November 1, 2013
Vol.
68
No.
20
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THE BAHAMAS: New Trademarks Bill Allows for Protection of Service Marks
INTAByline
Contributor: Katherine Van Deusen Hely, Caribbean Trademark Services – George C.J. Moore, P.A., West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
INTA Bulletin Law & Practice—Latin America & the Caribbean Subcommittee
Verifier: Katina Mosko, Mosko & Associates, Nassau, The Bahamas
The Bahamas government has introduced a trademarks bill that would
update the country’s trademark law for the first time in over a century.
One of the last countries in the Caribbean to update its trademark
laws, The Bahamas has long relied on its current statute, the Trade
Marks Act 1906, which employs the old British classification system and
does not provide protection for service marks—a serious shortcoming for a
nation driven by the service industries.
To join the World Trade Organization (WTO), The Bahamas must ensure its
intellectual property protection regime is in compliance with the
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS Agreement). Thus, the country has drafted a sweeping new set of
IP laws covering copyrights, patents, industrial designs, geographic
indications and integrated circuits, in addition to trademarks. The new
laws must be enacted by the beginning of 2014 to meet the country’s
obligations under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the
Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries and the European Union. The EPA,
which was signed by The Bahamas in 2008, requires implementation of new
laws in accordance with the TRIPS Agreement before January 1, 2014.
As currently drafted, the new Trade Marks Bill, 2013 will provide for
the protection of service marks and adopt the International
Classification system. New registrations would be protected for a term
of ten years, with like periods of renewal. Existing registrations would
be treated as marks registered under the new Act and remain in force
for the unexpired portion of the period of protection provided under the
old Act. Actions for passing off are specifically preserved under the
new bill.
The local trademarks registry has been working closely with the World
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to become fully certified by
the end of the year, in anticipation of the enactment of the new bill.
In particular, the registry is working to decrease the large backlog of
applications and increase the speed for processing new ones.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.
© 2013 International Trademark Association
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