UK WIPO Designations No Longer Cover Jersey

As of August 1, 2026, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) designations for the United Kingdom through the Madrid System no longer cover Jersey. Instead, Jersey is now an independent designation for all new trademark applications, subsequent designations, and registration renewals. Jersey also has its own office of origin, meaning that applicants based in Jersey will file their international trademark applications directly through the Jersey Registrar of Intellectual Property. 

Requirements for designating Jersey  

Individual fees apply when an applicant:  

• Files a new international trademark application designating Jersey 
• Expands an existing international trademark registration to cover Jersey
• Renews an existing international trademark registration in Jersey 

When filing a trademark application in Jersey either via the Madrid Protocol or as a direct national application, Applicants must include a declaration that the mark is either in use or that there is a bona fide intent to use the mark in Jersey for the goods and services listed in the application. For marks that are in use, there is no requirement to submit proof of use at the time of filing.

What about existing U.K. registrations?  

For international registrations designating the U.K. that were protected before August 1, registrants do not need to take any action. WIPO will automatically record a Jersey designation for existing registrations. From August 1 on, the U.K. and Jersey designations operate independently.  

For registrations for which the U.K. refusal period has not yet expired and the U.K. has not communicated a decision, WIPO will record a Jersey designation only when the U.K. issues a statement of grant of protection or final decision granting total or partial protection.  

For registrations that have been refused or invalidated in the U.K., WIPO will not record a Jersey designation.  

Takeaways

As of August 1, brands without existing registrations in the U.K. must decide whether registration in Jersey merits additional fees and search, monitoring, and enforcement expenses. And while WIPO is automatically recording Jersey designations for existing U.K. registrations, renewals thereof will incur additional fees, eventually forcing a decision on costs and benefits.