Extension of UK IP right abroad: countries I to N
Updated 9 July 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extension-of-uk-intellectual-property-rights-abroad/extension-of-uk-ip-right-abroad-countries-i-to-n
1. Isle of Man
Self–governing crown dependency. Part of the British Isles, but neither part of Great Britain nor the United Kingdom.
1.1 Own laws
In the case of registered rights (patents, trade marks and designs) UK law is extended to the Isle of Man whereas in the case of unregistered rights (copyright, performers’ rights and design right) the island has its own laws, though these are based very closely on UK and EU legislation.
1.2 Extension
Patents: UK law extended. The application of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has been extended to the Isle of Man.
EP(UK): UK law extended.
Trade marks: UK law extended. UK membership of the Madrid Protocol extends to the Isle of Man. Although the Isle of Man is not part of the EU for this purpose, European Union trade marks are recognised and protected in the Isle of Man.
Designs: UK law relating to registered designs extended. The Isle of Man intends to bring forward legislation for the recognition of community designs in autumn 2013.
1.3 Island Authorities Address
The Department of Economic Development
St George's Court
Upper Church Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1EX
Telephone: + 44 (0) 1624 685375
HM Attorney General for the Isle of Man is the legal adviser to the crown in the Isle of Man. He is also responsible for the prosecution of offences in the Court of General Goal Delivery and for the drafting of government legislation.
2. Jersey
The Bailiwick of Jersey is a self-governing crown dependency with its own legislative assembly and systems of law and administration including intellectual property laws.
2.1 Own laws
- Trade Marks (Jersey) Law 2000
- Patents (Jersey) Law 1957 & Rules 1958
- Registered Designs (Jersey) 1957
2.2 Re-registration
Patents: If you apply for a patent based on an existing UK patent, within 3 years of UK date of issue, registration will normally be granted, the patent will expire with UK patent.
EP(UK): If you apply for a patent based on an existing EP(UK) patent, within 3 years of EP(UK) date of issue registration would normally be granted, the patent will expire with EP(UK) patent.
Trade marks: Only the owner of a UK registered trade mark may apply for registration based on a UK trade mark. Applications can be at any time during the life of the UK trade mark and will expire with UK trade mark.
New trade mark legislation was introduced in October 2000 to extend protection to European Union trade marks and international registrations.
Changes to the European Union trade mark regulations in 2004 now allow for European Union trade mark applications from Jersey to be accepted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Designs: Application must be made within three years of UK registration.
Under a Protocol to the UK’s Act of Accession to the EC the Channel Islands are part of the European Communities for customs and trade purposes, but the provisions on free movement of workers, freedom to provide services, and freedom of establishment do not apply.
Any queries should be addressed to the Lord Chancellor’s Department, the Island Authorities concerned and the Patent Office.
2.3 Administration
Island authorities address:
The Intellectual Property Manager
Intellectual Property Registries
Judicial Greffe
Royal Court Building
Royal Court
St Helier
Jersey
JE1 1JG
Telephone: 01534 441314
Fax: 01534 441390
Email: n.southouse@gov.je
3. Kiribati
Independent Republic within the Commonwealth.
3.1 Own laws
No.
3.2 Extension
Patents: If you apply for a patent based on an existing UK patent, within 3 years of UK date of issue, registration will normally be granted, the patent will expire with UK patent.
EP(UK): If you apply for a patent based on an existing EP(UK) patent, within 3 years of EP(UK) date of issue registration would normally be granted, the patent will expire with EP(UK) patent.
Trade marks: You may apply for a registration based on a UK trade mark. Applications can be at any time during the life of the UK trade mark and will expire with UK trade mark. A registered user under the UK registration may, on application, be entered as a registered user in Kiribati. European Union trade marks have effect.
Designs: UK designs registrations are automatically extended but may be declared invalid in Kiribati on any grounds existing under UK law, including publication of the design in Kiribati prior to the UK registration.
3.3 Administration
Industrial Property
Ministry of Commerce
Industry and Tourism
P.O. Box 510
Betio
Tarawa
Republic of Kiribati
Central Pacific
Telephone:
- (686) 26 157
- (686) 26 158
Fax: (686) 26 233
Email: commerce@tskl.net.ki
4. Malta
Independent republic within the Commonwealth.
4.1 Own laws
Yes.
4.2 Extension
Patents: Independent registration only.
EP(UK): No Information.
Trade marks: Independent registration only.
Designs: Applications within 4 months of filing the UK application.
4.3 Conventions
- Berne Convention
- Paris Convention
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- WIPO Convention
4.4 Administration
Copyright
The National IP Office of Malta
Commerce Department
Ministry for Fair Competition, Small Businesses and Consumers
Lascaris Bastions
Valletta VLT 2000
Malta
Telephone: (356)2569 03 34
Fax: (356) 21 23 19 19
Email: info@foi.org.mt
Intellectual Property Office
The National IP Office of Malta
Commerce Department
Ministry for Fair Competition, Small Businesses and Consumers
Lascaris Bastions
Valletta VLT 2000
Malta
Telephone: (356)2569 01 10
Fax: (356) 21 23 19 19
Email: info@foi.org.mt
5. Montserrat
Self-governing UK overseas dependent territory (former colony).
5.1 Own laws
- Trade Marks Act 1999 (No. 11 of 1999)
- United Kingdom Designs (Protection) Act No 181 of 1887
- Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinance, 1959
5.2 Extension
Patents: If you apply for a patent based on an existing EP (UK) patent, within 3 years of UK date of issue registration would normally be granted, the patent will expire with UK patent.
EP(UK): No information.
Trade marks: In addition to local registration, you may also apply for a registration based on a UK trade mark. Applications can be at any time during the life of the UK trade mark and will expire with UK trade mark.
European Union trade marks - There is no provision for the government-in-council to grant reciprocity as they believe this should be dealt with by the UK. Discussions are continuing.
Designs: Designs are automatically protected in Montserrat.
5.3 Competent Local Administration
Supreme Court Registry
Government Headquarters
Brades
Monserrat
Telephone: 1-(664)-491-2129
Fax: 1-(664)-491-8866
6. Nauru
Independent Republic within the Commonwealth.
6.1 Own laws
Yes.
6.2 Extension
Patents: If you apply for a patent based on an existing UK patent, within 3 years of UK date of issue, registration will normally be granted, the patent will expire with UK patent.
EP(UK): No information.
Trade marks: Trade Marks Act 1955-1958 of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Designs: No information.
6.3 Administration
Industrial Property Office
Department of Justice
Office of the Registrar of Patents, Trade Marks and Copyright
Government Offices
Yaren District
Nauru
Central Pacific
Telephone:
- (674) 444 3747
- (674) 444 3160
- (674) 444 3360
Fax: (674) 444 3108