2015-04-16
The Cabinet of the Virgin Islands, acting on the advice of the Financial Services Commission, promulgated these rules to establish comprehensive procedures for trade mark registration and management under the Trade Marks Act, 2013. The regulations mandate specific filing requirements, including electronic submissions and designated forms TM1 through TM25, for applications covering standard, defensive, certification, and collective marks. They further govern the examination process, opposition proceedings, renewal and restoration of registrations, revocation or invalidation grounds, registrable transactions such as licences, and the conduct of hearings before the Registrar.
1 VIRGIN ISLANDS TRADE MARKS RULES, 2015 ARRANGEMENT OF RULES Rule PART I PRELIMINARY 1… Citation and commencement. 2… Interpretation. 3… Publication on Internet site. 4… Specified form and directions of Registrar. 5… Electronic filing. PART II APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS 6… Filing of application. 7… Specification of goods and services. 8… Representation of trade mark. 9… Registrar’s notice on deficiencies in application. 10.. Claim to priority. 11.. Disclaimers, conditions and limitations. 12.. Additional disclaimer, conditions and limitations. 13.. Examining an application. 14.. Failure to comply with registration requirements. PART III AMENDMENT OF APPLICATION 15.. Publication of amendments to an application. 16.. Notice of objection. 17.. Amendment of application. 18.. Determination of request to amend. PART IV OPPOSITION TO REGISTRATION 19.. Filing of notice of opposition. 20.. Filing of counter-statement. 21.. Leave to file additional evidence. 22.. Fixing date of hearing.
2 PART V WITHDRAWAL, DIVISION AND MERGER OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION 23.. Withdrawal of application. 24.. Division of application. 25.. Merger of separate applications. 26.. Merger of separate registrations. PART VI APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF SERIES, DEFENSIVE, CERTIFICATION, AND COLLECTIVE, TRADE MARKS 27.. Application in relation to series of trade marks. 28.. Request for division. 29.. Request for deletion of trade mark in series. 30.. Application for registration of defensive trade mark. 31.. Application for registration of certification trade mark. 32.. Application for registration of collective trade mark. 33.. Application to amend regulations re certification and collective trade marks. PART VII REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS 34.. Registration of trade mark. 35.. Publication of date of registration. 36.. Notice for renewal of registration. 37.. Renewal of registration. 38.. Restoration of registration. 39.. Request to alter a registered trade mark. 40.. Notice of objection to a proposed alteration. 41.. Determination of an alteration. 42.. Surrender of registered trade mark. 43.. Effect and publication of surrender. PART VIII CLASSIFICATION AND RECLASSIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES 44.. Classifying goods and services. 45.. Change of classification of goods or services. 46.. Notice to owner before reclassification. 47.. Publication of proposals. 48.. Notice of opposition.
3 PART IX REVOCATION, INVALIDATION, VARIATION AND CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION Revocation 49.. Application for revocation for non-use 50.. Filing counter-statement. 51.. Filing further evidence, and fixing hearing date. 52.. Application for revocation on grounds other than non-use. 53.. Filing counter-statement. 54.. Application of rule 51. Invalidity 55.. Application for declaration of invalidity. 56.. Application of rules 51, 52 and 53. Variation and Cancellation 57.. Application for variation or cancellation. 58.. Duty of Registrar. 59.. Application of rule 51. 60.. Intervention. PART X REGISTRABLE TRANSACTIONS 61.. Application or notice to register a registrable transaction. 62.. Entry in register of particulars of registrable transaction. 63.. Request to amend or remove registered particulars. PART XI PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE REGISTRAR 64.. Notice of hearing. 65.. Cases where Registrar not required to hold hearing. 66.. Representation at hearings. 67.. Power of Registrar to give directions. 68.. Hearings to be held in public. 69.. Language of hearing. 70.. Filing evidence. 71.. Statutory declaration and affidavit: how made. 72.. Photographs of exhibits. 73.. Leave to file evidence. 74.. Substitution of parties. 75.. Power to award costs.
4 76.. Power to tax costs. 77. Case management conference. 78.. Pre-hearing review. 79.. Power to stay proceedings. 80.. Decision of Registrar. PART XII RECTIFICATION, CORRECTION, AMENDMENT, INSPECTION, ETC. OF REGISTER AND OTHER DOCUMENTS Rectification of Register 81.. Application for rectification of error or omission. 82.. Application of rules 50 and 51. 83.. Rectification of irregularities. Effecting Corrections 84.. Request to change name or address. 85.. Correction of errors or omissions. 86.. Removal of matter from register. Amendment and Extension of Time 87.. General power to amend documents. 88.. Extension of time. 89.. Extension of time in relation to interruptions. Inspection 90.. Inspection of register and other documents. 91.. Hours of inspection. 92.. Confidential documents. 93.. Supply of copies of entries, etc. 94.. Supply of list of pending applications or registered trade marks. 95.. Official search of records for certain trade marks. 96.. Seeking Registrar’s opinion. PART XIII ADDRESS FOR SERVICE, AND FILING AND SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS Address for Service 97.. Filing address for service. 98.. Change or withdrawal of address for service. 99.. Failure to file address for service.
5 Filing and Service of Documents 100. Filing documents. 101. Electronic filing. 102. Terms for electronic filing. 103. Designating electronic mailbox. 104. Service of documents. PART XIV TRADE MARK AGENTS 105. Application for approval as a trade mark agent. 106. Register of trade mark agents. 107. Application to cancel or revoke approval. 108. Duty to notify of resignation. PART XV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 109. Form of records. 110. Publication of Court orders. 111. Filing of Court orders, etc. 112. Signature of documents by partnership, etc. 113. Translation of documents. 114. Pending applications for registration. 115. Conversion of pending application. 116. Payment of fees as a precondition to doing anything. 117. Preparing and issuing guidelines. 118. Revocation. SCHEDULE Form TM1 - Application for the registration of a trade mark, including a defensive trade mark, certification trade mark and collective trade mark Form TM2 - Request to amend application for registration Form TM3 - Request to amend representation of trade mark Request to delete trade mark in series Form TM4 - Request to amend regulations of certification and collective trade marks Form TM5 - Request to divide application for registration Form TM6 - Request to merge applications for trade marks Request to merge separate applications Form TM7 - Request to divide a series of trade marks Form TM8 - Notice of objection/opposition/withdrawal Application for revocation, declaration of invalidity, cancellation or variation of trade mark registration, or
6 rectification of error or omission in the register Application for intervention in proceedings for revocation, declaration of invalidity, cancellation, variation or rectification Form TM9 - Counter-statement Form TM10 - Notice for renewal of registered trade mark Form TM11 - Request for renewal of trade mark registration Request for restoration and renewal of trade mark registration Form TM12 - Notice of surrender of registered trade mark Form TM13 - Application or notice to register registrable transaction (other than a licence) Request to amend or remove registered particulars of security interest Form TM14 - Application or notice to register a licence Request to amend or remove registered particulars of a licence Form TM15 - Notice to make representation Form TM16 - Request for hearing before the Registrar Form TM17 - Notice of hearing by Registrar Form TM18 - Request for a statement of reasons Form TM19 - Request for change of name, address, address for service or trade mark agent’s address Form TM20 - Request for certified/uncertified copy of extract Form TM21 - Request for search of records Request for Registrar’s opinion Form TM22 - Application for approval as registered trade mark agent Form TM23 - Request for cancellation or revocation of approval as trade mark agent Form TM24 - Request for extension of time Form TM25 - Notice for conversion of pending application
7 VIRGIN ISLANDS STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 2015 NO. 17 TRADE MARKS ACT, 2013 (No. 9 of 2013) Trade Marks Rules, 2015 [Gazetted 16th April, 2015] The Cabinet, acting in accordance with the advice of the Financial Services Commission pursuant to section 134 of the Trade Marks Act, 2013 (No. 9 of 2013), makes these Rules: PART I PRELIMINARY Citation 1. These Rules may be cited as the Trade Marks Rules, 2015 and shall come into and force on the date the Trade Marks Act, 2013 is brought into force. commencement. Interpretation. 2. (1) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires, “Act” means the Trade Marks Act, 2013; “business days of the Registry” means the official working days of the Registry and such days do not include public holidays or weekends, save as otherwise determined by the Commission through a notice published on its Internet site; “business hours of the Registry” means the period between 8:30am and 4:30pm of the business days of the Registry or such other period as the Commission may determine through a notice published on its Internet site; “commencement date” means the date on which the Act is brought into force; “date of registration” means the filing date of the application for registration as provided in section 57 of the Act; “electronic record” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the No. 5 of 2001 Electronic Transactions Act, 2001; No 9 of 2013
8 “electronic signature” has the meaning assigned to it by section 8 of the No. 5 of 2001 Electronic Transactions Act, 2001; “existing registered trade mark” has the meaning assigned to it by paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 of the Act; “information system” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the No. 5 of 2001 Electronic Transactions Act, 2001; “Internet site” means the principal public access Internet site for the time being maintained by, or on behalf of, the Commission; “Nice Agreement” means the Nice Agreement referred to in the definition of “classification of goods or services” under section 2 (1) of the Act; “Nice Classification” means the International Classification of Goods and Services adopted under the Nice Agreement and in force on the date of registration of goods or services under this Act; “Registry” means the Office of the Registrar established under section 96 (1) of the Act; “repealed Act” has the meaning assigned to it by paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 of the Act, and shall be construed to include the Trade Marks Rules, S.I. 18 of 1937 1937 and Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks Rules, 1947; S.I. 1 of 1947 “send” includes give; “specification” means the statement of the goods or services in respect of which a trade mark is registered or proposed to be registered; and “specified form”, in relation to any matter or proceeding, means the form prescribed under these Rules, and includes any form required by the Registrar pursuant to section 97 of the Act to be used in connection with that matter or proceeding. (2) Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in these Rules to (a) the filing of a document or other thing (however expressed) shall be construed as a reference to the filing of the document or thing with the Registrar in accordance with Part XIII; and (b) a trade mark shall be construed as including a reference to a certification trade mark, collective trade mark and defensive trade mark.
9 Publication on 3. Where any matter under the Act or these Rules is required to be published in the Internet site. Gazette, that matter may, pursuant to sections 2 (5) and 134 (2) (h) of the Act, also be published on the Internet site. Specified forms 4. (1) Where the Registrar, acting pursuant to section 97 of the Act, specifies a and directions form for the purpose of registration of a trade mark or any proceeding, the form shall be of Registrar. used in all cases in which it is applicable. (2) Unless otherwise specified by the Registrar, a requirement to use a specified form is satisfied by the use either of a replica of the specified form or of a form that is acceptable to the Registrar if the replica or form (a) contains the information required by the specified form; and (b) complies with any directions of the Registrar regarding the use of the specified form. (3) Sub-rules (1) and (2) apply only in a case where a form has not been Schedule. specified in the Schedule. (4) Where it is considered necessary to modify a form specified in the Schedule but without deviating from the substance of the form, the Registrar may, by notice published in the Gazette, modify the form and the modification of the form shall not be construed to be contrary to any provision of these Rules. Electronic 5. (1) The Registrar may require that any specified form or other matter that is to filing. be filed with the Registrar shall be filed in an electronic form in accordance with rules 101, 102 and 103. (2) Where the Registrar requires electronic filing under sub-rule (1), rule 4 (2) (if applicable) shall apply only to the extent that there is no derogation from the requirements of the electronic filing. PART II APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS Filing of 6. (1) An application for the registration of a trade mark shall be filed in Form application. TM1 of the Schedule. Schedule (2) An application for the registration of a 3-dimensional shape as a trade mark or as an element of a trade mark shall not be treated as such unless the application contains a statement claiming the shape as the trade mark or, as the case may be, as an element of the trade mark. (3) An application for the registration of a colour as a trade mark or as an element of a trade mark shall not be treated as such unless
10 (a) the application contains a statement claiming the colour as the trade mark or, as the case may be, as an element of the trade mark; and (b) the trade mark or the elements of the trade mark, as the case may be, appear in the representation of the trade mark included with the application in the colour for which the claim is made. (4) The Registrar shall, upon the filing of an application for the registration of a trade mark, assign a registration number to the application and notify the applicant accordingly. (5) The assignment of a registration number under sub-rule (4) is without prejudice to the Registrar’s power to cancel the registration number if he, either at the time of filing of the application or subsequently, forms the opinion that the application does not meet the requirements for registration. Specification 7. (1) An application for the registration of a trade mark may be made in more of goods and than one class of the Nice Classification and shall specify the class or classes of goods or services. services to which the application relates. (2) The specification referred to in sub-rule (1) shall include for each class of goods or services a clear description, appropriate to that class, of the goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is proposed to be registered. (3) Where the application relates to more than one class of goods or services in the Nice Classification, the specification referred to in sub-rule (1) shall set out the classes in consecutive numerical order and the specification of the goods or services shall be grouped accordingly. (4) Where the trade mark is proposed to be registered in respect of all the goods or services in a particular class or in respect of a large variety of goods or services, the Registrar may refuse to accept the application unless he is satisfied that the specification is justified by the use the applicant has made of the trade mark or by the use the applicant intends to make of the trade mark if it is registered. (5) Where the specification lists goods or services by reference to a class or classes in the Nice Classification under which the goods or services do not fall, the applicant may file a request under section 49 (1) (b) of the Act to amend the application to correct the class or classes accordingly. (6) Subject to rule 18, the Registrar shall, upon receipt of a request under subrule (5), amend the application accordingly. (7) Sub-rule (4) does not apply to an application for the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade mark.
11 Representation 8. (1) The representation included with an application for the registration of a of trade mark. trade mark shall (a) depict the trade mark clearly and in sufficient detail to permit a proper examination to be made of the trade mark and shall be of a kind and quality that is suitable for reproduction and registration; and (b) subject to sub-rule (2), be provided in two copies. (2) The Registrar may at any time require an applicant to (a) file additional copies of the representation included with an application; or (b) provide an original of the copies of the representation. Registrar’s 9. (1) When it appears to the Registrar that an application for the registration of notice on a trade mark does not satisfy any requirement of rule 6 (1), (2) or (3), 7 (1) or (2) or 8 (1), deficiencies in or section 36 of the Act, the Registrar shall send a notice to the applicant informing him application. of the requirement that has not been satisfied and directing him to comply with the requirement. (2) Subject to any extension of time that may be granted pursuant to section 46 (4) of the Act, an applicant to whom a notice is sent under sub-rule (1) shall, within sixty days, comply with the requirements identified as not satisfied. (3) The sixty-day period shall be computed to commence the day after the date prescribed in the notice. (4) If the applicant fails to comply with a notice sent under sub-rule (1), (a) where the failure relates to rule 6 (1), (2) or (3) or 7 (1) or section 36 (1), (2) (e), (3) or (4) of the Act, the application shall be treated as abandoned; (b) where the failure relates to section 36 (5) of the Act or, if applicable, a failure to provide a statutory declaration or an affidavit in accordance with rule 71, the application shall be treated as abandoned; (c) where the failure relates to the class or classes of goods or services in the Nice Classification that is required to be specified under rule 7 (1), the part of the application relating to the goods or services in respect of which the specification of the class or classes is not satisfied shall be treated as abandoned;
12 (d) where the failure relates to the description of goods or services required to be provided under rule 7 (2), the part of the application relating to the goods or services the description of which is deficient shall be treated as abandoned; and (e) where the failure relates to section 36 (2) (a), (b), (c) or (d) of the Act, the application shall be deemed never to have been made. Claim to 10. (1) Where an applicant wishes to claim a right to priority under section 43 of priority. the Act, the application filed under these Rules shall include the following particulars: (a) the name of each country, territory or geographical area in respect of which a right to priority is claimed; (b) the date on which the application was filed in, or in respect of, each country, territory or geographical area referred to in paragraph (a); and (c) the number assigned to the application by the registering or other competent authority of the country, territory or geographical area concerned. (2) The Registrar may, at any time and in any particular case, by notice require the applicant to file such documentary evidence as the Registrar may require certifying, or verifying to the satisfaction of the Registrar, (a) the particulars outlined in sub-rule (1); (b) the representation of the trade mark; and (c) the goods or services covered by the application. (3) Where the Registrar issues a notice under sub-rule (2), the applicant has sixty days within which to file the required documentary evidence. (4) If the applicant fails to file the required documentary evidence within the period specified under sub-rule (3), the claim to a right to priority shall be treated as abandoned. Disclaimers, 11. (1) Where an applicant wishes to conditions and limitations. (a) disclaim any right to the exclusive use or any part of a trade mark, or (b) subject the rights to be conferred by the registration of the trade mark to a specified territorial limit or condition or limitation, he shall include particulars of the disclaimer, territorial limit, condition or limitation in Schedule his application by filing a notice in Form TM1 of the Schedule.
