is distributed at a yearly gathering of 3,000 international lawyers involved in trademarks and other intellectual property.

It is seen as an important step in raising Bermuda's international profile in intellectual property circles.

The international Trademarks Association (INTA) Conference convenes for four days in Seattle, starting on Sunday. The American group has contacts around the world.

Trademark Yearbook 1994 is published by the London firm, Euromoney Publications Ltd., and has an article written by Appleby, Spurling and Kempe intellectual property lawyer, Mr. Alan Bray. The article outlines Mr. Bray's view that Bermuda may benefit from The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The article outlines how many major changes have been brought about in the development of the trademark laws in Bermuda over the last two years. Mr. Bray said "as a result of its commitment and foresight, Bermuda is now geared up and very much open for business in trademark terms''.

Mr. Bray came to Bermuda from the United Kingdom Trademark Registry for a year organising Bermuda's laws, policies and training.

Mr. Bray said in his article Government had recognised and responded well to those involved in the trademark business and demonstrated their willingness to help.

The latest UK developments and practices have also been ingrained into the Bermuda staff and he said: "It is clear that the introduction of the new United Kingdom Trade Marks Act is of some significance.

"Given the close and beneficial relationship between Bermuda and the United Kingdom, speculation is bound to arise as to whether the Bermuda Government will choose eventually to introduce legislation of a similar nature at some time in the future. Certainly the trend is towards greater international harmonisation.'' Mr. Bray said the United States appeared closer to becoming a signatory to the Madrid Protocol, that would mean that clear advantages would be had for the Island through trademarking intellectual property.