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FSC issues notice on Intellectual Property Rights for Thornton Smith's clients

The death of Attorney Jamal S. Smith in March of this year meant the closure of the Law Firm he founded, Thornton Smith Advisors LP. Photo: VINO/File
The BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) has informed current trade mark clients of Thornton Smith Advisors LP that the firm is no longer authorised to act as a registered trade mark agent in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. Right: The late Jamal S. Smith. Photo: FSC/VINO/File
The BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) has informed current trade mark clients of Thornton Smith Advisors LP that the firm is no longer authorised to act as a registered trade mark agent in the Territory of the Virgin Islands. Right: The late Jamal S. Smith. Photo: FSC/VINO/File
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- The death of Attorney Jamal S. Smith in March of this year meant the closure of the Law Firm he founded, Thornton Smith.

In this regard, the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) has informed current trade mark clients of Thornton Smith Advisors LP that the firm is no longer authorised to act as a registered trade mark agent in the Territory of the Virgin Islands.

It is a requirement of PART III, section 33(1) of the Trade Marks Act, 2013, that every application for the registration of a trade mark shall be effected by a registered trade mark agent whose functions are set out in section 35(1) of the Act and include inter alia acting as an intermediary between the trade mark owner and the Commission and the Registrar, filing applications to the Registrar, paying application fees and performing related duties on behalf of the trade mark owner, the FSC statement reads. 

Still can pay @ Registrar

The FSC noted, “In order to ensure that filings can be made and fees can be paid to the Registrar to preserve your trade mark registration, you may consider appointing a registered trade mark agent”. A list of registered trade mark agents can be found on the Commission’s website," the FSC informed in their statement.

The FSC statement noted that “queries related to this Circular, or if you would like to confirm the status of your trade mark, please contact the Trade Mark Office at: trademarks@bvifsc.vg”

Mr Smith was found dead at his home in Manuel Hill on March 12, 2024, with gunshot wounds to his body, according to police. He was laid to rest on May 18, 2024. To date, police have not arrested anyone in relation to his murder.

12 Responses to “FSC issues notice on Intellectual Property Rights for Thornton Smith's clients”

  • Real Talk (28/05/2024, 16:24) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    In lay men terms can some one in this field educate us the public iam eagerly waiting
    • @ real talk (28/05/2024, 22:21) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
      Unfortunately due to the callous murder of Mr Smith his law firm has closed and can no longer be a representative for any company that by law needs one - they are being advised to seek an alternate. If only we could catch the murderers as quick
  • PoWe (28/05/2024, 16:52) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    Black on Black crime ensures poverty .in the Black community ..
  • Classy Move (28/05/2024, 18:34) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well done FSC - the body only just got intered
  • qc (28/05/2024, 19:29) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    One thing i donot want to rest assured praying that this is not another undo case
  • explain (28/05/2024, 20:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    A trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies a product or service from a particular source and distinguishes it from others. A trademark owner can be an individual, business organization, or any legal entity. For example Nike is considered an Intellectual property with there sign. Their trademark: Identifies the source of their goods or services. It provides legal protection for their brand. Helps them guard against counterfeiting and fraud.. Mr. Smith being an agent held a licence where you can registered your trademark. The existing customers now have to find another agent that offer such service in the BVI due yo his passing.
  • ... (28/05/2024, 22:44) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    A man like this should have been authorized to keep a weapon.
  • perry mason (28/05/2024, 23:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Was that done to the one on main street across from the catholic Church also???
  • Endtimes (29/05/2024, 10:13) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Coming from someone who works in the court, it's hard to read this. May his killers be found and brought to justice. I wonder how the killer(s) can sleep at night know that they took a live. Justice is mine, I will repay says the Lord. Trust me, He will repay.
    • El Demonio Negro (29/05/2024, 13:31) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      So how do you sleep at night when the court system OPERATES LIKE KILLERS. I can assure you killers sleep better than you and I.
  • hog city (29/05/2024, 10:41) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    We so saddened for Jamal


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