register service marks as well as trade marks in Bermuda.

Government Finance spokesman Sen. Wendell Hollis said the last decade had seen an explosion of service-oriented companies such as mail couriers, secretarial and management services.

The amendment, passed in the Senate on Wednesday, also increased registration fees for trade and service marks.

He added: "It is not an area where we make a great deal of money -- $276,000 was made last year. But by allowing it to take place we can offer a better service to the international companies which register here in their race around the world to patent trade or service marks.''