13 (2) An application with respect to a disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation may relate to any specified element of the trade mark. (3) The Registrar shall enter in the register the particulars of any disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation notified to him under this rule. Additional 12. (1) The owner of a registered trade mark may, by filing a notice in Form disclaimer, TM1 of the Schedule, condition and limitation. (a) disclaim any right to the exclusive use of any specified element of the Schedule trade mark; or (b) agree that the rights conferred by the registration shall be subject to a specified territorial limit or other condition or limitation. (2) Upon receipt of a notice under sub-rule (1), the Registrar shall publish a notice of the disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation in the Gazette. (3) A notice filed under sub-rule (1) with respect to a disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation may relate to any specified element of the trade mark. (4) The Registrar shall enter in the register the particulars of any disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation notified to him under this rule. Examining an 13. (1) The Registrar shall, subject to sub-rule (2), examine whether an application. application for the registration of a trade mark filed under these Rules, and in respect of which the deficiency notified under rule 9 has been remedied, satisfies the requirements for registration. (2) Where rule 9 (4) (c) or (d) applies, the Registrar shall examine whether the remaining part of the application that is not affected by the deficiency referred to in that rule satisfies the requirements for registration. Failure to 14. (1) Where it appears to the Registrar, on the basis of the examination of an comply with application under rule 13, that the requirements for registration have not been met, he registration shall act in accordance with section 46 (2) and (3) of the Act. requirements. (2) For purposes of considering an application for extension of time under section 46 (4) of the Act, the Registrar may take into account any of the following matters: (a) where the notice sent to the applicant raises an objection to the registration of the trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in section 24 (1), (2) or (3) of the Act,
14 (i) the applicant needs additional time to obtain the consent of the owner of an earlier trade mark; (ii) the applicant needs additional time to obtain an assignment of an earlier trade mark; or (iii) the proceedings for the cancellation, invalidation or revocation of an earlier trade mark are pending; (b) the applicant needs additional time to prepare evidence of use to be filed in support of the application; or (c) other exceptional circumstances exist to justify the granting of an extension of time. PART III AMENDMENT OF APPLICATION Publication of 15. (1) Where the Registrar, after publication of an application for the registration amendments to of a trade mark under section 48 of the Act, receives a request under section 49 (1) (b) of an application. the Act to amend that application (a) on the basis that it affects or, in the opinion of the Registrar, is likely to affect the representation of a trade mark or the goods or services covered by the application, or (b) which, in the opinion of the Registrar, may materially alter the meaning or scope of the application, the Registrar shall publish in the Gazette the particulars of the requested amendments. (2) A request under section 49 (1) (b) of the Act or for any of the purposes Schedule outlined in rule 17 shall be filed in Form TM2 of the Schedule. Notice of 16. (1) The publication of the particulars of an application under rule 15 (1) shall objection. be for a period of sixty days and shall invite persons who have an interest in the application or claim to be affected by the requested amendment to file a notice of Schedule objection in Form TM8 of the Schedule within the thirty-day period. (2) A written objection filed under sub-rule (1) shall (a) provide a statement of the grounds of objection; (b) indicate how the person objecting would be affected by the requested amendment if it were allowed; (c) indicate why, in the opinion of the person objecting, the requested amendment would be contrary to section 49 (1) (b) of the Act;
15 (d) provide such evidence as may be necessary to assist the Registrar to make a determination on the matter; and (e) be made available to the applicant who has requested the amendment. (3) Where a written objection is made available under sub-rule (2), the applicant requesting the amendment has twenty-one days within which to submit to the Registrar a written response to the objection. (4) The Registrar shall take no longer than thirty days, after receipt of an objection or, if he has received a response under sub-rule (3), within thirty days after the receipt of the response, to make a determination on the objection and his decision shall be conclusive on the objection. (5) For the purposes of sub-rule (1), a person shall be considered to have an interest if he satisfies any of the requirements of section 51 (3) of the Act. (6) Pursuant to section 54 (2) of the Act, a person who has given a notice of opposition may at any time before the determination of the opposition by the Registrar withdraw the objection by filing a notice in Form TM8. Amendment of 17. In addition to the matters mentioned in section 49 (1), an application for the application. registration of a trade mark may be amended for the purpose of (a) effecting a correction pursuant to rule 7 (5) and (6) with respect to the class or classes of goods or services listed in the specification referred to in that rule; (b) adding a disclaimer under section 72 of the Act or, as the case may be, any condition or limitation in relation to a disclaimer under sections 73 and 74 of the Act; or (c) withdrawing a claim to priority made under section 43 of the Act. Determination 18. Subject to this Part, where a request is filed to amend an application, the of request to Registrar may amend. (a) amend the application as requested by the applicant if he is satisfied that the requested amendment complies with section 49 (1) of the Act and these Rules; (b) amend the application in such manner as he thinks fit if he is satisfied that only a part of the requested amendment complies with section 49 (1) of the Act and these Rules; or
16 (c) decline to make the requested amendment if he is satisfied that the request does not comply with section 49 (1) of the Act and these Rules. PART IV OPPOSITION TO REGISTRATION Filing of 19. (1) A notice of opposition to the registration of a trade mark shall be filed in notice of Form TM8 of the Schedule within three months of the publication of the application for opposition. registration of the trade mark. Schedule (2) The notice of opposition shall include a statement of the grounds of opposition and, where the opposition is based on an earlier trade mark, the notice shall also include, (a) a representation of the earlier trade mark; (b) if the trade mark is registered, a statement indicating the class or classes and the goods or services in respect of which the trade mark is registered; (c) if the trade mark is not registered, a statement indicating the goods or services in respect of which it is used; and (d) if it is an earlier trade mark by virtue of section 6 (1) of the Act, a statement indicating the application or registration number of the trade mark. (3) A notice of opposition filed under sub-rule (1) may be accompanied by such evidence as the person filing the notice considers fit. Filing of 20. (1) Where an applicant receives, pursuant to section 53 (1) of the Act, a copy counter- of a notice of opposition filed with the Registrar, the applicant may file a counterstatement. statement in Form TM9 of the Schedule setting out Schedule (a) the grounds on which he relies in support of his application; (b) the facts alleged in the notice of opposition that he admits; (c) the facts alleged in the notice of opposition that he denies, including any alternative version of events that he relies on; and (d) the facts alleged in the notice of opposition that he is unable to admit or deny. (2) A counter-statement filed under sub-rule (1) may be accompanied by such evidence as the applicant considers fit.
17 Leave to file 21. (1) Where, for the purpose of making a determination on an opposition under additional section 54 (1) of the Act, the Registrar considers it appropriate to do so, he may grant evidence. leave to the person filing a notice of opposition and the applicant to file additional evidence in support of their opposition and counter-statement respectively. (2) The period for the filing of additional evidence under sub-rule (1) shall not exceed twenty-one days for each of the parties as the Registrar may determine, having regard to the nature of the opposition and the counter-statement. (3) Where leave is granted for the filing of additional evidence, the additional evidence shall be confined in relation to only the matters that had been raised in the initial filings made by the parties. Fixing date of 22. Where the Registrar, after reviewing the evidence before him, decides to grant a hearing. request for a hearing to determine an opposition, he shall fix a date, time and place for the hearing and shall notify the parties accordingly. PART V WITHDRAWAL, DIVISION AND MERGER OF APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION Withdrawal of 23. (1) Where an applicant for the registration of a trade mark intends to withdraw application. the application pursuant to section 49 (1) (a) of the Act, he shall do so by notifying the Registrar and the withdrawal shall take effect upon receipt by the Registrar of the notice. (2) If the application has been published in accordance with section 48 of the Act, the Registrar shall publish the fact of the withdrawal in the Gazette. Division of 24. (1) At any time after an application for the registration of a trade mark has application. been filed under section 38 of the Act and before the registration of the trade mark, the Schedule applicant may file a request in Form TM5 of the Schedule to divide the application (“the original application”) into two or more separate applications (“the divisional applications”), indicating for each divisional application the specification of goods or services to be covered by that application. (2) Each divisional application shall (a) be treated as a separate application for registration with the same filing date as the original application; and (b) have the same protection under the Act as the original application. (3) On the division of the original application, any notice of objection filed under rule 17 or notice of opposition filed under rule 19 in relation to the original application shall,
18 (a) where the notice of objection or notice of opposition relates only to some of the goods or services covered by the original application, be treated as having been filed in relation to each divisional application the specification of which covers any of those goods or services, and (b) in any other case, be treated as having been filed in relation to each of the divisional applications, and the proceedings on the objection or opposition shall continue accordingly. (4) On the division of an original application in relation to which a notice or request relating to the grant of a licence or a security interest or any right in or under the original application has been filed under rule 61 or 63, the notice or request shall, (a) where it relates only to some of the goods or services covered by the original application, be treated as having been filed in relation to each divisional application the specification of which covers any of those goods or services; and (b) in any other case, be treated as having been filed in relation to each of the divisional applications. Merger of 25. (1) An applicant who has filed separate applications for the registration of a separate trade mark may, at any time before particulars of any of those applications have been applications. published under rule 19 or section 48 of the Act, file a request in Form TM6 of the Schedule Schedule to merge those applications into a single application. (2) The Registrar shall merge the applications that are the subject of the request into a single application if he is satisfied that all of the applications (a) are in respect of the same trade mark; (b) bear the same filing date; and (c) are, at the time of the request, in the name of the same person. (3) Applications that are merged shall have equal protection under the Act and these Rules. Merger of 26. (1) The owner of two or more registrations of a trade mark may file a request separate in Form TM6 of the Schedule to merge them into a single registration. registrations. Schedule (2) Upon receipt of a request in accordance with sub-rule (1), the Registrar shall merge the registrations into a single registration if he is satisfied that all of the registrations (a) are in respect of the same trade mark; and
19 (b) provide the same protection under the Act. (3) Where registrations have been merged under sub-rule (2), the merged registration shall be subject to the same disclaimers, conditions and limitations to which each of the original registration was subject. (4) The Registrar shall, in relation to a merged registration, enter in the register the same particulars as were registered with respect to each of the original registrations. (5) Where the separate registrations bear different dates of registration, the date of registration of the merged registration shall be the latest of those dates. PART VI APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF SERIES, DEFENSIVE, CERTIFICATION, AND COLLECTIVE, TRADE MARKS Application in 27. (1) An application may be filed in accordance with Form TM1 of the relation to Schedule for the registration of a series of trade marks in a single registration if the series series of trade comprises no more than six trade trade marks. marks. Schedule (2) The application shall be accompanied by a representation of each trade mark claimed to be in the series. (3) Where an application for the registration of a series of trade marks comprises three or more trade marks, a fee shall be paid for each trade mark in excess of two trade marks. (4) Where, in an application under sub-rule (1), the Registrar is satisfied that the trade marks constitute a series and satisfy the requirements for registration, he may accept the application. Request for 28. (1) At any time before the registration of a series of trade marks, an applicant division. may file a request in Form TM7 of the Schedule for a division of his application into Schedule separate applications in respect of one or more of the trade marks in the series and the Registrar shall, if satisfied that the division conforms with rule 24 (1) and (2) (a), divide the application accordingly. (2) For the purpose of sub-rule (1), rule 24 (2) (b), (3) and (4) applies to the division of an application under this rule. Request for 29. (1) An applicant for the registration of a series of trade marks may at any time deletion of request the deletion of a trade mark in that series by filing Form TM3 of the Schedule trade mark and the Registrar shall act accordingly. in series.
20 Schedule (2) Where the Registrar deletes a trade mark under sub-rule (1), the application shall, in so far as it relates to the deleted trade mark, be treated as withdrawn. Application for 30. (1) An application for the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade registration of mark under section 75 of the Act shall be filed in Form TM1 of the Schedule. defensive trade mark. (2) Within a period of nine months after the date of the application, the Schedule applicant shall file (a) a statement setting out full particulars of the facts on which he relies in support of his application; and (b) such evidence, if any, as he may desire to adduce in support of the application. (3) A statement filed pursuant to sub-rule (2) shall be verified by the statutory declaration or affidavit of the applicant or some other person approved for the purpose by the Registrar, and rule 71 shall apply accordingly. (4) Where the applicant fails to file a statement within the period specified in sub-rule (2), the application shall be treated as abandoned. (5) The Registrar may, on such terms as he considers fit, require or accede to a request by the applicant to file additional evidence in support of the application. (6) The provisions of Part III apply in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade mark, except to the extent they are inconsistent with this rule. Application for 31. (1) For the purposes of paragraph 6 (1) of Schedule 1 of the Act, an applicant registration of for the registration of a certification trade mark shall, within a period of nine months after certification the date of the application for registration, file a copy of the regulations governing the use trade mark. of the trade mark. (2) The regulations shall be accompanied by evidence of the applicant’s competence to certify the goods or services for which the trade mark is to be registered and the evidence shall be verified by a statutory declaration or affidavit as provided in rule 71. (3) Without prejudice to paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 of the Act, the Registrar may send to the applicant any observations that he may wish to make with regard to the application, the suitability of the regulations or the sufficiency of the evidence, and the applicant may, as he considers appropriate, (a) file a request under section 49 of the Act to amend the application; or (b) modify the regulations or file new evidence.
21 Application for 32. (1) For the purposes of paragraph 6 (2) of Schedule 2 of the Act, an applicant registration of for the registration of a collective trade mark shall, within a period of nine months after collective the date of the application for registration, file a copy of the regulations governing the use trade mark. of the trade mark. (2) Without prejudice to paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 of the Act, the Registrar may send to the applicant any observations that he may wish to make with regard to the application or the suitability of the regulations, and the applicant may, as he considers appropriate, (a) file a request under section 49 of the Act to amend the application; or (b) modify the regulations. Application to 33. (1) An application by the owner of a registered certification trade mark or amend collective trade mark for the amendment of the regulations governing the use of the trade regulations re mark shall be filed in Form TM4 of the Schedule. certification and collective (2) Where the Registrar considers it appropriate to do so, he shall publish a trade marks. notice of the amendment in the Gazette, indicating where copies of the amended Schedule regulations may be inspected. (3) Where the Registrar publishes a notice under sub-rule (2), any person claiming to be affected by the amendment to the regulations may, within two months after the date of publication of the notice, file a notice of opposition in Form TM8 of Schedule the Schedule. (4) The notice of opposition shall (a) include a statement of the grounds of opposition; (b) indicate how the person opposing would be affected by the amendment if it were allowed; and (c) indicate why, in the opinion of the person opposing, the amendment would be contrary to (i) paragraph 5 (1) or 7 (1) of Schedule 1of the Act, in the case of a certification trade mark; (ii) paragraph 4 (1) or 6 (1) of Schedule 2 of the Act, in the case of a collective trade mark; or (iii) public policy or accepted principles of morality.
