Trademark Registration in Bahamas- Protect Your Brand Nationwide
The Bahamas, an archipelagic nation located in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida, is a prominent financial and commercial hub in the Caribbean region. With a stable economy and a well-established legal and regulatory framework, the Bahamas has become an attractive jurisdiction for businesses seeking to expand their operations and protect their intellectual property rights.
On this page
Bahamas trademark registration at a glance
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Madrid Protocol
- No
- Language
- English
- Opposition period
- 1 month from publication
- Typical timeline
- 12 to 24 months without objections
- Validity
- 14 years, renewable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Introduction
The legal system of the Bahamas is based on English common law, supplemented by local statutes. English is the official language and is used in all legal and administrative proceedings, including trademark registration. The country maintains a structured and formalised intellectual property regime, though it is comparatively more traditional in approach when compared to some modernised jurisdictions.
Why register your trademark in Bahamas
Exclusive Rights
Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout the Bahamas.
Legal Enforcement
Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the Bahamas Intellectual Property Office and Bahamian courts.
Nationwide Protection
Secures trademark protection across all islands and territories of the Bahamas.
Market Positioning
Strengthens brand identity, builds consumer trust, and enhances competitive advantage in the Bahamian market.
Asset Creation
Converts your trademark into a valuable intellectual property asset that can be licensed, franchised, assigned, or sold.
Our trademark services in Bahamas
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in the Bahamas.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Bahamas trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Bahamas trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Ongoing monitoring of Bahamas trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in the Bahamas.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Bahamas brand.
Trademark registration process in Bahamas
Here is how to register a trademark in Bahamas, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Bahamas
Filing
The application is submitted to the Intellectual Property Section of the Registrar General's Department in Nassau, New Providence. Currently, filing is primarily in person or by post, though electronic filing capabilities are expected to develop. Upon filing, the applicant receives a filing receipt with an application number and filing date.
Examination
The application then undergoes formal examination to ensure compliance with procedural requirements, followed by substantive examination to assess registrability, including distinctiveness and potential conflicts with earlier marks.
Publication
If the application is accepted, it is published in the Official Gazette. From the date of publication, a statutory opposition period is provided during which any interested party may file an opposition against the registration of the trademark.
Registration Certificate
In the absence of opposition, or upon successful resolution of any opposition proceedings, the trademark proceeds to registration, and a certificate of registration is issued.
Timeline
The overall timeline for trademark registration in the Bahamas typically ranges from 10 to 18 months for a straightforward application. This includes the time taken for examination as well as the opposition period following publication.
However, timelines may vary depending on the complexity of the application and whether any objections or oppositions are encountered.Validity & Renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of registration (reduced from 14 years under the old Act)
Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods upon payment of the prescribed renewal fees.
A trademark registration takes effect from the registration date.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Bahamas
Power of Attorney
A simply signed Power of Attorney is sufficient; notarisation or legalisation is not required. A separate POA is required for each application.
Applicant's Details
Full name and address of the applicant (individual or entity).
List of Goods/Services
In accordance with the Nice Classification, in English.
Priority Document
Certified copy of the earlier application (if claiming Paris Convention priority within 6 months), with a certified English translation if necessary.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
The overall timeline for trademark registration in the Bahamas typically ranges from 10 to 18 months for a straightforward application. This includes the time taken for examination as well as the opposition period following publication
Validity and renewal
Initial registration period: 10 years from the date of registration (reduced from 14 years under the old Act)
Renewal: Indefinitely renewable for successive 10-year periods upon payment of the prescribed renewal fees.
Governing Law
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Bahamas is governed by:
• Trade Marks Act, 2024 (Act No. 47 of 2024) — the primary legislation governing trademarks, which came into force on 1 February 2025, replacing the Trade Marks Act of 1906.
• Trade Marks Regulations, 2025 — the implementing regulations published in May 2025, which detail procedural requirements, fee schedules, and opposition procedures.
Competent Authority
Trademark applications are filed with the Bahamas Intellectual Property Office (BIPO), which operates under the Registrar General's Department. The office handles all aspects of trademark examination, registration, opposition, and record maintenance. Currently, filing is primarily conducted at the Intellectual Property Section in Nassau, New Providence, though electronic filing is being developed.
The Bahamas is not a member of the Madrid System, PCT, OAPI, or ARIPO.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
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Register your trademark in Bahamas today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Bahamas. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
