How Many Countries Can Be Designated for an International Registration IR Under Madrid Protocol?

By Michael Ferguson

If you are a business owner looking to expand your brand in multiple countries, the Madrid Protocol could be the solution for you. The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to apply for protection in multiple countries with a single application.

But how many countries can be designated for an International Registration (IR) under the Madrid Protocol? Let’s take a closer look.

What is an International Registration (IR)?

An International Registration (IR) is a trademark application filed under the Madrid Protocol. It allows trademark owners to protect their mark in multiple countries by filing a single application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

How Many Countries Can Be Designated?

Under the Madrid Protocol, trademark owners can designate any of the 124 member countries for protection. This means that if you file an IR, your trademark will be protected in all of the member countries that you have designated.

What if My Target Country Isn’t a Member of the Madrid Protocol?

If your Target country is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, you will need to file separate applications in each country where you want protection. However, if your business expands into more countries in the future, it may be worthwhile to consider filing an IR anyway to streamline the process.

What Are the Benefits of Filing an IR?

Filing an IR has several benefits:

  • Saves time and money: Filing separate applications in each country can be time-consuming and expensive. Filing an IR streamlines this process by allowing you to file one application and pay one set of fees.
  • Easier management: Managing trademarks in multiple countries can be complex. Filing an IR makes it easier to manage your trademarks because it consolidates everything into one registration.
  • Faster registration: Because an IR is filed with WIPO, the registration process can be faster than filing separate applications in each country.

Conclusion

Under the Madrid Protocol, trademark owners can designate any of the 124 member countries for protection. Filing an IR has several benefits, including saving time and money, easier management, and faster registration.

If your Target country is not a member of the Madrid Protocol, you will need to file separate applications in each country where you want protection. As always, it’s important to consult with a trademark attorney before filing any applications to ensure that your trademarks are fully protected.