A Step Closer To The Madrid Protocol

On June 11, 2021, Jamaica's Upper House of Parliament passed the Trade Marks (Amendment) Act bringing the country just steps away from accession to the Madrid Protocol. The Act cleared the Lower House on June 1 and quickly made its way to the Senate.

It is not known exactly when the Amendment Act will come into force or when the Government of Jamaica will accede to the Protocol. Some businesses have signaled their expectation that the Government will move swiftly to sign on to the Protocol and there has even been talk about a one-month timeline for accession.

The urgency appears to be sparked by, among other things, the fact that Jamaican exporters of a variety of food products including sauces, spices and other condiments have been plagued by imposters in key foreign markets.