British Virgin Islands
Self-governing British Overseas Territory.
Own laws
Yes.
Extension
Patents: If you apply for a patent based on an existing United Kingdom (UK) patent, within 3 years of UK date of issue, registration will normally be granted, the patent will expire with UK patent.
EP(UK): Patents granted by the European Patent Office are not distinguished on the BVI Register from ordinary UK Patents so long as the European Patent is also registered in the UK. Under the Registration of United Kingdom Patents Act (Cap. 156, BVI) a UK patent is deemed to include a patent granted by the European Patent Office, registered in the UK and having the same effect in the UK as a UK patent.
Trade marks: In addition to local registration, you may also apply for a registration based on a UK trade mark. Applications can be at any time during the life of the UK trade mark and will expire with UK trade mark. Community trade marks (CTMs) and registrations under the Madrid Protocol designating the United Kingdom do not have effect in the British Virgin Islands at present. The Authorities are considering the best way of amending the law and implementing changes.
Designs: There is no provision for independent registration but UK designs registrations are automatically extended (a cautionary notice placed in the local press is advisable).
Conventions
No information
Administration
Registry of
Companies Trade Marks & Patents
Government
of the British Virgin Islands
PO Box 418
Road Town
Tortola
British
Virgin Islands
Tel: 001 284 494 5355/6
Fax:
001 284 494 6331