22 (5) The person opposing shall, at the same time as he files the notice of opposition, send a copy of the notice to the owner of the registered certification trade mark or collective trade mark in question. (6) Where a notice of opposition is filed within the period specified in subrule (3), the Registrar may, if he is satisfied that the opposition (a) has merit, decline to accept the amendment; or (b) does not have merit and that the amendment should be accepted, accept the amendment as filed by the owner. (7) Where a notice of opposition is not filed as prescribed in sub-rule (3), and the Registrar is satisfied that the amendment is in order, he shall accept the amendment as filed by the owner. PART VII REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS Registration of 34. (1) The Registrar shall register a trade mark under section 55 (1) of the Act by trade mark. entering a representation of the trade mark in the register, together with the following particulars: (a) the date of registration as determined in accordance with section 57 of the Act; (b) the date of priority, if any, claimed under section 43 of the Act; (c) the name and address of the owner; (d) the address for service of the owner; (e) the class or classes and description of goods or services in the Nice Classification in respect of which the trade mark is registered; (f) any disclaimer, territorial limit or other condition or limitation to which the registration is subject; (g) where the trade mark or any element of the trade mark consists of a 3- dimensional shape for which a claim has been made in accordance with rule 6 (2), that fact; (h) where the trade mark or any element or elements of the trade mark consists of a colour or colours for which a claim has been made in accordance with rule 6 (3), that fact and the colour or colours so claimed;
23 (i) where the trade mark consists wholly or in part of a sound or smell, that fact; (j) where the trade mark is a certification trade mark, a collective trade mark or a defensive trade mark, that fact; (k) where the trade mark registration consists of a series of trade marks, that fact; and (l) where the trade mark is registered under or by virtue of section 15 (2), 24 (8) or 27 (1) (a) or (b) of the Act, that fact. (2) The Registrar may at any time enter in the register such other particulars in relation to the trade mark as he considers fit. Publication of 35. The publication in the Gazette of a notice under section 55 (2) (b) of the Act date of indicating the registration of a trade mark shall specify the date of registration of the trade registration. mark. Notice for 36. For purposes of section 59 (3) of the Act, the notice to be sent to the owner of a renewal of registered trade mark for the renewal of the trade mark shall be in Form TM10 of registration. the Schedule. Schedule Renewal of 37. (1) The renewal of registration of a trade mark shall be effected by filing a registration. request for renewal in Form TM11 of the Schedule. Schedule (2) Where a request for the renewal of a trade mark is not filed, or the relevant renewal fee is not paid, prior to the expiry of the trade mark, the Registrar shall publish that fact in the Gazette. (3) Where (a) the registration of a trade mark is renewed under section 59 (2) of the Act, the Registrar shall specify the date on which the renewal takes effect; and (b) the Registrar removes a trade mark from the register under section 59 (4), he shall publish that fact in the Gazette specifying the date of removal. Restoration of 38. (1) Where, within a period of six months after the registration of a trade mark registration. has been removed from the register, the owner of the trade mark (a) files a request for restoration of the trade mark on the register in Schedule Form TM11 of the Schedule, and
24 (b) pays the renewal fee and the applicable penalty for late renewal prescribed in the Financial Services (Trade Marks Fees) Regulations, S.I. No. 2015, of 2014 the Registrar may if, having regard to the circumstances of the failure to renew the trade mark he considers it just to do so, restore the trade mark on the register. (2) Where the Registrar restores a trade mark under sub-rule (2) he shall, in publishing that fact in the Gazette, also specify the date of restoration. (3) A trade mark that is restored on the register by virtue of this rule shall (a) be treated as if the restoration were a renewal of the registration of the trade mark, and (b) have its effective date computed as provided in section 59 (2) of the Act, and the publication of the removal of the trade mark from the register under rule 37 (3) (b) shall cease to have any effect. Request to 39. (1) A request under section 60 (2) of the Act by the owner of a trade mark to alter a alter the trade mark shall be filed in Form TM19 of the Schedule. registered trade mark. (2) A request for the alteration of a registered trade mark shall provide Schedule (a) the reasons for the request; and (b) such evidence as may be necessary to assist the Registrar in making a determination on the request. (3) Where the Registrar proposes to allow the alteration of a trade mark, he shall publish a notice of the proposal in the Gazette, including a representation of the trade mark as proposed to be altered in the register. Notice of 40. (1) A person claiming to be affected by a proposal to alter a registered trade objection to a mark may, within two months of the date of publication of the notice under rule 39 (3), proposed file a notice of objection in Form TM8 of the Schedule. alteration. Schedule (2) The notice of objection shall include a statement (a) of the grounds of objection; (b) explaining how the person would be affected by the proposed alteration if it were made;
25 (c) explaining why in the person’s opinion it would be contrary to section 60 of the Act to allow the alteration; and (d) providing such evidence as may be necessary to assist the Registrar in making a determination on the objection. (3) The person filing the notice of objection under sub-rule (1) shall, at the same time as he files the notice of objection, send a copy of it to the owner of the trade mark in question. Determination 41. (1) The Registrar may, after receipt and consideration of a request to alter a of an registered trade mark and, if any objection is filed under rule 40 (1), after consideration alteration. of the objection, (a) allow the alteration if he is satisfied that it complies with section 60 of the Act; (b) allow the alteration in part if he is satisfied that only a part of the alteration complies with section 60 of the Act; or (c) disallow the alteration if he is satisfied that it does not comply with section 60 of the Act. (2) Where the Registrar allows an alteration under sub-rule (1) (a) or (b), (a) the registered trade mark shall, with effect from the date of alteration, become effective as altered; (b) he shall amend the register by making the appropriate entry; and (c) he shall publish in the Gazette the alteration and specify the effective date of the alteration. Surrender of 42. (1) The owner of a registered trade mark may surrender the registration of the registered trade mark by filing a notice of surrender in Form TM12 of the Schedule. trade mark. Schedule (2) The notice of surrender shall, (a) state whether the registration is surrendered in respect of all of the goods or services for which the trade mark is registered or only in respect of certain of those goods or services; (b) where the registration is surrendered in respect of only certain goods or services, specify the goods or services concerned by reference to their class or classes in the Nice Classification; (c) give the name and address of any other person having a registered interest or any right in the trade mark; and
26 (d) certify that the person referred to in paragraph (c) (i) has been sent not less than three months’ notice of the owner’s intention to surrender the registration; or (ii) is not affected or, if affected, consents to the surrender. Effect and 43. (1) A surrender of the registration of a trade mark publication of surrender. (a) has the same effect in respect of the goods or services for which the registration is surrendered as the registration of the trade mark ceasing to have effect in respect of those goods or services; and (b) takes effect on the date of receipt by the Registrar of a notice that complies with rule 42. PART VIII CLASSIFICATION AND RECLASSIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES Classifying 44. (1) This rule and rules 45 to 48 apply subject to any Order made by the goods and Commission pursuant to section 2 (1) of the Act. services. (2) Subject to sub-rule (4), the goods or services in respect of which a trade mark is registered shall, for the purposes of (a) trade marks registered on or after the commencement date, be classified in accordance with the classifications of the Nice Classification in force on the date of registration; and (b) existing registered trade marks, be classified in the same manner as they were classified immediately before the commencement date. (4) The specification of a registered trade mark may be reclassified in accordance with rules 45 to 48. Change of 45. Subject to rules 46, 47 and 48 and section 95 (4) of the Act, the Registrar may, in classification order to of goods or (a) reclassify the specification of a registered trade mark that is not services. founded on the classification of the Nice Classification to one that is founded on such Classification, or (b) implement any amendment to, or substitution for, the classification of the Nice Classification,
27 make such amendments to the entries in the register as he considers necessary for the purposes of reclassifying the specification of any registered trade mark. Notice to 46. (1) The Registrar shall, before he amends an entry in the register under rule owner before 45, send to the owner of the registered trade mark in question a notice informing the reclassification. owner of the proposals for amendment. (2) The notice shall include a statement informing the owner that (a) he may file written objections to the proposals within two months after the date of the notice, stating the grounds of his objections; and (b) if no written objections are filed within the period specified under paragraph (a), the Registrar will publish the proposals in the Gazette and the owner will not be entitled to make any objections to the proposals upon such publication. Publication of 47. (1) If the owner of a registered trade mark does not file written objections proposals. within the period specified in rule 46 (2) (a), or at any time before the expiry of that period files written notice of his intention not to make any objections, the Registrar shall as soon as practicable after the expiry of the specified period or receipt of that notice, as the case may be, publish the proposals for amendment in the Gazette. (2) Where the owner files written objections within the period specified in rule 46 (2) (a), the Registrar shall consider the objections. (3) If, having considered the objections, the Registrar is satisfied that (a) the objections (or part of the objections) have merit, he shall (i) abandon the proposals; or (ii) amend the proposals and publish in the Gazette the proposals as amended; or (b) the objections are without merit, he shall publish the proposals in the Gazette. Notice of 48. (1) Where the Registrar publishes proposals for amendment under rule 47 (1), opposition. any person claiming to be affected may, within two months after the date of Schedule publication of the proposals, file a notice of opposition in Form TM8 of the Schedule. (2) The notice of opposition shall include a statement (a) of the grounds of opposition; (b) explaining how the person would be affected by the amendments if they were made;
28 (c) explaining why in the person’s opinion it would be contrary to section 95 (4) of the Act to make the amendments; and (d) providing such evidence as may be necessary to assist the Registrar in making a determination on the opposition. (3) The person claiming to be affected by the proposals for amendment shall, at the same time as he files the notice of opposition, send a copy of the notice to the owner of the registered trade mark in question. (4) Where no notice of opposition is filed within the period specified in subrule (1), or where any opposition has been determined against the person claiming to be affected by the proposals for amendment, the Registrar shall (a) make the amendments as proposed; and (b) enter in the register the date on which the amendments were made. PART IX REVOCATION, INVALIDATION, VARIATION AND CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION Revocation Application for 49. (1) An application for the revocation of the registration of a trade mark on revocation any of the grounds mentioned in section 67 (2) of the Act shall be filed in Form TM8 of for non-use. the Schedule. Schedule (2) The application shall be accompanied by (a) a statement outlining the grounds on which the application is made; and (b) evidence in support of the application. (3) The applicant shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application, along with the statement of grounds and evidence, to the owner of the registered trade mark in question. Filing counter- 50. (1) Within a period of two months after the date of receipt of the copy of the statement. application, statement of grounds and evidence under rule 49, the owner may file a Schedule counter-statement in Form TM9 of the Schedule setting out (a) the grounds on which he relies in support of his registration; (b) the facts alleged in the application that he admits;
29 (c) the facts alleged in the application that he denies and his reasons, including any alternative version of events that he relies on; and (d) the facts alleged in the application that he is unable to admit or deny. (2) The counter-statement, if filed, shall be accompanied by (a) evidence of the use made of the trade mark; or (b) a statement giving reasons for non-use. (3) The owner shall, at the same time as he files the counter-statement, send to the applicant a copy of the counter-statement, along with a copy of the evidence of use or statement giving reasons for non-use. (4) Where the owner does not file a counter-statement or fails to provide the evidence or statement referred to in sub-rule (2) within the period specified in sub-rule (1), the Registrar may treat the application for revocation as unopposed by the owner. Filing further 51. (1) The Registrar may at any time, if he considers it appropriate so to do, give evidence, and leave to the applicant or the owner to file further evidence on such terms as he thinks fit. fixing hearing date. (2) The Registrar shall, if no further evidence is to be filed under sub-rule (1), fix a date, time and place for the hearing and shall notify the parties accordingly. Application for 52. (1) An application for any of the following shall be filed in Form TM8 of the revocation on Schedule: grounds other than non-use. (a) the revocation of the registration of a trade mark on any of the grounds Schedule mentioned in section 67 (2) (b), (c) or (d) of the Act; (b) the revocation of the registration of a trade mark as a defensive trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in section 76 (1) of the Act; (c) the revocation of the registration of a certification trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph 14 of Schedule 1 of the Act; and (d) the revocation of the registration of a collective trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 of the Act. (2) The application shall be accompanied by a statement outlining the grounds on which the application is made and evidence in support of the application. (3) The applicant shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application and statement of grounds, including any evidence in support of the application, to the owner of the registered trade mark, defensive trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark in question.
30 Filing counter- 53. (1) Within a period of two months after the date of receipt of the copy of the statement. application, statement of grounds and evidence under rule 52, the owner may file a Schedule counter-statement in Form TM9 of the Schedule setting out (a) the grounds on which he relies in support of his registration; (b) the facts alleged in the application that he admits; (c) the facts alleged in the application that he denies and his reasons, including any alternative version of events that he relies on; and (d) the facts alleged in the application that he is unable to admit or deny. (2) The owner shall, at the same time as he files the counter-statement, send to the applicant a copy of the counter-statement, along with a copy of the grounds and evidence referred to in sub-rule (1). (3) Where the owner does not file a counter-statement or fails to provide any evidence within the period specified in sub-rule (1), the Registrar may treat the application for revocation as unopposed by the owner. Application of 54. Rule 51 shall apply, with necessary modifications, in relation to an application for rule 51. revocation on grounds other than non-use. Invalidity Application for 55. (1) An application for any of the following shall be filed in Form TM8 of the declaration of Schedule: invalidity. Schedule (a) a declaration of invalidity of the registration of a trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in section 69 of the Act; (b) a declaration of invalidity of the registration of a certification trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph 14 of Schedule 1 of the Act; and (c) a declaration of invalidity of the registration of a collective trade mark on any of the grounds mentioned in paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 of the Act. (2) The application shall be accompanied by a statement outlining the grounds on which the application is made and evidence in support of the application. (3) The applicant shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application and statement of grounds, including any evidence in support of
31 the application, to the owner of the registered trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark in question. Application of 56. Rules 51, 52 and 53 shall apply, with necessary modifications, in relation to an rules 51,52 application for invalidity under rule 55. and 53. Variation and Cancellation Application for 57. (1) An application for any of the following shall be filed in Form TM8 of variation or the Schedule: cancellation. Schedule (a) the variation or cancellation of a trade mark under section 61 or 62 of the Act; (b) the variation or cancellation of registration of a certification trade mark under section 63 of the Act; and (c) the variation or cancellation of registration of a collective trade mark under section 64 of the Act. (2) The application shall be accompanied by a statement outlining, (a) the specific ground or grounds outlined in section 61 (2), 63 (1) or 64 (1) of the Act on which the application is made; and (b) in the case of an application by an owner under section 62 (1) of the Act, the reasons for the application. (3) The applicant shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application and statement of grounds to the owner of the registered trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark in question. (4) Sub-rule (3) does not apply to an application made under section 62 (1) of the Act, unless if the owner, at the time of filing the application under sub-rule (1), is aware of a person who has an interest in the trade mark in question. Duty of 58. (1) Where an application is filed under rule 57 (1), the Registrar shall Registrar. publish a notice in the Gazette outlining, (a) in the case of an application under section 61 of the Act, (i) a description of the condition or conditions under which the trade mark is registered; (ii) the condition or conditions contravened or not observed; and
32 (iii) the variation proposed to be made; (b) in the case of an application for the variation or cancellation of the registration of a certification trade mark under section 63, the matters identified in subsection (2) of that section; and (c) in the case of an application for the variation or cancellation of the registration of a collective trade mark under section 64, the matters identified in subsection (2) of that section. (2) The notice published under sub-rule (1) shall indicate the period within which the owner may submit a counter-statement. (3) A counter-statement submitted pursuant to sub-rule (2) (a) shall set out the reasons for opposing the application; (b) may be accompanied by such evidence as may be considered fit; and Schedule (c) shall be in Form TM9 of the Schedule. Application of 59. Rule 51 shall apply, with necessary modifications, in relation to an application rule 51. for variation or cancellation under rule 57. Intervention. 60. (1) Any person claiming to have an interest in any proceedings under this Part Schedule may file an application in Form TM8 of the Schedule for leave to intervene, stating the nature of his interest. (2) Upon receipt of an application filed under sub-rule (1), the Registrar may (a) refuse to grant leave to intervene; or (b) grant leave to intervene on such terms, including any undertaking as to costs, as he thinks fit. (2) A person granted leave to intervene under sub-rule (2) (b) shall, subject to any terms imposed by the Registrar, be treated as a party to the proceedings. (3) Any person applying for leave to intervene under this rule shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application to each party to the proceedings.
