As reported last week on our website, new IP laws relating to copyright, patents, and trade marks were unexpectedly brought into retroactive effect in the Bahamas from 1 February 2025. Whilst we are still awaiting written confirmation from BIPO and approval of the implementing regulations, we have analysed the new laws and summarise here some provisions of particular significance.

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.