How Does Madrid Protocol Work?

By Robert Palmer

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that enables trademark owners to protect their trademarks worldwide by filing one application with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The system simplifies the process of filing and managing trademark applications in multiple countries, making it easier for businesses to expand their brand globally.

What is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that was first adopted in 1989 and came into force in 1996. The treaty allows trademark owners to file a single application, known as an international application, with the International Bureau of WIPO to obtain protection for their trademark in any of the participating countries.

How Does it Work?

To use the Madrid Protocol, a trademark owner must first file a basic application for registration of their trademark in their home country, known as the “home registration.” Once this is done, they can file an international application designating any number of member countries where they want protection for their trademark.

The international application must be filed through the national office of the home country or through WIPO directly. The applicant must specify which member countries they wish to designate in the application and pay a fee based on the number of countries selected.

Once filed, WIPO reviews the application and then forwards it to each designated member country’s intellectual property office for examination. Each office has 12-18 months to examine and approve or reject the application based on its own national laws and procedures.

If approved, a trademark registration will be granted in each designated country. The registration will be subject to renewal every 10 years, just like any other national trademark registration.

Advantages of Using Madrid Protocol

One significant advantage of using Madrid Protocol is that it simplifies and streamlines the process of obtaining protection for your trademark across multiple jurisdictions. Instead of having to file separate applications in each country where you want protection, you can file one international application. This saves time and money, as well as reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple trademark applications.

Another advantage is that it allows trademark owners to expand their brand globally more easily. By obtaining protection in multiple countries through one application, businesses can enter new markets and start operating under their trademark without having to go through the process of filing separate applications in each country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Madrid Protocol is an essential tool for businesses that want to protect their trademarks worldwide. By streamlining the process of obtaining trademark protection across multiple jurisdictions, it makes it easier for businesses to expand their brand globally and enter new markets. While the system does have some limitations and may not be suitable for all businesses, it remains a popular choice for many companies seeking international trademark protection.