NEW patent legislation for Guernsey has been welcomed by those involved in Bailiwick law and business.

The Registered Patents and Biotechnological Inventions Ordinance, 2009, was passed by the States last month and is waiting for a commencement date for it to come into force.

It builds on an existing law, which was passed in 1922 and allows Guernsey only to re-register patents that have already been registered in the UK.

The new law will allow Guernsey to re-register patents that have been registered anywhere in the world.

Elaine Gray, of AO Hall Advocate, sees developing commercial opportunities as a result of the new ordinance.

She said the legislation was part of the continuing and excellent work of Guernsey’s Intellectual Property Office.

‘Once again, Guernsey is positioning itself as the front-runner in the next generation of IP services.’