33 PART X REGISTRABLE TRANSACTIONS Application or 61. (1) An application under section 81 of the Act to register particulars of a notice to registrable transaction relating to a registered trade mark, or a notice under section register a 83 (3) of the Act to register particulars of a registrable transaction relating to an registrable application for the registration of a trade mark, shall be filed in Form TM13 of the transaction. Schedule. Schedule (2) Where the registrable transaction (a) is an assignment, the application or notice shall either be signed by or on behalf of the assignor or be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the assignment; (b) relates to the grant of a licence or security interest, the application or notice shall either be signed by or on behalf of the grantor or be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the transaction; (c) relates to the making by personal representatives of an assent, the application or notice shall either be signed by or on behalf of the personal representative or be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the transaction; or (d) relates to an order of a court or an authority recognised by the Registrar as a competent authority, the application or notice shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the transaction. Entry in the 62. (1) The particulars to be entered in the register in connection with a register of registrable transaction relating to a registered trade mark or an application for registration particulars of of a trade mark are as follows: a registrable transaction. (a) in the case of an assignment of the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the assignee; and (ii) the date of the assignment; (b) in the case of an assignment of any right in the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the assignee; (ii) the date of the assignment; and
34 (iii) a description of the right assigned; (c) in the case of a grant of a licence under the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the licensee; (ii) where the licence is an exclusive licence, that fact; (iii) where the licence is limited, a description of the limitation; and (iv) where the licence is for a fixed period or the duration of the licence is ascertainable as a fix period, the period of the licence; (d) in the case of the grant of any security interest over the trade mark or application, or over any right in or under the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the grantee; (ii) the nature of the interest (whether fixed or floating); and (iii) the extent of the security and the right in or under the trade mark or application that is secured; (e) in the case of the making by personal representatives of an assent in relation to the trade mark or application, or in relation to any right in or under the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the person in whom the trade mark or application, or any right in or under it, vests by virtue of the assent; and (ii) the date of the assent; and (f) in the case of an order of a court or other competent authority transferring the trade mark or application, or transferring any right in or under the trade mark or application, (i) the name and address of the transferee; (ii) the name of the court or other competent authority; (iii) the date of the order; and
35 (iv) where the transfer is in respect of a right in the trade mark or application, a description of the right transferred. (2) In each of the cases cited in sub-rule (1), the Registrar shall ensure that the date on which the entry is made is recorded in the register. Request to 63. (1) The Registrar may, on the filing of a request as prescribed in sub-rule (2), amend or amend or remove any registered particulars relating to remove registered (a) a licence under a registered trade mark or application for the particulars. registration of a trade mark; (b) a security interest over a registered trade mark or application for the registration of a trade mark; or (c) a security interest over any right in or under a registered trade mark or application for the registration of a trade mark. (2) A request relating to Schedule (a) sub-rule (1) (a) shall be filed in Form 14 of the Schedule; and Schedule (b) sub-rule (1) (b) or (c) shall be filed in Form 13 of the Schedule. (3) Where the request relates to (a) the alteration of the terms of a licence or security interest, it shall either be signed by or on behalf of both the grantor and grantee of the licence or security interest or be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the alteration; and (b) the removal of registered particulars relating to a licence or security interest, it shall either be signed by or on behalf of the grantee of the licence or security interest or be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish that the registered particulars have ceased to have effect. (4) In the case of an alteration of the terms of a licence or security interest, the Registrar shall ensure that the date on which the entry is made in relation to the alteration is recorded in the register. PART XI PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE REGISTRAR Notice of 64. (1) For purposes of giving a party to proceedings before the Registrar an hearing. opportunity to be heard, the Registrar shall send a notice to the party in Form TM15 of Schedule the Schedule informing him
36 (a) of the requirements of section 105 of the Act; and (b) that, if he wishes to be heard, he must file a request for hearing in Schedule Form TM16 of the Schedule within one month after the date of the notice. (2) Where under the Act or these Rules a period is specified within which a notice may be filed in relation to a hearing before the Registrar, that period shall apply and not the period specified in sub-rule (1) (b). (3) The Registrar shall, (a) in a case where a request for a hearing is filed within the specified period, (i) fix a date, time and place for the hearing; and Schedule (ii) send a notice in Form TM17 of the Schedule specifying the date, time and place fixed for the hearing to each party to the proceedings; and (b) in any other case, on his own initiative, (i) fix a date, time and place for the hearing; and Schedule (ii) send a notice in Form TM17 of the Schedule specifying the date, time and place fixed for the hearing to each party to the proceedings. (4) A party to whom a notice is sent under sub-rule (3) (a) (ii) or (b) (ii) and who intends to appear at the hearing shall, within fourteen days after the date of the notice, notify the Registrar in writing of his intention, and if he fails to do so he shall be treated as not intending to appear at the hearing and the Registrar may act accordingly. (5) A notice sent to a party under this rule shall, unless it can be established to the satisfaction of the Registrar that (a) the notice did not bear the name of the person for whom it was intended, or (b) the address on the notice did not conform with the address of the person on the register, be treated as having been received by the party for whom it was intended. Cases where 65. The Registrar may decide a matter without a hearing if
37 Registrar not required to (a) he reasonably believes that no party wishes to be heard; or hold hearing. (b) at least one of the following circumstances applies in relation to each party notified of the hearing in accordance with these Rules: (i) the party has not indicated to the Registrar that he intends to appear at the hearing; or (ii) the Party has informed the Registrar that he does not intend to appear at the hearing. Representation 66. (1) A party to any proceedings before the Registrar may at hearings. (a) attend a hearing in person; (b) be represented by his trade mark agent or by a legal practitioner of his choice; or (c) be represented by such means as the Registrar may allow. (2) A party may make representations in writing before or during a hearing, save that the Registrar may not accept any representation after he has closed a hearing. (3) At any stage of a hearing the Registrar may adjourn the hearing, and shall notify each party accordingly. Power of 67. (1) Subject to the Act and these Rules, the Registrar may either on his own Registrar to initiative or at the request of a party and for the purpose of the proper and efficient give conduct of proceedings before him, give such directions as he considers to be reasonably directions. necessary for the conduct of, or in relation to, those proceedings. (2) At any stage of any proceedings before him, the Registrar may direct that such documents, information or evidence as he may reasonably require shall be filed within such period as he may specify. Hearings to be 68. (1) Subject to sub-rule (2), where the Registrar decides to hold a hearing, the held in public. hearing shall be held in public unless the Registrar, for any specific reason which shall be notified to the parties concerned and with the consent of all the parties, directs otherwise. (2) Where the Registrar forms the opinion and after consulting with the parties concerned, that a hearing will or is likely to involve a discussion or revelation of a trade secret or other matter of a confidential nature which might not be in the interest of any of the parties if the hearing were held in public, he may hold such hearing in private. Language of 69. (1) Subject to sub-rule (2), the language of a hearing before the Registrar shall hearing. be in the English language.
38 (2) Where a party in a hearing before the Registrar wishes to call a witness or an expert to give evidence in a language other than the English language, he shall, at least fourteen days before the date fixed for the hearing, notify the Registrar and any other party to the hearing of that fact. (3) The Registrar may require a party who gives notice under sub-rule (1) to make provision for interpretation into the English language and may, in that respect, give directions as to who should bear the costs of interpretation. Filing evidence. 70. (1) Where under the Act or these Rules evidence may be admitted by the Registrar in any proceedings before him, the evidence shall be filed by way of a statutory declaration or affidavit. (2) The Registrar may, (a) in any particular case, take oral evidence in addition to any evidence filed by way of a statutory declaration or affidavit; (b) allow any witness to be cross-examined on his statutory declaration, affidavit or oral evidence; and (c) in giving directions under rule 67 and without prejudice to the generality of that rule, (i) direct the issues on which evidence is required; (ii) direct the way in which the evidence is to be placed before the Registrar; (iii) make the directions subject to conditions; and (iv) specify the consequences of failure to comply with the directions or conditions. Statutory 71. (1) For the purposes of any proceedings before the Registrar, a statutory declaration declaration or affidavit may be made and subscribed as follows: and affidavit: how made. (a) in the Virgin Islands, before a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public authorized under the Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries S.I. No. 7 Public Act, 2007 or by a Justice of the Peace duly appointed, or of 2007 qualified as such, under section 7 of the Magistrate’s Code of Cap. 44 Procedure Act; and (b) in any place outside the Virgin Islands, before any court, judge, magistrate, justice of the peace, notary, notary public, commissioner
39 for oaths, consul or other person authorized by law to administer an oath or to exercise notarial functions in that place for the purpose of any legal proceedings. (2) A person who signs a statutory declaration or affidavit shall state on the statutory declaration or affidavit the capacity in which he makes the declaration or affidavit. (3) A document purporting to have affixed, impressed or subscribed to or on it the seal or signature of a person authorized by sub-rule (1) to take a statutory declaration or affidavit may be admitted by the Registrar without proof of the genuineness of the seal or signature or of the official character of the person or his authority to take the declaration or affidavit. Photographs 72. (1) A party to any proceedings before the Registrar who files a statutory of exhibits. declaration or affidavit under these Rules (a) shall send a copy of the declaration or affidavit to each other party to the proceedings; (b) may file a photograph of any exhibit to the statutory declaration or affidavit; and (c) may send a copy of the photograph to each other party to the proceedings in lieu of filing the original of the exhibit or sending a copy of it to the other party. (2) A photograph filed under sub-rule (1) shall be of sufficient size and clarity to properly depict any details of the exhibit referred to in the statutory declaration or affidavit. (3) A party who files a photograph under sub-rule (1) shall, at the same time as he files the photograph, give a written undertaking to the Registrar that he will (a) produce the original of the exhibit whenever required by the Registrar; and (b) will make the original of the exhibit available for inspection by any other party to the proceedings if so requested by that other party. (4) Unless otherwise directed by the Registrar, the original of any exhibit for which a photograph is filed under sub-rule (1) shall be produced at the hearing. Leave to file 73. Where under any provision of these Rules evidence may be filed in any evidence. proceedings before the Registrar only with the leave of the Registrar, the Registrar may decline to grant such leave or grant leave on such terms as he thinks fit.
40 Substitution 74. (1) Where a party to any proceedings before the Registrar of parties. (a) is a body corporate or other legal entity and the body corporate or other legal entity has been dissolved, struck-off, merged with another body corporate or other legal entity or acquired by any person, or (b) assigns or otherwise disposes of any interest in a trade mark, an application or other thing that is the subject matter of the proceedings, any person claiming to have an interest in the proceedings may apply to the Registrar for leave to be substituted for that party, stating the nature of his interest. (2) A person granted leave under sub-rule (1) (a) or (b) shall, subject to any terms imposed by the Registrar, be treated as a party to the proceedings before the Registrar. (3) For the purposes of sub-rule (1) (a), the Registrar may, as he deems fit, require that the person claiming to be substituted for a body corporate or other legal entity that has been dissolved or struck-off pursuant to the BVI Business Companies Act, No. 16 2004 to first, of 2004 (a) in the case of a company that has been dissolved, make an application to the Court to be restored to the register of companies, or (b) in the case of a company that has been struck-off, take necessary steps to restore the company into an active state, before processing his application under this rule. Power to 75. (1) The Registrar may, in a filing in any of the following circumstances, award costs. require a person who neither resides nor carries on business in the Virgin Islands to give security for the costs of any proceedings before the Registrar, in such form and amount as the Registrar considers appropriate: (a) a notice of objection to the amendment of an application for the registration of a trade mark under rule 16; (b) a notice of opposition to the registration of a trade mark under rule 19; (c) a counter-statement under rule 20; (d) a notice of opposition to amend the register in relation to a certification trade mark or collective trade mark under rule 33 (3); (e) a notice of objection to a proposal to alter a registered trade mark under rule 40;
41 (f) a notice of opposition to the amendment of an entry in the register under rule 48; (g) an application for the revocation of the registration of a trade mark for non-use under rule 49; (h) an application for the revocation of the registration of a trade mark, defensive trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark under rule 52; (i) an application for a declaration of invalidity of the registration of a trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark under rule 55; (j) an application for the variation or cancellation of the registration of a trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark under rule 57; (k) an application for leave to intervene in proceedings before the Registrar under rule 60; (l) an application for leave to be substituted for a party under rule 74; (m)an application for the rectification of an error or omission under rule 81; or (n) a notice of opposition under section 10 of the repealed Act in relation to an application for the registration of a trade mark that is advertised on or after the commencement date. (2) Where the Registrar requires security to be given by any person and that person fails to give the required security, the Registrar may treat the notice of objection, notice of opposition, counter-statement or application in question as abandoned or withdrawn. (3) The Registrar may, at any stage of the proceedings before him but before giving his decision, require further security to be given. (4) This rule is without prejudice to the Registrar’s power under rule 60 (2) (b) to require an undertaking as to costs in relation to an application for leave to intervene. Power to tax 76. (1) The Registrar may tax costs awarded by him in any proceedings before costs. him. (2) In the event that an opposition to the registration of a trade mark is being uncontested by the applicant for registration the Registrar, in deciding whether costs
42 should be awarded to the person making the opposition, shall consider whether proceedings might have been avoided if reasonable notice had been given by the person making the opposition before the notice of opposition was filed. Case 77. (1) The Registrar may, at any stage of any proceedings before him, direct that management the parties to the proceedings attend a case management conference in relation to conference. (a) the future conduct of the proceedings; (b) the proposed exercise of any of the powers of the Registrar under these Rules; and (c) exploring the opportunities of a settlement between the parties. (2) The Registrar shall give the parties at least fourteen days’ notice of the date, time and place of the case management conference. Pre-hearing 78. (1) Where the Registrar considers it necessary to hold a pre-hearing review of review. any matter before him, he shall direct the parties to the proceedings before him to attend such a pre-hearing review where he shall give such directions as to the conduct of the hearing as he thinks fit. (2) The Registrar shall give the parties at least fourteen days’ notice of the date, time and place of the pre-hearing review. Power to 79. Where the Registrar considers it appropriate to do so, he may stay any stay proceedings before him on such terms as he thinks fit and he may do so either on his own proceedings. initiative or on the request of a party to the proceedings. Decision of 80. (1) Where the Registrar has made a decision in any proceedings before him, Registrar. he shall send a notice to each party to the proceedings (a) informing him of the decision; and (b) providing a statement of the reasons for the decision. (2) Where a statement of the reasons for the decision is not included in the notice, any party may, within one month after the date of the notice, Schedule (a) file a request in Form TM18 of the Schedule for a statement of the reasons for the decision; and (b) send a copy of the request to each other party to the proceedings. (3) Where the Registrar receives a request under sub-rule (2), he shall send a statement of the reasons for his decision to each party to the proceedings.
43 (4) For the purposes of an appeal against the decision of the Registrar, the decision shall be deemed to have been made, (a) on the date on which the notice of decision is sent under sub-rule (1); or (b) in a case where the statement of reasons is sent under sub-rule (3), on the date on which the statement of reasons is sent. PART XII RECTIFICATION, CORRECTION, AMENDMENT, INSPECTION, ETC. OF REGISTER AND OTHER DOCUMENTS Rectification of Register Application for 81. (1) An application for the rectification of an error or omission in the register rectification of under section 94 of the Act shall be filed in Form TM8 of the Schedule. error or omission. (2) The application shall be accompanied by Schedule (a) a statement of the grounds on which the application is made; and (b) evidence in support of the application. (3) The applicant (if other than the owner of the registered trade mark) shall, at the same time as he files the application, send a copy of the application and statement of grounds, including any evidence in support of the application, to the owner of the registered trade mark. Application of 82. Rules 50 and 51 shall apply, with necessary modifications, in relation to an rules 50 and 51. application for rectification under rule 81. Rectification of 83. Subject to the Act and these Rules, the Registrar may rectify any irregularity in irregularities. procedure in or before the Registry on such terms as he may direct. Effecting Corrections Request to 84. (1) The Registrar may, on the filing of a request in Form TM19 of the change name Schedule, by or address. Schedule (a) the owner of a registered trade mark, (b) a licensee of a registered trade mark, or (c) any person having an interest in or charge on a registered trade mark the particulars of which have been registered under rule 62 or 63,
44 enter a change in his name or address, or in any other particulars identifying such person, as recorded in the register. (2) A request filed under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by reasons for and evidence in support of the request. Correction of 85. (1) Where the Registrar proposes to correct an error or omission in the register errors or under section 94 (6) of the Act, he shall send a notice of the proposed correction to any omissions. person who appears to him to be concerned. (2) A person to whom a notice is sent under sub-rule (1) may, within two months after the date of the notice, file a notice of objection in Form TM8 of the Schedule Schedule, stating the grounds of his objection. (3) Where the person files objections within the period specified in sub-rule (2), the Registrar shall consider the objections and shall, (a) if he is satisfied that the objections have merit, abandon the proposal to correct the error or omission in the register; or (b) if he is satisfied that the objections are without merit, correct the register as proposed. (4) Where no objections are filed within the period specified in sub-rule (2), the Registrar may proceed to make the proposed correction in the register. Removal of 86. (1) Where the Registrar proposes to remove any matter from the register matter from under section 94 (8) of the Act, he shall, register. (a) where he considers it appropriate to do so, publish a notice of the proposal for removal in the Gazette; and (b) where any person appears to him as being likely to be affected by the proposed removal, send a notice of the proposal for removal to that person. (2) Where the Registrar publishes a notice under sub-rule (1) (a), a person claiming to be affected by the proposed removal (including a person to whom a notice is sent under sub-rule (1) (b)) may, within two months after the date of publication of the Schedule notice, file a notice of opposition in Form TM8 of the Schedule. (3) The notice of opposition shall include a statement of the grounds of opposition. (4) The person filing a notice of opposition shall, at the same time as he files the notice of opposition, send a copy of the notice of opposition to the owner of the registered trade mark in question.
