After multiple delays and decades of anticipation, the Bermudian government has confirmed that its long-awaited trademark reform will officially take effect on July 1, 2025. The new legislation, anchored in the Trademarks Act 2023, represents a sweeping modernisation of Bermuda’s intellectual property framework, replacing a 50-year-old legal regime that had grown increasingly out of step with global standards.

The updated law introduces a host of progressive features, including non-traditional trademarks such as colours, sounds, and product shapes, as well as collective and certification marks that support industry-wide branding and quality assurance. These additions are designed to make Bermuda’s IP system more inclusive, flexible, and aligned with the realities of modern commerce.

Perhaps most significantly, the new framework lays the groundwork for Bermuda’s future accession to the Madrid Protocol, a global treaty that allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple countries through a single application. While Bermuda is not yet a member of the Paris Convention, the legislation includes provisions for recognising priority claims, signalling a clear shift toward international harmonisation.

The road to implementation has been long. Initially slated to come into force on January 1, 2025, the law’s rollout was postponed several times—first to February, then April, and finally to an unspecified summer date. The July 1 confirmation has been welcomed by legal practitioners and brand owners alike, who have been preparing for the transition.

The Registry General’s Department has already conducted staff training and secured funding to upgrade its systems in anticipation of the law’s commencement. Additional legislative updates, including the Trade Marks (Customs) Regulations 2025, are expected to follow in the coming weeks to complete the reform package.

With this legislative leap, Bermuda positions itself as a more attractive jurisdiction for IP registration and enforcement—particularly for international businesses and investors seeking a secure, modern legal environment. The reform not only enhances legal certainty but also signals Bermuda’s commitment to fostering innovation and protecting brand value in a globalized economy.

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