BAHAMAS
The Bahamas Trademark Registry has recently announced the implementation of a new Trade Marks Act 2024, which came into effect on February 1, 2025. Description of goods under the Old British Classification is no longer required and applications can now be filed under the International Classification - NICE Classification of Goods and Services. In addition, the Registry now allow trademark filings in multiple classes under this act.
Registration and renewal periods under the new Trademark Act will be valid for ten (10) years.
HISTORY
The Bahamas, located in the northern Caribbean, is an independent Commonwealth Realm of the UK. Originally settled by the Lucayan Tainos people from 900-1500 AD, the Bahamas was taken over by the Spaniards after being discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494. Throughout the end of the 1600s and the beginning of the 1700s, the majority of Bahamas’ population consisted of pirates. Because the country is surrounded by shallow waters, pirates had ample space for burying treasure. By 1718 the British wanted to gain control of the island from the pirates, allowing for loyalists to implement their presence on the island. Britain’s takeover fully pushed the remaining Spaniards out. The Bahamas finally gained independence on July 10th, 1973, making July 10th the Bahamian Independence Day. Its official language is English.
In terms of GDP per capita, the Bahamas is one of the wealthiest countries in the Americas. Tourism accounts for most of the country’s Gross Domestic Product with financial and business sectors following close behind. It is comprised of over 700 islands and cays with Nassau as the country’s capital. Cruises bring hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to the different islands, with the majority of visitors being from the United States. The Bahamas is home to Atlantis, one of the Caribbean’s most popular resorts on Paradise Island that includes one of the largest open-air marine habitats and waterparks.
