registration certificate
  • information about your rights
  • renewal information

A registered trade mark lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

International applications

If you wish to apply for international protection through World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), you must first file a national trade mark application in Jersey.

Your national application must be submitted before an international application can be filed via the Office of Origin process.

See making an international trade mark application in Jersey for further guidance.