45 (5) Where the Registrar is satisfied, after considering any opposition, that the matter has not ceased to have effect, he shall not remove the matter from the register. (6) Where a notice of opposition (a) is not filed within the period specified under sub-rule (2), (b) has been determined against the person opposing, the Registrar may, if he is satisfied that the matter or any part of it has ceased to have effect, remove the matter or that part of the matter from the register. Amendment and Extension of Time General power 87. (1) Subject to the provisions of the Act and these Rules relating to the to amend amendment of applications for registration of trade marks and other documents, any documents. document filed with the Registry may, if the Registrar thinks fit, be amended in such terms as he may direct. (2) Where, in acting under sub-rule (1), the Registrar considers that the interests of an owner of a registered trade mark or other person with an interest in the trade mark may be adversely affected by his action, he shall give such owner or other person an opportunity to file a written objection to the Registrar, indicating the grounds of and reasons for the objection. (3) For the purposes of sub-rule (2), the Registrar shall give such directions as he considers fit. Extension of 88. (1) Subject to any limitation of period and extension of time prescribed under time. the Act and these Rules in relation to the doing of anything, the Registrar may, (a) in a case where no extension of time is prescribed, or (b) in a case where he is empowered under the Act or these Rules to prescribe a time limit without any extension being specified, Schedule extend the time, upon a request filed in Form TM24 of the Schedule by a concerned party, for such period and on such terms as the Registrar may direct. (2) Where a request is filed under sub-rule (1), the party seeking the extension shall, at the same time as he makes the request, send a copy of the request to every other party who may be concerned or have an interest in the matter of the request. (3) Where a person fails to comply with a time limit imposed by the Act or these Rules and the Registrar is satisfied that the failure is attributable in whole or in part
46 to an error or omission of the Registrar or the Registry, he may extend the time in question for such period as would appear to him reasonable to make up for the failure. (4) Where the Registrar grants an extension of time in objection or opposition proceedings, he may, if he considers it fit and without hearing the party in whose favour the extension is granted, grant any reasonable extension of the time in which the other party may be required to take any subsequent step. (5) A period of time may be extended under this rule either before or after the period in question has expired. Extension of 89. (1) Where on any day there is an event or circumstance which causes an time in interruption in the normal operation of the Registry, the Registrar may notify the day as relation to being one on which there is an interruption in the operations of the Registry. interruptions. (2) Where any period of time specified or extended under the Act or these Rules for the filing of a document or other thing with the Registrar expires on a day so notified, the period shall be extended to the first day next following, not being an excluded day, that is not so notified. (3) A notification by the Registrar under this rule may be effected in such manner as the Registrar considers fit, having regard to the event or circumstance that has caused the interruption. (4) In sub-rule (2), the term “excluded day” means a day that is not a business day of the Registry. Inspection Inspection of 90. (1) Subject to sub-rules (2) and (3), the Registrar shall, on the request of any register and person, permit that person to other documents. (a) inspect the register; (b) inspect a document in respect of which particulars have been recorded in the register; and (c) inspect any other document filed or kept at the Registry in relation to a registered trade mark or, where an application for the registration of a trade mark has been published in the Gazette, in relation to that application. (2) The Registrar is not obliged to permit the inspection of a document as mentioned in sub-rule (1) (b) until he has completed all procedures that he is required or authorised to carry out under the Act or these Rules in connection with that document. (3) A person’s ability to inspect a document does not apply to
47 (a) a document prepared in the Registry solely for the use of the Registry; (b) a document sent to the Registry, whether at its request or otherwise, for inspection and subsequent return to the sender; (c) a document received by the Registry which the Registrar considers should be treated as confidential; and (d) a document in respect of which the Registrar issues directions under rule 92. (4) Nothing in sub-rule (1) shall be construed as imposing on the Registrar a duty to make available for inspection (a) a document or part of a document which, in the Registrar’s opinion, disparages any person in a way that is likely to cause damage to that person; (b) a document filed at or sent to the Registry before the commencement date; or (c) a document filed at or sent to the Registry on or after the commencement date that relates to an application for the registration of a trade mark under the repealed Act. Hours of 91. The period within which the register or other documents may be inspected at the inspection. Registry by the public shall be between 9:30am and 4:00pm during the business days of the Registry. Confidential 92. (1) Where a document, other than a Form filed in accordance with these documents. Rules, is filed at the Registry and the person filing it requests at the time of filing that the document or a specified part of it be treated as confidential, giving reasons for the request, the Registrar may direct that (a) the document or part of it, as the case may be, be treated as confidential; and (b) the document shall not be open to public inspection while the matter is being determined by the Registrar. (2) Where a direction has been given under sub-rule (1) and not withdrawn, nothing in this rule shall be construed to require or authorise any person to be allowed to inspect the document or part of it except with the leave of the Registrar.
48 (3) The Registrar shall not withdraw a direction given under this rule without prior consultation with the person at whose request the direction was given, unless the Registrar is satisfied that such prior consultation is not reasonably practicable or would be unreasonable having regard to all the circumstances. (4) Where the Registrar considers that a document issued by the Registry should be treated as confidential, he may so direct and the document shall not be open to public inspection except with the leave of the Registrar. (5) Where a direction is given under this rule for a document to be treated as confidential, a record of that fact shall be filed with the document. Supply of 93. The Registrar may, on the filing of an application in Form TM20 of the copies of Schedule, supply the person filing the application with any of the following: entries, etc. Schedule (a) a certified or uncertified copy of an entry in the register pursuant to section 93 (1) of the Act; (b) a certified or uncertified extract from the register pursuant to section 93 (1) of the Act; (c) a certified or uncertified copy of any application for the registration of a trade mark filed under these Rules and kept by the Registry; or (d) a certificate for the purposes of section 101 (2) of the Act. Supply of list 94. The Registrar may, on the filing of a written request by any person, supply that of pending person with a list of the numbers and the class or classes in the Nice Classification of applications or registered (a) all applications made by any person indentified in the request that are trade marks. pending on the date of the request; or (b) all registered trade marks that are owned by a registered owner identified in the request. Official 95. (1) Any person may request the Registrar to cause a search to be made in search of respect of goods or services specified in the request and classified in any one or more records for classes of the Nice Classification to ascertain whether a trade mark is on record as at the certain trade date of the search (whether registered or pending registration) that resembles the trade marks. mark in respect of which the request is made. (2) A request under sub-rule (1) shall Schedule (a) be filed in Form TM21 of the Schedule; and
49 (a) be accompanied by a representation of the trade mark in respect of which the request is made. (3) The Registrar shall, on receipt of a request under sub-rule (1), (a) cause the search to be made; and (b) provide the results of the search to the person making the request. Seeking 96. (1) A person who wishes to obtain the opinion of the Registrar pursuant to Registrar’s section 98 of the Act with regard to whether a trade mark proposed for registration opinion. appears to the Registrar prima facie to be capable of distinguishing goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings shall submit an application in Form Schedule TM21 of the Schedule. (2) The application shall (a) be accompanied by a representation of the trade mark in question; and (b) specify the class or classes of goods or services of the Nice Classification in respect of which the trade mark is proposed to be registered. PART XIII ADDRESS FOR SERVICE, AND FILING AND SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS Address for Service Filing address 97. (1) For the purposes of any proceedings under the Act or these Rules, an for service. address for service shall be filed by every person who files, or makes a written request or application in respect of, any matter pursuant to the Act or these Rules. (2) A person may file an address for service, (a) where the document in question is required to be filed in a form specified under these Rules or a form prescribed by the Registrar under section 97 of the Act and the form requires the person who completes it to provide an address for service, by filing that form with the address stated on the form; or (b) in any other case, by notifying the Registrar. (3) Where a document is filed in the name of two or more persons, the address for service filed in relation to that document shall be treated as the address for service of each of those persons.
50 (4) An applicant for the registration of a trade mark may use only one address for service for the purposes of all proceedings before the Registrar concerning that application. (5) The owner of a registered trade mark may use only one address for service for the purposes of all proceedings before the Registrar concerning that registered trade mark. (6) Subject to any filing to the contrary under this rule or rule 98, the address for service of the applicant for the registration of a trade mark shall, on the registration of the trade mark, be treated as the address for service of the owner of the registered trade mark for the purposes of all proceedings before the Registrar concerning that registered trade mark. (7) The address for service (a) shall be a residential or business address in the Virgin Islands; and (b) may be the address of a trade mark agent in respect of the registered trade mark concerned. Change or 98. (1) A person may change or withdraw his address for service by so notifying withdrawal of the Registrar in Form TM19 of the Schedule. address for service. (2) Where the address for service of the owner of a registered trade mark or of Schedule a party to proceedings before the Registrar (a) ceases to be valid, the owner or the party, as the case may be, shall as soon as practicable change his address for service in the manner provided under sub-rule (1); or (b) is the address of his trade mark agent and that address ceases to be valid, the trade mark agent shall notify the Registrar, and advise on the new address (if the registered trade mark agent continues to act for the owner). Failure to file 99. (1) Where an address for service is not filed as required by rule 97, or where address for the Registrar is satisfied that the address for service of the owner of a registered trade service. mark or a party to any proceedings before the Registrar has ceased to be valid, the Registrar may send to the owner or person concerned (and to his trade mark agent where the agent’s address is not the address of service) a notice to file an address for service. (2) Where a person to whom a notice is sent under sub-rule (1) fails to file an address for service within two months after the date of the notice,
51 (a) any application, notice, request or other action filed by that person shall be treated as abandoned; and (b) the person shall be deemed to have withdrawn from any proceedings before the Registrar of which he is a party. Filing and Service of Documents Filing 100. (1) Any document or other thing that is required or authorised under the Act documents. or these Rules to be filed with the Registrar shall be delivered by hand to the Registry during the business hours of the Registry or sent by post addressed to the Registrar. (2) Sending a document or other thing by post shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, preparing and posting a letter containing the document or other thing to the Registrar, and the document or other thing shall be deemed to have been received at the time when the letter is actually received by the Registrar. (3) The filing of a document or other thing with the Registrar shall be deemed to be effected at such time as it is received by the Registrar and recorded as received.
Electronic 101. (1) The Registrar may, as an alternative to filing. (a) the filing of a document or other thing in a paper or physical form, permit the filing of an electronic record of the document or other thing; and (b) delivering or sending a document or other thing under rule 100, permit the delivery or sending of an electronic record of the document or other thing by electronic means to an information system designated or approved by the Registrar. (2) The filing, or sending or delivery, of an electronic record by electronic means to the information system designated or approved under sub-rule (1) (b) shall be subject to such terms as the Registrar may specify (a) generally by a notice published in the Gazette; or (b) in any particular case by a notice to the person who desires to file or send a document or other thing by electronic means. (3) Where a document or other thing in the form of an electronic record is sent by electronic means to the information system designated or approved under sub-rule (1) (b), the filing of the document or other thing shall be deemed to be effected at such time as the electronic record is accepted by the designated or approved information system. Terms for 102. (1) Without prejudice to or limiting the generality of rule 101 (2), the electronic Registrar may, in acting under that rule, specify terms
52 filing. (a) for the approval by him of the process to be used to make or send an electronic record; (b) for the approval by him of the format or media in which an electronic record must be recorded or stored; (c) with respect to the manner of authenticating an electronic record in circumstances where the document or other thing in question is required to be signed or sealed or authenticated in any manner; (d) requiring a document or other thing sent to the Registrar in the form of an electronic record to include or be accompanied by the electronic signature or digital signature of the person who sends it; and (e) with respect to the manner of filing a document or other thing in cases where there is an interruption in the operation of the information system designated or approved under rule 101 (1) (b). (2) The Registrar may decline to accept or to register any document or other thing that is in the form of an electronic record if (a) the information contained in the electronic record is not capable of being displayed in a legible form; (b) the electronic record is not capable of being stored in the information system designated or approved under rule 101 (1) (b); (c) the electronic record appears to the Registrar to be altered, damaged or incomplete; (d) an electronic signature or digital signature or other kind of authentication accompanying or included with the electronic record appears to the Registrar to be altered or incomplete; or (e) any term specified by the Registrar pursuant to sub-rule (1) or rule 101 has been breached. Designating 103. (1) The Registrar may designate an electronic mail box within an information electronic system for use by a person to communicate with the Registrar in relation to matters mail box. concerning the Act or these Rules, subject to such terms as the Registrar may specify (a) generally by a notice published in the Gazette; or (b) in any particular case by a notice to the person for whom the electronic mail box is designated.
53 (2) Where the Registrar designates an electronic mail box for a person under sub-rule (1), any document or other thing required or authorised by the Act or these Rules to be sent by the Registrar to that person shall be deemed to be properly sent if it is sent in the form of an electronic record to that person’s designated electronic mail box. (3) Sending a document or other thing in an electronic record to a designated electronic mail box shall be deemed to be effected at such time as the electronic record is accepted by the designated information system. (4) Where an electronic record is sent to a designated electronic mail box, the electronic record shall be deemed to be received by the person to whom it is addressed at such time as the electronic record is accepted and recorded by the electronic mail box. Service of 104. (1) Save as provided by rules 100 to 103, where any document or other thing documents. is required or authorised under the Act or these Rules to be sent to a person, (a) the document or other thing may be left at, or sent by post to, the address for service of the person; and (b) if the person does not have an address for service, the document or other thing may be sent by post to the person’s last known address. (2) Sending any document or other thing by post shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, preparing and posting a letter containing the document or other thing to the address for service of the person or, if the person does not have an address for service, at his last known address, and unless the contrary is shown, the document or other thing shall be deemed to have been received by the person at the time when the letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post. (3) For purposes of sub-rule (1), where a document or other thing is sent to the trade mark agent of the person, the document or other thing shall, unless the trade mark agent had resigned and had notified the Registrar of that fact, be deemed to be sent to the person and sub-rule (2) shall apply accordingly. PART XIV TRADE MARK AGENTS Application for 105. (1) A person who wishes to be approved by the Commission as a trade mark approval as a agent pursuant to section 33 of the Act shall file an application in Form TM22 of the trade mark Schedule. agent. Schedule (2) The application shall (a) outline the capacity in which the person is applying (that is, whether as an individual, partnership, legal person or other capacity); and
54 (b) be accompanied by such documentation and other evidence as would demonstrate the relevant qualifications outlined in section 34 of the Act. (3) Except as otherwise provided by the Act or these Rules, any act that is required or authorised by the Act or these Rules to be done by or to a person in connection with the registration of a trade mark, or any procedure relating to a trade mark, may be done by or to a trade mark agent authorised by that person in writing. Register of 106. (1) The Registrar shall maintain a register of trade mark agents which may be trade mark divided into such parts as the Registrar considers fit. agents, and records to be (2) The Registrar shall record in the register, kept. (a) the name and address of a trade mark agent who has been approved by the Commission to act as such; (b) the date of approval of the trade mark agent to act as such; (c) in the case of a partnership or a legal person, the name of the individual in the partnership or in the legal person that is fit and proper and has the additional qualifications outlined in section 34 (3) or (4) of the Act, as the case may be; (d) in the case of an unincorporated body or association of persons other than a partnership, the name of the individual within the unincorporated body who meets the qualifications applicable in respect of a partnership under section 34 (3) of the Act; and (e) such other matter as the Registrar considers fit. (3) A trade mark agent shall, in respect of a trade mark, maintain at his office records or copies of documents relating to (a) all applications, requests, declarations, notices and other matters filed under these Rules; (b) all approvals and other decisions of the Commission and the Registrar; (c) a representation of the trade mark; (d) agreements entered into between owners of trade marks that relate to or are relevant to the registration of the trade mark under the Act or these Rules; and (e) such other matters as would be consistent with the performance of the functions of the trade mark agent.
