An overview of the Madrid Protocol

Your trademark grants you protection in the country you filed it in, but what if you want to do business or expand your market into other countries? There are ways to expand your trademark’s protections. Established in 1989, the Madrid Protocol was an international treaty which established an international trademark registration filing system. The system is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The system allows applicants to register in other member countries through a single application. Obtaining an international registration through this system affords the same benefits and protections as a national registration. First a request for extension of protection is filed in the home country. Once reviewed it is sent to WIPO for another review before being sent to the designated countries. If no issues are raised by this point, then it will be sent back to the home country and published for opposition. International protection can be invaluable protection if you are planning on expanding your business abroad.

This blog is not legal advice and is not specific to your application. You should always consult an attorney.