How Long Does Madrid Protocol Take?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning to register your trademark internationally, you may have come across the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to protect their trademarks in multiple countries by filing a single application. It was established in 1989 and has since been adopted by over 120 countries.

One question that many people have when considering the Madrid Protocol is how long it takes for the process to be completed. The answer to this question can vary depending on a number of factors, but this article will outline some general information about the time frame for registering a trademark through the Madrid Protocol.

The Application Process

The first step in registering your trademark through the Madrid Protocol is to file an application with your country’s trademark office. This application will include information about your trademark, such as its name, logo, and description of goods or services it represents.

Once your country’s trademark office receives your application, they will review it for completeness and accuracy. If there are any issues with your application, such as missing information or errors, they will contact you to make corrections.

Assuming there are no issues with your application, it will then be sent to the International Bureau (IB) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The IB will review your application and ensure that it complies with all of the requirements of the Madrid Protocol.

If everything is in order, the IB will then forward your application to each of the countries where you want to register your trademark.

Time Frame

The time frame for registering a trademark through the Madrid Protocol can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include:

– The number of countries where you want to register your trademark
– Whether any objections or refusals are raised by any of those countries
– How quickly those countries process applications

In general, however, most applications take between six months and two years to complete. The exact time frame will depend on the specifics of your application.

Renewals

Once your trademark is registered through the Madrid Protocol, it will be valid for 10 years. After that time, you will need to renew your registration if you want to continue using your trademark in those countries.

Renewals can also take some time, though generally not as long as the initial registration process. Renewals must be filed at least six months before the expiration of your trademark registration.

Conclusion

In summary, registering a trademark through the Madrid Protocol can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on various factors. It’s important to keep in mind that this is just a general estimate and that the exact time frame for your application may differ.

However, by understanding the process and potential time frames involved, you can better plan for registering your trademark internationally through the Madrid Protocol.