Trade Marks

Fiji's Trade Marks Act is based on British trade marks legislation enacted nearly a century ago. It is recognized as overdue for revision.

The Act provides for independent registration of goods marks (but not service marks) in Fiji or registration (generally speaking) as of right based on United Kingdom registrations. Goods are classified according to the old British classes rather than the generally recognized international classes.

Priority is not available on filing of applications but the existence of a prior application will at least put the Registrar on notice of a possible conflict in respect of any subsequent rival application.

The records of the Fiji Trade Marks Registry are not computerised. Searches must be carried out manually. A lack of resources relative to the volume of filings means the registration process can take any time between 10 months to several years.

Independently registered trade marks must be renewed every fourteen years from the date of application. UK based trade marks are valid for the remaining term of the UK trade mark and are renewable for like periods. There is a six month grace period for filing applications for renewal although a small penalty fee of less than US$20 is payable.

Requirements for Filing an Application for Registration

Requirements for Filing an Application for Renewal

Requirements for Filing an Application for Assignment

Requirements for Filing an Application for Change of Name of Proprietor

A written Authorisation of Agent form, in original, must accompany every application. Clients can save time by downloading, editing and signing the form (original signed hard copy is required) at the same time as sending instructions.