Is USA Part of Madrid Protocol?

By Alice Nichols

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that facilitates the registration of trademarks in multiple countries. It streamlines the process of obtaining protection for a trademark by allowing applicants to file a single application with their national trademark office, which can then be used to seek protection in any of the 124 member countries. One question that often comes up is whether the United States is part of the Madrid Protocol.

What is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol, also known as the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, was first adopted in 1891 and has been updated several times since then. It allows trademark owners to apply for protection in multiple countries through a single application filed with their home trademark office.

Which Countries are Part of the Madrid Protocol?

As of August 2021, there are 124 member countries that have joined the Madrid Protocol. Some notable members include China, Japan, Australia, Canada, and many European nations such as Germany, France and Spain.

Is USA Part of Madrid Protocol?

Yes! The United States joined the Madrid Protocol on November 2, 2003.

Since then, it has become one of the most active members of this international treaty. American companies and individuals can now use this system to protect their trademarks abroad or foreign entities can use this system to protect their trademarks in America.

Benefits for US Trademark Owners

Joining this agreement has made it easier for US businesses and individuals to protect their trademarks internationally. Before joining this agreement, US businesses had to file separate applications in each country they wanted protection in which was time-consuming and expensive.

With joining this international treaty US businesses and individuals can:

  • File one application with one set of fees
  • Monitor all applications through a single platform
  • Certify and renew their registrations in multiple countries
  • Streamline the process of trademark protection abroad

Conclusion

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to apply for protection in multiple countries through a single application filed with their home trademark office. The United States joined the Madrid Protocol in 2003, making it easier for US companies and individuals to protect their trademarks internationally. With this system, they can file one application, monitor all applications through a single platform, and streamline the process of trademark protection abroad.