The Cayman Islands legislature recently passed the Patents and Trade Marks Law, 2011 (the “Law”) which repeals and replaces the previous law and introduces some significant changes to patent and trade mark law in the Cayman Islands, as summarized below. The Law became effective on 7 December 2011.

Requirement for Registered Agent

Pursuant to the Law, except for general searches of the Cayman Islands Registry of Patents and Trade Marks (the “Registry”), only a registered agent who is ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands and licensed by the Registrar of Patents and Trade Marks (the “Registrar”) may transact business with the Registry.

Owners of patents or trade marks recorded in the Cayman Islands who do not have a registered agent must now appoint one when they next deal with the Registry in relation to their patent or trade mark or when they next pay their annual fee, whichever is sooner. Harneys is a registered agent and is able to conduct business with the Registry. Upon being instructed by the owner of the patent or trade mark, the registered agent will deal with the Registry on such matters as registration, renewal, payment of annual fees and any other dealings as instructed by the owner.

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