Bermuda Trademark Information

Bermuda, officially the Bermudas or Somers Islands, is a British overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of the united states. The population is estimated at 68,000 with a GDP of $5.85 billion.

Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. Although a referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995, the present government has reopened debate on the issue.

Trademarks are assigned through the Intellectual Property Office under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications, and e-Commerce. A trademark is valid for 7 years, renewable for 14 year periods thereafter.

Trade or Service marks should not consist of words, symbols or devices that:

• are descriptive of the product;
• have a direct reference to the character and quality of the goods;
• are likely to deceive or cause confusion;
• are contrary to law;
• resemble any national, regional or international flags, arms, crests or emblems;
• are a representation of the arms, or of any flag or seal of Bermuda;
• are a representation of the arms or emblem of a city or town in Bermuda or of a public authority or public institution in Bermuda;
• comprise or contain scandalous matter;
• are disentitled to protection by a court;
• have any significant geographical reference;
• are common names; and
• are generic - that is, commonly used terms for goods and services that do not distinguish them.