55 Application to 107. (1) A trade mark agent who has been approved as such may at any time file an cancel or application in Form TM23 of the Schedule requesting the cancellation or revocation of revoke his approval. approval. Schedule (2) An application under sub-rule (1) shall specify the reasons for the request for cancellation or revocation of approval. (2) Where the Commission is satisfied that the requirements of this rule for the cancellation or revocation of approval has been met, it shall cancel or revoke the approval if it is satisfied that the trade mark agent concerned (a) does not have any pending matter for which he has responsibility as trade mark agent; or (b) has made appropriate arrangements in relation to any pending matter and a cancellation or revocation will not prejudice any person in respect of those arrangements. (3) The operation of this rule is without prejudice to the Commission’s power to suspend, cancel or revoke an approval under section 33 (5) of the Act. Duty to notify 108. (1) Where a trade mark agent intends to resign as the trade mark agent for the of resignation. owner of a trade mark, he shall, at least sixty days before he resigns, (a) notify the owner of his intention to resign as the trade mark agent for the owner; and (b) notify the Registrar of his intention to resign and confirm that he has notified the owner of his intention, including the date of such notification. (2) A notification of intention to resign as a trade mark agent under sub-rule (1) shall take effect, (a) if an effective date is specified in the notification and is not less than sixty days from the date of receipt by the Registrar of the notification, on that date; and (b) if no effective date is specified in the notification in accordance with paragraph (a), sixty days from the date of receipt by the Registrar of the notification. (3) Where the owner of a trade mark is notified of the resignation of his trade mark agent under sub-rule (1), he may appoint another trade mark agent to act for him.
56 PART XV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Form of 109. (1) The Registrar records. (a) shall determine the form in which the records and other things kept by the Registry are constituted and maintained; and Cap. 67 (b) may, subject to the Registration and Records Act, determine the period for which the records and other things kept by the Registry shall be maintained and the circumstances in which they may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. (2) Where the Registrar keeps a record of a document or other thing in a form that differs from that in which the document or other thing was originally filed with, or originally generated by, the Registrar, the record of that document or other thing shall be presumed, unless the contrary is shown, to accurately represent the information contained in the document or other thing as originally filed or generated. Publication of 110. The Registrar may publish an order of the Court made under the Act for the Court orders. rectification or correction of the register, if (a) he forms the opinion that the order should be published; and (b) the order does not contain any restriction prohibiting publication. Filing of Court 111. (1) Where any order or declaration is made or any certificate is granted by the orders, etc. Court under the Act, the person in whose favour the order, declaration or certificate has been made or granted or, if there is more than one, such one of them as the Registrar may direct, shall file a certified copy of the order, declaration or certificate with the Registrar. (2) A copy of an order, declaration or certificate is considered to be certified for the purposes of sub-rule (1) if the copy is certified by the judge who made or granted the order, declaration or certificate or by the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the Court. (3) Where, upon receipt of a certified copy of an order, declaration or certificate under sub-rule (1), the Registrar considers it appropriate that the register should be rectified or corrected, he shall rectify or correct the register accordingly. Signature of 112. A document signed for or on behalf of documents by partnership, etc. (a) a firm shall be signed by a partner or by any other person of the firm who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorised to sign the document; (b) a body corporate shall be signed by a director, secretary or other
57 principal officer of the body corporate or by any other person who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorised to sign the document; or (c) an unincorporated body or association of persons other than a firm shall be signed by a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body or association, or by any other person who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorised to sign the document. Translation of 113. (1) Save as otherwise provided in the Act or these Rules, where a document or documents. part of a document that is not in the English language is filed with the Registrar, the document shall be accompanied by a translation of the document or that part of the document into the English language and the translation shall be verified to the satisfaction of the Registrar as corresponding to the original text. (2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1), a translation may be verified to the satisfaction of the Registrar by (a) a statutory declaration or an affidavit and, for this purpose, rule 71 shall apply; (b) seeking the opinion of any person or authority who, in the opinion of the Registrar, has the knowledge and competence to compare the original document with the translated version to verify the accuracy of the translation; or (c) by such other means as appears satisfactory to the Registrar. (3) The Registrar may, in respect of any document or part of a document to be used for the purposes of evidence in proceedings before the Registrar which is in a language other than the English language, give directions as to the filing of (a) the document or that part of the document in that other language; and (b) a translation of the document or that part of the document into the English language. (4) Where a person is required by the Act or these Rules to provide his name on a document filed with the Registrar and his name is not in the English alphabet, the person shall provide a transliteration of the name in the English alphabet. (5) In the case of an application for the registration of a trade mark that consists of or contains a word, letter or character that is not in the English alphabet, the application shall, subject to sub-rule (8), include a translation or transliteration of that word, letter or character to the satisfaction of the Registrar.
58 (6) Where, for the purposes of sub-rule (5), an application includes a translation or transliteration of a word, letter or character, the application shall also state the language to which the word, letter or character belongs. (7) Where in any particular case a word, letter or character in an application for the registration of a trade mark is in a language other than the English language and is incapable of translation or transliteration into the English language, the Registrar may, if the application conforms to all other requirements for registration, accept the trade mark for registration if the applicant provides a statutory declaration or an affidavit in accordance with rule 71 (a) attesting to the language in which the word, letter or character belongs; (b) attesting that the word, letter or character is incapable of translation or transliteration into the English language; and (c) confirming that the word, letter or character (i) is not offensive and is not of a nature that would satisfy a ground for refusal of registration under section 17 of the Act; (ii) does not represent a word, letter or character of a known existing trade mark as could be passed off for that existing trade mark; and (iii) is not contrary to any provision of the Act and these Rules. (8) The Registrar may give directions specifying the periods within which translations or transliterations of documents or parts of documents are to be provided by a party to proceedings before the Registrar. Pending 114. (1) Where an application for the registration of a trade mark under the applications repealed Act is advertised in accordance with section 9 of that Act on or after the for registration. commencement date, (a) the period within which a notice of opposition may be filed is the onemonth period beginning on the date of the advertisement; and (b) if the notice of opposition is filed, the applicant shall file the counterstatement within one month after the date of receipt by the applicant of the copy of the notice of opposition. (2) The Registrar may, on a request filed by Schedule (a) a person in Form TM24 of the Schedule within the time specified in sub-rule (1) (a), extend the time for filing a notice of opposition for a period not exceeding three months; and
59 Schedule (b) the applicant in Form TM24 of the Schedule within the time specified in sub-rule (1) (b), extend the time for filing the counter-statement for a period not exceeding two months. Conversion of 115. Where an applicant wishes to give notice to the Registrar pursuant to paragraph pending 10 (1) of Schedule 4 of the Act to have the registrability of a trade mark determined in application. accordance with the Act, the notice shall be filed in Form TM25 of the Schedule to these Schedule Rules. Payment of 116. Any matter to be carried out or in any way to be dealt with under these fees as a Rules which requires the payment of a fee under the Financial Services (Trade Marks precondition to Fees) Regulations, 2015 shall not be processed unless the Registrar is satisfied that the doing anything. applicable fee has been paid. S.I. No. of 2014 Preparing and 117. (1) The Registrar may, for the purpose of ensuring issuing guidelines. (a) the proper completion of any of the Forms in the Schedule, Schedule (b) the security and restricted use of personal data, (c) that evidence or data not required by these Rules are not filed, (d) the timely processing of applications, notices, requests and other matters under these Rules, (d) the proper assignment of registration numbers to applications for registration of trade marks, and (e) the protection of any material which may be filed with the Registry, prepare and issue such written guidelines as he considers to be appropriate. (2) Any guidelines prepared under sub-rule (1) may be issued along with a relevant Form or issued separately and in such manner as the Registrar may determine. Revocation. 118. The Trade Marks Rules, 1937 and Registration of United Kingdom Trade Marks S.I.18 of 1937 Rules, 1947 are revoked. S.I.1 of 1947
60 SCHEDULE FORM TM1 [Rules 6(1), 30 (1) & 97 (2) (a)] APPLICATION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF A TRADE MARK, INCLUDING A DEFENSIVE TRADE MARK, CERTIFICATION TRADE MARK AND COLLECTIVE TRADE MARK Notes to person filling this Form: Before filling this Form, please read rule 113 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015 in relation to the translation and transliteration of documents not in the English language. Accordingly, if your name is in an alphabet, or a letter or character other than in the English alphabet, you are required to provide a translation of your name into the English alphabet. This applies whether you’re applying as an individual, a firm, a legal entity or an unincorporated body. However, if you claim that your name is incapable of translation or transliteration, you must fully comply with the requirements of rule 113 (7) of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. If you wish to claim a right of priority pursuant to the Trade Marks Act, 2013 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2015, you must state that claim. Please note that you may claim multiple priority dates with respect to different goods and/or services and in relation to different countries, territories or other geographical areas. Goods and services are classified in accordance with the Nice Classification. You may obtain a copy of the Nice Classification via the internet site of the World intellectual Property Organisation or the website of the Financial Services Commission at www.bvifsc.vg . You must fully complete Part A of the Form. In addition, you must fill Part B if your application relates to a defensive trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark, or if you claim a 3-dimensional shape or colour as a trade mark or an element of a trade mark, or if you wish to include a disclaimer, territorial limitation, or other condition or limitation. In addition, if you claim colour(s) as a trade mark or as element(s) of a trade mark, you must ensure that the representation of your trade mark is in the colour(s) for which the claim is made. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. If your application relates to a certification trade mark or collective trade mark, you must ensure compliance with paragraphs 6 and 7 of Schedule 1 or paragraphs 5 and 6, as the case may be, of the Trade Marks Act, 2013 and rules 31 and 32 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015.
61 If your application relates to a defensive trade mark, you must file the requisite statutory declaration or affidavit in accordance with rule 30 (1) of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used. PART A
62 6. In relation to the trade mark for which registration is sought, does it consist of or contain a word, letter or character that is not in the English alphabet? (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box opposite your answer) YES NO If you answered “YES”, please provide the following: (a) The non-English word, letter or character: (b) Translation provided: (c) Transliteration provided: (d) Language in which the word, letter or character is depicted:
63 7. Insert a representation of your trade mark in the space provided below: 8. Does the request relate to a series of trade marks? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO If you answered “YES”, please indicate below the number of trade marks in the series (not exceeding 6): ………………………………………………………………………………………….. (dd/mm/yyyy) 9. Do you claim priority in relation to your trade mark? YES NO
64 If you answered “YES”, please provide particulars of the claim below: (a) Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) (b) Country/Territory/ Other geographical area (c) Application number(s) (if known) 10. Goods and/or services covered by this application (please list the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods or services that are appropriate to that class): Class Number(s) Specification of goods and/or services Total number of class(es) 11. Declaration of use of the trade mark (please confirm by placing a mark (X) in the box below after the declaration): The trade mark is being used by the applicant or with his consent in relation to the goods and/or services indicated in paragraph 10 above, OR the applicant honestly intends to use the trade mark or allow the trade mark to be used in relation to those goods and/or services.
65 12. Address for service in the Virgin Islands: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 13. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… PART B Note: You must fill this Part if your request relates to an application for a defensive trade mark, certification trade mark or collective trade mark, or a sound or smell trade mark, or if you claim a 3-dimensional shape or colour(s) as a trade mark or element(s) of a trade mark, or if you wish to include a disclaimer, territorial limitation or other condition or limitation. 14. This request relates to (please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable trade mark): Defensive trade mark Certification trade mark Collective trade mark 15. This request relates to (please place a mark (X) opposite the relevant nature of trade mark): 3-Dimensional shape Colour Sound
66 Smell 16. If you are claiming colour(s) or 3-dimensional shape as a trade mark or an element of a trade mark, of if the trade mark consists wholly or in part of a sound or smell, please provide a statement of that fact and a description of the trade mark in the box below: 17. Notice of Disclaimer: If you wish to disclaim the right to the exclusive use of any part of your trade mark or to limit your use of the trade mark, please provide details thereof in the box below: Disclaimer, territorial limitation or other condition or limitation
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68 FORM TM2 [Rule 15 (2)] REQUEST TO AMEND APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION Notes to person filling this Form: In making a request to amend an application, it should be noted that a separate Form should be used for each separate application that is affected. However, a single Form may be filed for multiple requests in relation to the same application (for instance, with respect to a request for the amendment of a specification and withdrawal of a claim to right of priority). It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
69 3. Please indicate the trade mark application number to which this request relates 4. Name of applicant for registration of trade mark (if different from paragraph 1 above) 5. Details of the particulars to be amended: (a) Class number(s) and/or specification of goods and/or services: List the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods or services appropriate to that class. Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services under the Nice Classification: (b) If the proposed amendment involves correcting the class number(s) for any goods or services covered by the original application and the correct class number(s) is/are not covered by the original application, please provide the following information (for instance, if the original application relates to a class 9 specification covering “computers, computer software, computerized toys, printers, computer manuals”, the applicant may correct the class number(s) by adding class 16 (for computer manuals) and class 28 (for computerized toys). The resulting classes would be 9, 16 and 28. Accordingly, the total number of
70 “class(es) added” and “class No(s). added will be “2”, and “16 and “28” respectively.): (i) Total number of class(es) added: (ii) Class No(s). added: (c) Addition of the following disclaimer, territorial limitation or other condition or limitation: (d) Withdrawal of a claim to a right to priority: (e) Amendment for the purpose of correcting errors of wording or of copying or obvious mistakes: 6. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ………………………………………………………………
71 7. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 8. Signature (by applicant or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
72 FORM TM3 [Rules 15 (2) and 29 (1)] REQUEST TO AMEND REPRESENTATION OF TRADE MARK REQUEST TO DELETE TRADE MARK IN SERIES Notes to person filling this Form: If you intend to amend the representation of a trade mark in respect of which an application for registration has been made, you must note the provisions of section 49 of the Act and Part III of these Rules. A representation of a registered trade mark may be added to the trade mark of an application for registration if (a) at the time of filing of this Form, the registered trade mark is registered in the name of the applicant; (b) the goods or services for which the registered trade mark is registered are identical or similar to the goods or services covered by this application; and (c) the date of registration of the registered trade mark is earlier than the date of application for registration of the trade mark in question. Where a registered trade mark consists of or contains the owner’s name or address, that name or address may be altered if the alteration would not substantially affect the identity of the trade mark in question. This Form may be used to delete a trade mark from a series of trade marks or from a registered series of trade marks. Please note that if the request in this Form relates to the deletion of a trade mark from a series of trade marks, you must indicate the number of trade marks in the amended series. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
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74 5. Insert below a new representation of the trade mark 6. Indicate the number of trade marks in the series (if applicable) 7. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ………………………………………………………………
75 (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 9. Signature (by applicant or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
76 FORM TM4 [Rule 33 (1)] REQUEST TO AMEND REGULATIONS OF CERTIFICATION AND COLLECTIVE TRADE MARKS Notes to person filling this Form: If you intend to amend the regulations of a certification trade mark or collective trade mark, you must note the provisions of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the Trade Marks Act, 2013 respectively and comply accordingly. For any amendment of regulations to be effective, they must first be filed with and accepted by the Registrar. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
77 (b) Address of trade mark agent acting for applicant/owner* (please cross out the one that is not applicable) 3. Indicate the application number of the certification trade mark/collective trade mark (please cross out the one that is not applicable) 4. Indicate the registration number of the certification trade mark/collective trade mark (please cross out the one that is not applicable) 5. (a) Indicate below the name(s) of the person(s) who is/are authorized to use the certification trade mark/collective trade mark (*please cross out the one that is not applicable) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
78 (b) Indicate whether the person(s) identified in paragraph (a) above have been notified of the proposed amendment of the regulations by placing a mark (X) in the applicable box below: YES NO 6. Provide below the amendment(s) proposed: Regulation Number(s) Proposed Amendment(s)
79 7. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 9. Signature (by applicant/owner/trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant/owner): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
80 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
81 FORM TM5 [Rule 24 (1)] REQUEST TO DIVIDE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION Notes to person filling this Form: A request to divide an application for the registration of a trade mark may be at any time before the trade mark is registered. Once a trade mark is registered, it cannot be divided. It is not acceptable to divide both a specification of goods or services and a series of trade marks on the same Form. If the application relates to the division of a series of trade marks, please fill and file Form TM7. For a division of specification of goods or services, you may choose to divide the classes and specification in a multi-class application or the specification in a single-class application. You must indicate the proposed number of applications upon division. For instance, if the original application consists of classes 9, 16, 35 and 42 of the Nice Classification and the application is to be divided into two applications – one with classes 9, 16 and 35, and the other with class 42 alone, the number of the divisional application will be 2. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
82 2. (a) Name of trade mark agent acting for applicant (b) Address of trade mark agent acting for applicant 3. Please indicate the trade mark application number(s) to which this request relates 4. Indicate whether this request relates to the division of specification of goods or services, or to a division of a series of trade marks (in the case of the latter, please fill Form TM12) by placing a mark (X) opposite the relevant reference: Specification of goods or services Series of trade marks 5. Indicate the number of divisional applications in this request. 6. Goods and/or services covered by each divisional application (List the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods and/or services appropriate to that class) Divisional application 1 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services
83 Divisional application 2 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services Divisional application 2 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services 6. If you claimed priority in your original application for registration, please indicate the details in respect of each divisional application: Divisional application 1 Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known) Divisional application 2 Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known)
84 Divisional application 3 Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known) 7. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 9. Signature (by applicant or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
85 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
86 FORM TM6 [Rules 25 (1) and 26 (1)] REQUEST TO MERGE APPLICATIONS FOR TRADE MARKS REQUEST TO MERGE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS Notes to person filling this Form: Where an applicant has filed separate applications for the registration of a trade mark, he or she may have those applications merged at any time before publication if all the applications satisfy the following requirements: (a) they are in respect of the same trade mark; (b) they bear the same filing date; (c) they are, at the time of the request, in the name of the same person; and (d) they have equal protection under the Act. Please note that the specification(s) outlined in this Form will be merged. Should you wish to exclude from this process any of your goods or services, you must first effect the change by filing Form TM 2 (request to amend application for registration) prior to filing this Form. The owner of two or more registrations of a trade mark may effect a filing to merge the registrations into a single registration on the basis that the registrations (a) are in the name of the same owner; (b) are in respect of the same trade mark; and (c) have equal protection under the Act. It is possible to merge registered trade marks even if the registration dates are different; the new merged registration will be given the latest of those dates of registration. Please note that registrations cannot be merged with applications for the registration of a trade mark. It should be further noted that the specification(s) outlined in this Form will be merged; Should you wish to surrender any of your goods or services, you must first effect the change by filing Form TM12 before filing this request. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI.
