Hallmarking Act, 1981

Sponsor's Mark.

9.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, where a sponsor proposes to submit an article of precious metal to the Assay Master to be struck with an approved hallmark, the sponsor shall cause the article to be struck with a distinctive mark of the sponsor (to be known and referred to in this Act as a “sponsor's mark”), of such design as may be approved by the Assay Master.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the Assay Master and a sponsor may make arrangements for the sponsor's mark to be struck by the Assay Master as soon as practicable after the submission to him of the article for the striking of an approved hallmark.

(3) The Company shall keep a register of sponsors' marks struck on articles submitted to the Assay Master for striking with an approved hallmark or struck by the Assay Master under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) Registration of a sponsor's mark shall be valid for a period of ten years from the date of registration and such registration may, on application to the Company, be renewed every ten years.

(5) The Company may, with the consent of the Minister, charge such fee for registration or renewal of registration, and for entering an impression of a sponsor's dies, marks or punches, as shall be specified in such consent, and shall make such impressions of marks or punches on plates or sheets of pewter or copper.

(6) Any register of sponsors' marks kept by the Company and in existence at the commencement of this Act shall cease to be kept not later than six months after such commencement.