If you’re a business owner or an entrepreneur looking to expand your brand internationally, you may have heard of the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that makes it easier for businesses to register their trademarks in multiple countries. However, before you consider filing a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol, it’s essential to understand how much it will cost.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows businesses to register their trademarks in multiple countries with a single application. It simplifies the process of protecting your brand internationally by reducing the paperwork and costs associated with filing separate applications in each country.
How much does it cost to file a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol?
The cost of filing a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol varies depending on several factors, such as:
The number of countries you want to register your trademark
Under the Madrid Protocol, you can choose to register your trademark in one or more of the 123 member countries. The more countries you select, the higher your total fees will be.
The type of trademark application
There are two types of applications available under the Madrid Protocol: dependent and independent applications.
A dependent application is filed based on an existing national or regional trademark registration. In this case, the fees for filing under the Madrid Protocol are lower than those for an independent application.
An independent application is filed without an existing national or regional registration. The fees for this type of application are generally higher than those for a dependent application.
The size of your company
Under the Madrid Protocol, fees are calculated based on a fee schedule that takes into account several factors, including the size of your company. Small businesses may be eligible for reduced fees when registering their trademarks internationally.
The currency exchange rate
Fees for registering trademarks under the Madrid Protocol are charged in Swiss Francs (CHF). The amount you pay will depend on the exchange rate between your currency and CHF.
What are the fees involved in filing a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol?
The fees involved in filing a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol include:
Basic Fee
The basic fee is a fixed fee that covers the cost of processing your application. The amount of this fee depends on whether you’re filing a dependent or independent application and how many countries you want to register your trademark.
Additional Fee per Class
If you’re registering your trademark for multiple goods and services, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for each class of goods or services. The number of classes included in your application will affect the total cost of your application.
Individual Fees for Designated Countries
In addition to the basic fee and additional class fees, you’ll need to pay individual fees for each country where you want to register your trademark. These fees vary depending on the country, so it’s essential to check with each country’s trademark office for specific costs.
Renewal Fees
Once your trademark is registered, you’ll need to renew it periodically to keep it valid. Renewal fees under the Madrid Protocol also vary depending on several factors, such as the number of countries where your mark is registered and the type of application filed.
In conclusion, while there are several factors that can affect how much it will cost to file a trademark application under the Madrid Protocol, it’s crucial to consider all these factors before submitting an application. By doing so, you can ensure that you have budgeted appropriately for all associated costs and avoid any unexpected expenses down the line.