87 Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
88 5. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 6. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 7. Signature (by applicant or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
89 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
90 FORM TM7 [Rule 28 (1)] REQUEST TO DIVIDE A SERIES OF TRADE MARKS Notes to person filling this Form: A request to divide an application for the registration of a series of trade mark may be at any time before the trade mark is registered. Once the trade mark is registered, it cannot be divided. The representation of the trade mark in each divisional application must be included in this Form (use a separate Form TM7 for each divisional application). It is not acceptable to divide a series of trade marks on the same Form. Each divisional application relating to a division of series of trade marks must be accompanied by a single Form (TM7). For example, if the original application consists of trade marks A, B, C and D in a series and the request relates to a division into two applications – one with trade marks A, B and C and the other with trade mark D alone, you must fill and file two Forms, one containing trade marks A, B and C and the other containing trade mark D. You must indicate the proposed number of applications upon division. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
91 2. (a) Name of trade mark agent acting for applicant (b) Address of trade mark agent acting for applicant 3. Goods and/or services covered by each divisional application (List the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods and/or services appropriate to that class) Divisional application 1 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services Divisional application 2 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services Divisional application 2 Class No(s).: Specification of goods and/or services
92 4. Indicate the number of the application to be divided 5. Divisional application No.: Trade mark 6. Indicate the total number of class(es) applied for in the original application for registration:
93 7. Insert a representation of the trade mark in the space provided below: 8. If you claimed priority in your original application for registration, please indicate the priority details in respect of each divisional application: Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known) Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known) Priority date(s) claimed (dd/mm/yyyy) Country/Territory/Geographical Area Application No(s). (if known)
94 9. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 10. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 11. Signature (by applicant or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of applicant): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
95 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated: Remarks:
96 FORM TM8 [Rules 16 (1), 19 (1), 33 (1), 40 (1), 48 (1), 49 (1), 52 (1), 55 (1), 57 (1), 60 (1), 81 (1), 85 (2), and 86 (2)]
97 physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
98 6. (a) Does this notice/application relate to all classes of the application or registration specified? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO (b) If you answered “NO”, please specify the class number(s) covered by this notice/application in the column(s) outlined below: 7. This notice/application relates to (please mark one box only) (a) Objection Specify applicable rule (b) Opposition Specify applicable rule (c) Withdrawal of objection/opposition Specify applicable rule
99 (d) Revocation on grounds of non-use (dd/mm/yyyy Specify the date from which you wish the revocation to take effect (e) Revocation on grounds other than non-use (dd/mm/yyyy Specify the date from which you wish the revocation to take effect (f) Declaration of invalidity (g) Cancellation By owner By person other than the owner (h) Variation By owner By person other than the owner
100 (i) Rectification By owner By person other than the owner (j) Intervention in proceedings before the Registrar Identify the specific proceedings (k) Amendment of certification trade mark Amendment of collective trade mark 8. Provide below a statement of the grounds of objection/opposition/revocation/invalidation/cancellation/variation/rectification/state ment of the nature of interest by applicant for intervention* (*please cross out the ones that are not applicable)
101 9. Is evidence (if applicable) provided to accompany this notice/application? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO 10. (a) Has a copy of this application/ notice of objection/notice of opposition* (*please cross out the ones that are not applicable) been served on the person or persons referred to in the relevant rule? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO (b) If you answered YES, please indicate the date of service (dd/mm/yyyy 11. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ………………………………………………………………
102 12. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this notice/application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 13. Signature (by applicant/person objecting or opposing, or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of such applicant or person): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date application/notice filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Remarks:
103 FORM TM9 [Rules 20 (1), 50 (1), 53 (1), 56, 58 (3) (c), and 82] COUNTER-STATEMENT Notes to person filling this Form: Please note that separate Forms must be filed if a counter-statement relates to more than one trade mark application or registration. A combined filing in a single Form will not be accepted. Please pay careful attention to the relevant provision of the Act or these Rules that apply in respect of the filing concerned and comply with the requirements of those provisions. Every counter-statement must be filed within the prescribed time frame outlined under the Act or these Rules. If the filing of the counter-statement falls outside the prescribed time frame and there is no entitlement to an extension of time, or there is an entitlement to an extension of time but no extension has been granted, the filing of this Form will not be accepted by the Registry. Before filling this Form, please read rule 113 of the Trade Marks Rules in relation to the translation and transliteration of documents not in the English language. Accordingly, if the name of the person applying/objecting/opposing is in an alphabet, or a letter or character other than in the English alphabet, this notice/application must contain a translation of the name into the English alphabet. This applies whether one is applying as an individual, a firm, a legal entity or an unincorporated body. However, if any one claims that his or her name is incapable of translation or transliteration, the notice/application must fully comply with the requirements of rule 113 (7) of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. It is a requirement that at the same time as this notice/application is filed, a copy thereof must be served on the applicant for registration/owner of registered trade mark at his or her address for service. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
104
105 6. Basis of counter-statement (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) (a) Objection Specify applicable rule (b) Opposition Specify applicable rule (c) In relation to: Revocation Invalidity Cancellation Variation
Rectification
106 7. (a) Provide below the grounds relied on in support of the counter-statement
107 (b) State the facts in the notice of objection/opposition or application for revocation / declaration of invalidity / cancellation / variation / rectification* (*please delete the ones that are not applicable) that you (i) admit; (ii) deny, stating reason(s) (and if you intend to put forward an alternative version of events, that version); and
108 (iii) are unable to admit or deny. 8. Is evidence (if applicable) provided to accompany this counter-statement? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO 9. (a) Has a copy of this counter-statement been served on the person or persons referred to in the relevant rule? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO (b) If you answered YES, please indicate the date of service (dd/mm/yyyy
109 10. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 11. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this Form, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 12. Signature (by applicant/person objecting or opposing, or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of such applicant or person): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date counter-statement filed: Time of filing: Signature of recipient of filing: Remarks:
110 FORM TM10 [Rule 36] NOTICE FOR RENEWAL OF REGISTERED TRADE MARK
111 6. Please take notice that the registration of the trade mark specified herein will be removed from the register of trade marks when the current period of registration expires on the date stated in paragraph 4 above, unless you take the necessary steps to renew the registration. 7. Address for service (of owner of trade mark) in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. Date service effected (dd/mm/yyyy) Signed by the Registrar this ……. Day of …………………………….. in the year ………….. Registrar’s signature: ……………………………………………………………… Registrar’s Seal:
112 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date Notice issued: Time recorded: Date Notice communicated: Remarks:
113 FORM TM11 [Rules 37 (1) and 38 (1) (a)]
114 (b) Address of trade mark agent for owner of trade mark 3. Trade mark registration number 4. Total number of classes of trade marks covered by this request (if the request relates only to some of the classes in the registration, you must complete Form TM12 to surrender those classes that are not being renewed) 5. Expiration date of trade mark (dd/mm/yyyy) 6. This request relates to: (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box) Renewal of registration Restoration of registration 7. (a) The following renewal fee(s) accompanies this request Amount in figures Amount in words $ (b) The following renewal fee and applicable penalty accompany this request (for restoration request only) Renewal Fee Amount in figures Amount in words $ Penalty Amount in figures Amount in words $
115 8. Signature (of owner of trade mark or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of owner): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
116 FORM TM12 [Rule 42 (1)] NOTICE OF SURRENDER OF REGISTERED TRADE MARK Notes to person filling this Form: This Form is to be used for the surrender of all goods or services or some of the goods or services in a single registered trade mark. A separate application must be filed for each registered trade mark. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
117 4. (a) Indicate the goods and/or services to be surrendered (please place a mark (X) in the applicable box): All the goods and/or services for which the trade mark is registered are surrendered Some of the goods and/or services for which the trade mark is registered are surrendered (details of which are provided below) (b) List the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods or services appropriate to the class: Class Number(s) List of goods and/or services to be surrendered 5. If there is any person who has a registered interest or any other right in the trade mark, please provide the details below: Name(s) Address(es)
118 6. Certification (please place a mark (X) in the applicable box): I/We certify that no person has a registered interest or other right in the trade mark. I/We certify that the person(s) with a registered interest or other right in the trade mark has/have been sent notice of the owner’s intention to surrender the registration at least three months prior to this Form being filed, or is/are not affected or, if affected, the person(s) consent to the surrender. 7. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this Form, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 9. Signature (by owner or trade mark agent acting for and on behalf of owner): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
119 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date Notice filed: Time of filing: Recipient of filing: Remarks:
120 FORM TM13 [Rules 61 (1) and 63 (2) (b)]
121 2. (a) Name of trade mark agent for applicant for registration / owner of registered trade mark / grantor of security interest* applicant for registration/ owner of registered trade mark / grantor of security interest* (please cross out the one that is not applicable – if at all applicable) (b) Address of trade mark agent for applicant for registration / owner of registered trade mark / grantor of security interest applicant for registration/ owner of registered trade mark / grantor of security interest* (*please cross out the one that is not applicable – if at all applicable) 3. Indicate the application number to which this filing relates 4. Indicate the registration number to which this filing relates 5. In respect of assignment/transfer, assent or order of court or other competent authority, please (a) provide the details of the new owner: Name Address (b) confirm that the new owner is an individual or entity that is legally capable of holding assets in its own name by placing a mark (X) in the following box:
122 (c) provide, in the case of an order of a court or competent authority transferring a trade mark or application or transferring any right in or under the trade mark or application, the name of the court or other competent authority: (d) provide the date of assignment/transfer or assent or order of court or other competent authority: (dd/mm/yyyy (e) provide, for partial assignment only, a description of the right transferred if the change of ownership is in respect of a right in or under the application(s) or registration(s): 6. In respect of a security interest, please (a) provide the details of the grantee: Name Address
123 (b) indicate, by placing a mark (X) opposite the applicable box, whether this request is for: registering particulars of grant of security interest amendment of particulars removal of particulars (c) indicate, in the case of a grant of a security interest, (i) the nature of the interest (whether fixed or floating): (ii) the extent of the security interest: (iii) the right in or under the trade mark (s) or application(s) that is secured: (d) provide, in the case of amendment or removal of any registered particulars relating to a security interest, the details of the amendment or removal:
124 7. (a) Documentary evidence is not required in respect of a registrable transaction outlined in the first column below if the requirement specified in the second column is satisfied (please place a mark (X) in the applicable box). Otherwise appropriate documentary evidence must accompany this request. Assignment This Form is signed by or on behalf of the assignor Assent This Form is signed by or on behalf of the personal representative making the assent Grant of security interest This Form is signed by or on behalf of the grantor of the security interest Amendment of registered particulars of security interest This Form is signed by or on behalf of both the grantor and the grantee of the security interest Order or court or other competent authority This Form is accompanied by a copy of the order of the court or competent authority (b) If the requirement for the applicable registrable transaction in paragraph (a) above is not satisfied, is this application/notice/request accompanied by appropriate documentary evidence? (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box) YES NO 8. Signature (a) of applicant/owner/personal representative/grantor of security interest* (*please cross out the one that is not applicable)
125 (b) of registered agent for applicant/owner/personal representative/grantor of security interest* (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (c) date (dd/mm/yyyy) 9. Signature (a) of new owner/grantee of security interest (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (b) of registered agent for new owner/grantee of security interest (*please cross out the one that is not applicable) (c) date (dd/mm/yyyy) 10. (a) Address for service in the Virgin Islands of new owner/grantee of security interest (i) Name: ……………………………………………………… (ii) Address: ……………………………………………………… (iii) Your reference: ……………………………………………………… (iv) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………… (v) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………… (vi) Email address: ………………………………………………………
126 (b) If a new trade mark agent has been appointed, please fill and file Form TM22 separately. If this has been done or is being done along with the filing of this Form, please place a mark (X) in the box below: 11. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this Form, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 12. Signature (complete ONLY if this Form is filed by a person other than any of those specified in paragraphs 8 and 9): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory:…………………………………….. ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request/notice filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
127 FORM TM14 [Rules 61 (2) (b) and 63 (2) (a)]
128 (b) Address of trade mark agent of applicant for registration / amendment or removal of registered particulars of licence* (please cross out the one that is not applicable) 3. Indicate the application number to which this filing relates 4. Indicate the registration number to which this filing relates 5. Provide the name and address of the applicant for registration / owner of registered trade mark / grantor of sub-licence (please cross out the one that is not applicable) Name Address 6. Provide the name and address of the licensee / sub-licensee (*please cross out the one that is not applicable) Name Address 7. (a) Indicate what this request relates to (please place a mark (X) in the applicable box): Registration Removal Amendment
129 (b) Details of registration/removal/amendment: 8. Provide the particulars of the licence / sub-licence* (*please cross out the one that is not applicable): (a) Duration: (i) Commencement date: ……………………… (ii) Expiration date (where a fixed period applies): ……………………… (b) Is the licence / sub-licence exclusive? (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box) YES NO (c) (i) Is the licence / sub-licence in respect of all goods or services? (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box) YES NO
130 (i) If you answered “NO”, please outline below the specific goods and/or services covered by the licence / sub-licence: Class Number(s) Specification of goods and/or services (d) If there are other limitations to which this licence / sub-licence is subject, please outline them below: 9. (a) Documentary evidence is not required in respect of a request outlined in the first column below if the requirement specified in the second column is satisfied (please place a mark (X) in the applicable box). Otherwise appropriate documentary evidence must accompany this request. Registration of a licence The request is signed by or on behalf of the grantor of the licence Removal of a licence The request is signed by or on behalf of the grantee of the licence Amendment of a licence The request is signed by or on behalf of both the grantor and grantee of the licence (b) If the requirement in respect of a request in paragraph (a) above is not satisfied, is this request accompanied by appropriate documentary evidence? (Please place a mark (X) in the applicable box) YES NO
131 10. Signature (a) of applicant for registration/owner of registered trade mark/grantor of sublicence* (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (b) of registered agent of applicant for registration/owner of registered trade mark/ grantor of sub-licence (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (c) date (dd/mm/yyyy) 11. Signature (a) of licensee/sub-licensee (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (b) of registered agent for licensee/sub-licensee (*please cross out the one that is not applicable) (c) date (dd/mm/yyyy)
132 12. (a) Address for service in the Virgin Islands of applicant for registration/owner of registered trade mark/grantor of sub-licence* (please cross out the one that is not applicable) (i) Name: ……………………………………………………… (ii) Address: ……………………………………………………… (iii) Your reference: ……………………………………………………… (iv) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………… (v) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………… (vi) Email address: ……………………………………………………… (b) Address for service in the Virgin Islands of licensee/sub-licensee (*please cross out the one that is not applicable) (i) Name: ……………………………………………………… (ii) Address: ……………………………………………………… (iii) Your reference: ……………………………………………………… (iv) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………… (v) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………… (vi) Email address: ……………………………………………………… (c) If a new trade mark agent has been appointed, please fill and file Form TM22 separately. If this has been done or is being done along with the filing of this Form, please place a mark (X) in the box below: 13. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this Form, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ………………………………………
133 14. Signature (complete ONLY if this Form is filed by a person other than any of those specified in paragraphs 10 and 11): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory:…………………………………….. ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request/notice/application filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
134 FORM TM15 [Rule 64 (1) (a)] NOTICE TO MAKE REPRESENTATION In the Matter of Trade Mark Application/Registration No. … of ….
