Bahamas - VAT Commencement

October 21, 2014 First Mark

Value Added Tax (VAT) will now commence in the Bahamas on 1st January 2015. The VAT rate is set at 7.5% to include IP services. CAUTION: Government requires any outstanding invoices at the start date to be re-invoiced to include VAT.

Bahamas / Bermuda - New law?

September 17, 2014 First Mark

The governments of the Bahamas and Bermuda are both considering new trade marks law.

Bermuda - Patent Changes

July 28, 2014 First Mark

On July 17th, 2014, the Acting Registrar-General announced changes for national patent applications in Bermuda. We have prepared an information sheet on the effect of the changes which is available on request.

Bermuda - New Copyright Regulations

January 20, 2014 First Mark

On February 1st, 2014 new copyright regulations, rules and orders come into effect in Bermuda. The most notable provisions will be the Copyright (Customs) Regulations 2014 and the Copyright Tribunal Rules 2014. These provisions complement the Copyright Act 2004 which essentially follows the UK law.

Montserrat Validity Issue

November 13, 2012 First Mark

Between 2005 and 2012, certificates were issued under the old legislation bringing their validity into question. We understand that validation legislation is being prepared to remedy the situation.

Montserrat Law Changes

November 13, 2012 First Mark

The Montserrat Trade Mark Rules and Forms came into effect on 15 Oct 2012. These rules and forms follow the implementation of a new Trade marks Act in 2005.

Bermuda to Adopt Nice 10th Ed.

November 8, 2012 First Mark

Bermuda is scheduled to adopt the 10th Edition of the Nice Classification in December 2012.

Bermuda New Assistant Registrar

April 10, 2012 First Mark

Government recently appointed Mr Aubrey Pennyman as the new Assistant Registrar - Intellectual Property. He notes that the Bermuda Government is considering changes to the trade marks law.