Beyond the UK: Re-Registering UK and EP(UK) Patents

When you’ve secured a UK or EP(UK) patent, did you know that you can extend your rights beyond Europe – without the cost or hassle of a full patent application? Welcome to the world of patent re-registration! Hannah Eccles explains the process.

 

While Hong Kong may be the first (and maybe only!) country to come to mind when we think of ‘re-registration’, the process is slightly different in the countries mentioned below. 

 

Some countries, mostly British colonies or former colonies, have retained laws enabling the recognition of UK or EP(UK) patents in their local territories.  This enables patent holders to register their granted UK or EP(UK) patents in certain jurisdictions through a simplified administrative process.  No new examination is required; once registered, the patent is enforceable locally.  This is ideal for enabling enforcement options in smaller markets.

 

Although the protection itself may be more hassle-free than the normal patent-protection route, the process of requesting re-registration often involves submitting:

• A certified copy of the UK or EP(UK) patent
• Details of the patent proprietor
• Payment of prescribed fees, and
• A power of attorney (where required).

 

In general, the registration must be applied for within three years from the date of grant of the UK patent and in general the overseas registration will remain in force for as long as the corresponding UK patent is in force.

 

Below is a list of territories that accept re-registration of UK and EP(UK) patents.  This information can be found on the UKIPO website under “Extension of UK intellectual property rights abroad”.  The below list is patent protection only, however if you would like information about Trade Marks or Designs, please visit the website.

 

Country	Deadline	Can be registered from
Anguilla	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Bermuda	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
British Virgin Islands	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Brunei Darussalam3	1 year from grant for UK and 3 years from grant for EP(UK)	UK and EP(UK)
Cayman Islands	Any time during the life of the granted patent	UK and EP(UK)
Falkland Islands	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Fiji	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Gambia	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Gibraltar	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Grenada	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Guernsey	Any time during the life of the granted patent	UK and EP(UK)
Guyana	3 years from grant	UK and possibly EP(UK)
Jersey	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Kiribati	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Montserrat	3 years from grant	UK only
Nauru	3 years from grant	UK only
St Helena	3 years from grant	UK only
St Lucia	3 years from grant	UK only
St Vincent	3 years from grant	EP(UK) only
Samoa2	2 years after grant	UK and possibly EP(UK)
Seychelles	3 years from grant	UK only
Sierra Leone	3 years from grant	UK only
Solomon Islands2	3 years from grant	UK and possibly EP(UK)
Tanzania1	3 years from grant	UK only
Turks and Caicos	5 years after grant	UK and EP(UK)
Tuvalu	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)
Vanuatu	3 years from grant	UK and EP(UK)

¹Protection only applies in Zanzibar
²Local legislation is unclear on whether EP(UK) patents can still be re-registered. 
³Re-registration not available for patents with a filing date on or after 01 January 2012. Term of protection is different based on UK or EP(UK) re-registration.

 

Re-registration may not make headlines, but knowing the options is always useful.  Just don’t miss the deadline, or your patent’s holiday in the Caribbean might be cancelled!

 

Always make sure to consult a local attorney for advice.

 

This briefing is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice relating to your particular circumstances. We can discuss specific issues and facts on an individual basis. Please note that the law may have changed since the day this was first published in July 2025.