There have been a number of changes to the legislation in various countries in the South Pacific over the last 12 months including new Trade Marks Acts in Vanuatu and Samoa. As an update and by way of reminder for other countries, we have summarised below the protection available throughout the South Pacific.
|
Country
|
System
|
Multi-Class
|
Service Marks
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
American Samoa
|
Covered by United States registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Christmas Island
|
Covered by Australian registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Cocos (Keeling Islands)
|
Covered by Australian registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Cook Island
|
Publication of cautionary notice
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
East Timor
|
Publication of cautionary notice
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Fiji
|
Own independent registration system. Applications lodged via agent
|
No
|
No
|
|
French Polynesia
|
Covered by French national registration and International Registration designating France
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Guam
|
Covered by United States registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Kiribati
|
Re-registration of corresponding United Kingdom registration. Applications lodged direct with Ministry of Commerce Industry and Cooperatices
|
No
|
No
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
Publication of cautionary notice
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Micronesia
|
Publication of cautionary notice(Palau can be covered in the same notice) |
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Nauru
|
Publication of cautionary notice
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
New Caledonia
|
Covered by French national registration and International Registration designating France
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Norfolk Island
|
Covered by Australian Registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
Covered by US registration
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Nuie
|
Publication of cautionary notice
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Palau
|
Publication of cautionary notice (Micronesia can be covered in the same notice)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
Own independent reigstration system. Applications lodged directly with Intellectual Property Office of PNG
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Samoa
|
Own independent registration system. Applications lodged direct with Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour
|
No
|
No
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
Re-registration of corresponding United Kingdom registration. Applications lodged direct with Reistrar General of the Solomon Islands
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Tokelau
|
Publication of cautionary notice only means of protection but does not appear to be possible
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Tonga
|
Own independent registration system. Applications lodged through agent
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Tuvalu
|
Re-registration of corresponding United Kingdom registration. Applications lodged direct with Tuvalu
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Vanuatu
|
Own independent registration system. Applications lodged direct with Vanuatu Ministry of Trade, Tourism & Industry
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Wallis & Futuna Islands
|
Covered by French national registration and International Registration designating France
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Spruson & Ferguson is able to assist you in protecting your trade marks in this region. If you require any further information, please contact us.