The Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Thu 12th Jun 25

The Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2013 Order to reflect changes in UK trademark law.

Specifically, it modifies section 56 of the 1994 Act regarding the protection of well-known trademarks, incorporating references to the WTO agreement and making it more explicit.

The Order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man, and took effect on July 10, 2025.

Arguments For

  • Aligns Isle of Man trademark law with UK law, ensuring consistency and reducing potential legal complexities.

  • Incorporates amendments related to the protection of well-known trademarks under the WTO agreement, enhancing protection for international brands in the Isle of Man.

  • Streamlines legal processes by updating existing Isle of Man legislation to reflect current UK standards, saving time and resources for businesses and legal professionals.

  • Provides clarity and certainty for businesses operating in and around the Isle of Man by reducing inconsistencies and divergence in legislation.

  • Improves legal protection and enforcement for trademark rights, both domestically and internationally.

Arguments Against

  • Potential for unintended consequences arising from the direct adoption of UK legislation, as the Isle of Man’s economic and legal context may differ.

  • Increased compliance costs for businesses in the Isle of Man in adapting to the changes enacted within this legislation.

  • Potential for unforeseen challenges in the implementation and interpretation of the amended legislation which may lead to increased litigation in the Isle of Man.

  • Lack of a full regulatory impact assessment may lead to oversight of any negative consequences arising from the implemented changes related to the 1994 Act within the Isle of Man.

Citation and commencement1.

This Order may be cited as the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on 10th July 2025.

Amendments to the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 20132.

The Schedule to the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 20132 is amended in accordance with the Schedule to this Order.

Extent3.

This Order extends to England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

ScheduleAmendments to the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 2013

Article 2

1.

The Schedule to the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 2013 is amended as follows.

2.

For paragraph 17, substitute—

“17.

(1)

In section 56(1) (protection of well-known trade marks)—

(a)

after “Paris Convention” insert “or the WTO agreement”;

(b)

in paragraph (a), after “national of” insert “the United Kingdom or”;

(c)

in paragraph (b), after “establishment in,” insert “the United Kingdom or”.

(2)

In section 56(2)—

(a)

after “Paris Convention” insert “or the WTO agreement”;

(b)

for the words from “his mark” to “confusion” substitute—“the well known trade mark—

(a)

in relation to identical or similar goods or services, where the use is likely to cause confusion, or

(b)

where the well known trade mark has a reputation in the United Kingdom and the use of the other trade mark—

(i)

is without due cause, and

(ii)

takes unfair advantage of, or is detrimental to, the distinctive character or the repute of the well known trade mark”.

(3)

After section 56(2) insert—

“(2A)

Subsection (2)(b) applies irrespective of whether the goods or services in relation to which the other trade mark is used are identical with, similar to or not similar to those for which the well known trade mark is entitled to protection.”.

17A.

In sections 57(2) and (3) (national emblems etc. of Convention countries) and 58(2) (emblems etc. of certain international organisations) after “Paris Convention” insert “or the WTO agreement”.”.

Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Schedule to the Trade Marks (Isle of Man) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/2601) to make further modifications to the Trade Marks Act 1994 (c. 26) (“the 1994 Act”) in its application to the Isle of Man.

The modifications made by virtue of this Order to the 1994 Act correspond to amendments made to that Act (as it has effect in the United Kingdom) by the Trade Marks (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1303).

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen. A copy of this instrument is available on the Legislation UK website www.legislation.gov.uk. A copy of this instrument is also available from the Intellectual Property Office, Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, NP20 8QQ.