135 4. Date of service of this Notice (dd/mm/yyyy) 5. Signed by the Registrar this ……. day of …………………………….. in the year ………….. Registrar’s signature: ……………………………………………………………… Registrar’s Seal: For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date Notice issued: Time recorded: Person receiving Notice: Remarks:
136 FORM TM16 [Rule 64 (1) (b)] REQUEST FOR HEARING BEFORE THE REGISTRAR In the Matter of Trade Mark Application/Registration No. … of …. To the Registrar
137 4. (a) If you would like to make a representation, please state the nature of representation(s) (please place a mark (X) in the appropriate box): Written representation Appearance in person before the Registrar Written representation and appearance before the Registrar (b) If you opt for written representation(s) (whether with or without an appearance before the Registrar), please indicate the representation(s) in the box below: 5. It is important that a copy of this request be served on all the parties interested in the Matter of the application or registration concerned. Has a copy of this request been served on all interested parties? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer) YES NO If you answered YES, please indicate the date of service (dd/mm/yyyy
138 6. (a) If you opt to appear in person before the Registrar, please indicate whether you will be represented by a legal practitioner or some other person by placing a mark (X) in the appropriate box below. I/We will be represented by a legal practitioner I/We will be represented by a person other than a legal practitioner (b) Please indicate the name and address of the legal practitioner/other person in the appropriate box below: Name of legal practitioner Address of legal practitioner Name of other person Address of other person (c) Indicate the number of legal practitioners/other persons appearing: 7. (a) Will you be calling any witness(es)? Please place a mark (X) in the box opposite the applicable answer) YES NO (b) If you answered “YES”, please indicate the number of witnesses you expect to call:
139 8. (a) Will all your witnesses be testifying or giving evidence in the English language? Please place a mark (X) in the box opposite the applicable answer) YES NO (b) If you answered “NO”, please indicate below the language in which the witness(es) is/are expected to testify: (c) In relation to paragraph (b) above, will you be making arrangements for an interpreter? (Please note rule 69 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2014 and place a mark (X) in the box opposite the applicable answer) YES NO 9. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 10. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this Form, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ………………………………………
140 11. Signature: (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date notice filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
141 FORM TM17 [Rule 64 (3) (a) (ii) and (b) (ii)] NOTICE OF HEARING BY REGISTRAR In the Matter of Trade Mark Application/Registration No. … of ….
142 4. If you intend to appear at the hearing before the Registrar you are required to so notify the Registrar in writing within fourteen days after the date of service of this Notice. If you fail to notify the Registrar within the specified period, you shall be treated as not intending to appear at the hearing and the Registrar shall proceed accordingly without you. 5. Date of service of this Notice (dd/mm/yyyy) 6. Signed by the Registrar this ……. day of …………………………….. in the year ………….. Registrar’s signature: ……………………………………………………………… Registrar’s Seal: For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date Notice issued: Time recorded: Person receiving Notice: Remarks:
143 FORM TM18 [Rule 80 (2) (a)] REQUEST FOR A STATEMENT OF REASONS In the Matter of Trade Mark Decision Application/Registration No. … of …. To the Registrar Notes to person filling this Form Following a decision in any proceedings before him/her, the Registrar is required to send to each of the parties to the proceedings a notice advising of his/her decision and providing a statement of the reasons for his/her decision. In the event, however, that the reasons for the Registrar’s decision are not included in the notice, any party to the proceedings concerned may file this Form requesting a statement of the reasons for the decision. A request made pursuant to this Form must be filed within a period of one month after the date of the Registrar’s decision. Please note that the Registrar’s decision is deemed to have been made on the date on which he/she sent the parties a notice advising of his/her decision. However, where a request for reasons has been requested, the Registrar’s decision is deemed to have been made on the date on which the statement of reasons was sent. A copy of this request must be sent to all parties to the proceedings.
144 (b) Address of trade mark agent of party (if applicable) 3. Trade mark application/registration number to which this request relates 4. Date of Registrar’s decision (dd/mm/yyyy) 5. (a) Has a copy of this request been sent to each of the parties to the proceedings? (Please place a mark (X) in the appropriate box) YES NO (b) If you answered “YES”, please indicate the date the request was sent (dd/mm/yyyy) (c) Provide the names of the parties to whom the request has been sent 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
145 7. 8. 9. 10. 6. This request is for a statement of the reasons for the Registrar’s decision in the above stated Matter. (Please place a mark (X) in the appropriate box) YES NO 7. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 8. Signature: (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
146 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date reason(s) given: Date reason(s) communicated
147 FORM TM19 [Rules 84 (1) and 98 (1)] REQUEST FOR CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS, ADDRESS FOR SERVICE OR TRADE MARK AGENT’S ADDRESS Notes to person filling this Form This Form may be filed in respect of multiple applications and/or registrations relating to the change of the same details by the same applicant for registration, or by the owner of a registered trade mark, or by a licensee or trade mark agent or other person who has an interest in the trade mark. The address for service provided in this Form will effectively substitute the current address for service of the applicant/owner of all the trade marks listed in the Form, including the trade mark agent and other relevant person. Accordingly, all future correspondence and notices on matters relating to any trade marks will be sent to the new address for service. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, a trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his or her physical address in the Virgin Islands. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
148 (b) Address of trade mark agent of person filing this request (if applicable) 3. Indicate below the trade mark application number(s) to be affected by the proposed change 4. Indicate below the trade mark registration number(s) to be affected by the proposed change 5. Provide below the name on the register that is sought to be changed 6. Provide the details of the change that is sought in the box provided below: (a) Change of current name on the register to: (b) Is the person named in paragraph (a) the same person before and after the change of name? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable answer in the box below) YES NO (c) Change of current address on the register to:
149 (d) Change of address for service to: Name Address (e) Change of trade mark agent’s address to: 7. If the change requested relates to an applicant, owner of a registered trade mark or licensee, indicate below the reasons for and evidence in support of the request (if necessary separate evidence may accompany this Form):
150 8. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 9. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 10. Signature (person filing this request): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
151 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
152 FORM TM20 [Rule 93] REQUEST FOR CERTIFIED/UNCERTIFIED COPY OR EXTRACT To the Registrar Notes to person filling this Form A certificate signed by the Registrar certifying a matter under the Trade Marks Act, 2013 or the Trade Marks Rules, 2015 constitutes prima facie evidence of the matter so certified. It is therefore important that a request for a certified copy of a matter sets out clearly the details of the request as provided in this Form. A single request may be made in this Form for multiple copies or extracts of documents or entries in a register. Once the request is filed, it cannot be amended to include additional matters; a separate Form must be filled and filed in respect of the additional matters required.
153 3. Indicate what specifically the request relates to by filling the relevant details below: (a) Documents requested: (i) Application: Application Number(s) Number of Copies Number of Certified Copies (ii) Registration: Registration Number(s) Number of Copies Number of Certified Copies (b) Copy of extract from the register: (i) Application: Application Number(s) Specify the Extract(s) Requested Number of Copies Number of Certified Copies
154 (ii) Registration: Registration Number(s) Specify the Extract(s) Requested Number of Copies Number of Certified Copies (c) Copy of an application for registration: State Application number(s) Number of copies Number of certified copies (d) Certificate Issued by the Registrar Pursuant to Section 101 (2) of the Trade Marks Act, 2013: (i) Application: Application Number(s) Specify Details of Request Number of Certificates Requested
155 (ii) Registration: Registration Number(s) Specify Details of Request Number of Certificates Requested 4. Address to which requested information should be sent: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 5. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this request, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 6. Signature (person filing this request): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
156 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date application filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
157 FORM TM21 [Rules 95 (2) (a) and 96 (1)]
158 3. This request relates to (please place a mark (X) in the appropriate box that relates to the request) Search of records Registrar’s opinion on registrability 4. Trade mark to which request relates: (a) Place a representation of the trade mark concerned in the box below: (b) If the request relates to a series of trade marks, please indicate the number of trade marks in the series (being not more than six) in the box below:
159 5. (a) In respect of a 3-dimensional shape, colour, sound or smell (if applicable), please place a mark (X) in the appropriate applicable box below: 3-Diensional shape Colour Sound Smell (b) If a 3-dimensional shape or colour(s) is/are claimed as a trade mark or as an element of the trade mark, or if the trade mark consists wholly or partly of a sound or smell, please provide a statement of that fact and a description of the trade mark in the box below: 6. If the trade mark consists of or contains a word, letter or character that is not in the English language, please provide the transliteration and/or translation of the word, letter or character in the appropriate boxes below: Non-English word, letter or character Language Transliteration Translation
160 7. In respect of goods and/or services covered by this request, please list the class number(s) in consecutive numerical order and the goods and/or services appropriate to the class: Class number(s) Specification of goods and/or services 8. Address to which requested information should be sent: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 9. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this request, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ………………………………………
161 10. Signature (person filing this request): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date application filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
162 FORM TM22 [Rule 105 (1)] APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL AS REGISTERED TRADE MARK AGENT To the Financial Services Commission Notes to person filling this Form Before filling this Form, please ensure that you have read and understood the requirements and functions relative to the office of a registered trade mark agent. Your application will be assessed against the requirements outlined in sections 33 – 35 of the Trade Marks Act, 2013. The fitness and propriety of an applicant will be assessed against the provisions of Schedule 1A of the Regulatory Code, 2009. A copy of the Code may be accessed on the Internet site of the Financial Services Commission at www.bvifsc.vg. The question regarding whether an applicant has an appreciable knowledge of trade mark law or is competent to perform the duties of a trade mark agent is a matter to be determined by the Financial Services Commission at its sole discretion. Please note that a trade mark agent may be an individual, a partnership or a legal person. Your application must clearly outline the capacity in which you wish to be approved. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Similarly, the trade mark agent filing this Form must provide his physical address in the BVI. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used. Other accompanying documents, such as certificates of qualification, must be similarly numbered.
163 (b) Address of applicant for approval 2. Indicate the capacity in which approval is sought by placing a mark (X) in the appropriate box below: Individual (if trading as sole proprietorship, please provide trade name as well) Partnership (please provide partnership name) Company (please provide company name) 3. (a) If the applicant is a partnership, please place a mark (X) in the box below: (b) If the applicant is a company, please place a mark (X) in the appropriate box below that applies: The company is licensed by the Financial Services Commission as a registered agent under the Banks and Trust Companies Act, 1990 The company is incorporated/continued as a company under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 to perform functions of trade mark agent
164 4. If the application is in relation to a partnership or a company, please provide in the box below the name of at least one individual within the partnership or company, as the case may, who meets the fitness and propriety qualification in accordance with Schedule 1A of the Regulatory Code, 2009 and any required additional qualification: 5. Evidence must be provided of the qualifications of the individual who is fit and proper and has an appreciable knowledge of trade mark law. Is this application accompanied by evidence of the individual’s qualifications? (Please place a mark (X) opposite the applicable box below) YES NO 6. Address for service: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 7. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ………………………………………
165 8. Signature (person filing this application): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date application filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
166 FORM TM23 [Rule 107 (1)] REQUEST FOR CANCELLATION OR REVOCATION OF APPROVAL AS TRADE MARK AGENT To the Financial Services Commission Notes to person filling this Form A person who has been approved by the Financial Services Commission as a registered trade mark agent may at any time after such approval request that his or her approval be cancelled or revoked by filing this Form. The application must state the reason(s) for the request. It should be noted that the Commission may on its own motion suspend, cancel or revoke the approval of a registered trade mark agent and shall, in such circumstance, provide reason(s) for its decision. You must indicate the date on which you wish the cancellation/revocation of your approval to take effect. If you do not specify a date, then cancellation/revocation of your approval will take effect from the date the cancellation/revocation is approved. It is important that you provide an address for service and, in that respect you must have regard to rule 97 of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015. The address for service must be a physical address and only such address will be accepted. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
167 3. Indicate what this application relates to by placing a mark (X) in the appropriate box below: Cancellation Revocation 4. Provide the reason(s) for the application in the box below: 5. If you wish the cancellation/revocation to take effect from a particular date, please indicate the date in the box below: (dd/mm/yyyy 7. If your address for service has changed in relation to this application, please indicate where a response may be sent to: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Email address: ………………………………………………………………
168 7. Signature (person filing this application): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date application filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated
169 FORM TM24 [Rules 88 (1) and 114 (2)] REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME Notes to person filling this Form A request made in this Form must relate to a single trade mark application for registration at the time of or after the commencement of the Trade Marks Act, 2013. The request may also relate to an extension of time under section 88 or to an application for registration under the repealed Act and with respect to an opposition or counterstatement. It should be noted that an extension of time in relation to a notice of opposition cannot exceed three months; the maximum period of extension in relation to a notice of counterstatement is two months. Similar restrictions apply in relation to certain other provisions of the Trade Marks Rules, 2015, depending on the subject matter. A request must therefore be very specific as to the period of extension required. However, the decision as regards what period of extension (if any) is to be granted is that of the Registrar acting in his or her own discretion. Every request for an extension of time must be notified to each party to the proceedings. Failure to do so may delay the processing of a request for extension of time. Unless the filing of this Form is required by electronic means (if and when permitted), you may use additional sheet of paper to provide such additional information as may be required. If you use additional sheet of paper, you must number each additional sheet sequentially and indicate the number of additional sheets used.
170 (b) Address of trade mark agent of party (if applicable) 3. Indicate in the relevant box below the number of the application/registration of the trade mark concerned: Application Number Registration Number 4. Indicate what this request relates to by placing a mark (X) in the applicable box below: Application for registration Opposition Counter-statement Other proceedings (please specify) 5. Indicate in the box below the provision(s) pursuant to which this request is filed: 6. Indicate in the box below the period of extension requested: 7. Indicate in the box below your reason(s) for requesting an extension of time:
171 8. Have you given notice to every person who is a party to the proceedings? (Please place a mark (X) in the box opposite to your answer) YES NO 9. Address for service in the Virgin Islands (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 10. If you have used additional sheets of paper with this application, please number them sequentially and state the number of sheets used and attached to this Form: (a) Number of sheets used: ……………………………………… (b) Sequential numbers of the sheets: ……………………………………… 11. Signature (of person filing this request): (a) Signature: ………………………………………
172 (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy) For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date request filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved (extension period granted): Not approved: Date decision communicated
173 FORM TM25 [Rule 115] NOTICE FOR CONVERSION OF PENDING APPLICATION To the Registrar Notes to person filling this Form This Form relates to an application for the registration of a trade mark under the repealed Act which has not been advertised as provided under that repealed Act prior to the commencement of the Trade Marks Act, 2013. Under such circumstance an applicant may give notice claiming to have the registrability of the trade mark in question determined in accordance with the Trade Marks Act, 2013 by filling and filing this Form. Please note that a notice by virtue of this Form must be given within a period of six months after the date of commencement of the Trade Marks Act, 2013 and the Trade Marks Rules, 2015.
174 3. Provide below the details of the application made under the repealed Trade Marks Act (Cap. 158): Application Number(s) Trade Mark Class Number(s) 4. I give notice claiming to have the registrability of the trade mark outlined in paragraph 3 above determined in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Marks Act, 2013. I acknowledge that this notice is irrevocable and has the effect that the application for registration is to be treated as if it were made on the commencement of the Trade Marks Act, 2013. 5. Address for service: (a) Name: ……………………………………………………………… (b) Address: ……………………………………………………………… (c) Your reference: ……………………………………………………………… (d) Telephone No.: ……………………………………………………………… (e) Facsimile No.: ……………………………………………………………… (f) Email address: ……………………………………………………………… 6. Signature (person filing this notice): (a) Signature: ……………………………………… (b) Name & Official Capacity of Signatory: ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… ……………………………………… (c) Date: ……………………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)
175 For Official Use Only (please do not fill this part) Date notice filed: Time filed: Signature of recipient of filing: Date decision taken: Approved: Not approved: Date decision communicated Made by the Cabinet this 15th day of April, 2015. (Sgd.) Sandra Ward, Cabinet Secretary.