Our August 1999 Newsletter (N.S. 191) reported on new patent and trademark laws in Tonga. We have been advised that after some delays they went into effect on February 1, 2000.

With respect to trademarks, applications filed and registrations obtained under the former act are invalid and must be refiled by

to be accorded their original priority dates. The term of registration will run from the filing date in Tonga and the "priority date" relates to priority over any ownership claim which may be made by third parties.