How Does the Madrid Protocol Work?

By Robert Palmer

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that simplifies the process of trademark registration across multiple countries. It was adopted in Madrid, Spain in 1989 and currently has over 120 member countries. Under this protocol, trademark owners can file a single application with their home country’s intellectual property office to register their trademarks in multiple member countries.

How it Works

To register a trademark under the Madrid Protocol, the applicant must first file an application with their home country’s intellectual property office. This application is then forwarded to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The WIPO then reviews the application to ensure that it meets all formal requirements and forwards it to each member country where protection is being sought. Each member country then examines the application according to its own laws and regulations within a specified period of time.

If no objections are raised by any of the designated member countries within that time frame, the mark is granted protection in those countries. However, if an objection is raised by any designated country, they have the right to refuse protection for that mark.

Benefits of Using Madrid Protocol

One of the main benefits of using the Madrid Protocol is cost-effectiveness. Instead of filing separate applications for each individual country where protection is sought, a single application can be filed with a home country’s intellectual property office. This can result in significant savings on filing fees and legal expenses.

Another benefit is convenience. The Madrid Protocol allows trademark owners to manage their portfolios more efficiently since they only need to file one application and pay one set of fees instead of managing multiple applications across various jurisdictions.

Limitations

While there are many benefits associated with using the Madrid Protocol for registering trademarks across multiple countries, there are also some limitations to consider.

One limitation is that not all countries are members of this treaty. Therefore, if protection is sought in a non-member country, separate applications must be filed and local counsel must be hired to manage the registration process.

Another limitation is that the Madrid Protocol does not guarantee trademark protection in member countries. Each member country has the right to examine the application and raise objections or refuse protection for any reason.

Conclusion

The Madrid Protocol is an effective tool for trademark owners seeking to protect their trademarks across multiple countries. It offers many benefits such as cost-effectiveness, convenience, and efficiency. However, it is important to understand its limitations and carefully consider whether it is the best option for protecting trademarks in all desired jurisdictions.