The Intellectual Property Department has stopped allowing people to inspect documents filed by companies challenging trademark applications online.
A notice has been posted on its trademark search system saying that people who want to read the documents need to file a request by e-mail.
The director of intellectual property, Stephen Selby, said: 'It provides a means for the public to exercise their right to access the information. However, we hope to find a way that is less cumbersome.'
The latest development came after the Sunday Morning Post revealed last week that sensitive business information and personal data related to trademark proceedings had been uploaded onto the department's website.
The leaked information included details of company turnover, profit margins, invoices and business registration licences, as well as copies of employees' passports. Mr Selby apologised on Monday, saying not enough had been done 'to avoid unsolicited personal or business information submitted by the public being published on the internet without their full knowledge'.
All internet access to such information was then blocked, and now the documents are not allowed to be inspected online.