Bahamas - New IP laws in force

news article

28 Feb

On 25 February 2025, the Bahamas IPO (BIPO) informed practitioners in a verbal communication that new IP laws relating to copyright, patents, and trade marks became retroactively effective from 1 February 2025. However, the subsidiary legislation, including the implementing regulations and official fees, has not been finalised or approved and no timeframe has yet been provided for this.

Until the regulations for the new IP laws are passed, BIPO cannot process new applications. In order to preserve relevant dates, applications can still be filed but they will only be allowed to progress once the regulations have been promulgated. Renewal deadlines and priority claims will be observed.

So far, BIPO has not issued any written confirmation of the above news, and it is not clear when this will be issued. Therefore, there is currently uncertainty as to how both existing and new IP cases will be handled.

We are currently analysing the new laws and our further report will follow once BIPO has issued their written notification about the implementation of these laws.

If you require any further information or assistance with your IP rights in the Bahamas, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Author: Louise Audhlam-Gardiner

Louise is a Director in the Patents & Designs department, overseeing and managing the department to deliver a range of services to our clients. Qualified as both a UK Patent Attorney and as a European Patent Attorney, Louise provides advice on global patent filing strategies and overcoming prosecution issues.

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Louise Audhlam-Gardiner

Louise is a Director in the Patents & Designs department. She joined Lysaght in 2001 and has a wealth of experience, with over 27 years working in the IP industry.

Louise graduated from Oxford University in 1996 with a First Class Honours degree in Biochemistry. She qualified as UK Patent Attorney in 2000 and as a European Patent Attorney in 2002.

Alongside Richard Stilwell, she oversees and manages the department to deliver a range of services to our clients. In particular, Louise provides advice on global patent filing strategies and overcoming prosecution issues. Louise is also the main contact for Supplementary Protection Certificates (“SPC”) services.

https://www.lysaght.co.uk/bio-louise-audhlam-gardiner