Bermuda’s modernised intellectual property regime is set to take a major step forward next month with the launch of a new trademarks framework, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, told MPs on Friday.

Tabling the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025, Mr Hayward said the bill marks a key milestone in government’s broader effort to update laws governing trademarks, patents, registered designs and copyright. The goal, he said, is “compliance with key international treaties” and to make Bermuda “more attractive for registration of intellectual property rights”.

The updated legislation builds on the Trade Marks Act 2023, passed in the fall of that year alongside a new set of government fees regulations. Since then, the Registry General’s Department has conducted two rounds of training for staff – one led online by the UK Intellectual Property Office and another in-person session supported by Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are honouring our commitment to support the department’s efforts to update its ageing technology,” Mr Hayward said.

The Registry General’s Department has secured funding to overhaul its software and is preparing for the legislation’s official commencement on July 1.

The latest bill includes only a handful of technical amendments to the 2023 Act but also reintroduces a full set of revised fee regulations as a schedule. These supersede the 2023 regulations, which were never formally brought into force. While most fees remain unchanged, eight new ones have been added, and some descriptions have been clarified.

Industry feedback has played a key role in shaping the updates, Mr Hayward added. “Today’s bill is a result of further consultation and consideration by the Registry General’s Department.”

Looking ahead, the Minister said that further legislative updates will follow. “To complete the modernisation of trademarks legislation in Bermuda, we anticipate amendments to the Trade Marks Regulations 2023 and the introduction of the Trade Marks (Customs) Regulations 2025 to be laid in this House in the coming weeks.”