If you’re a business owner looking to protect your trademark internationally, then you may have heard of the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple countries with just one application.
However, not all countries are part of this agreement. In this article, we’ll take a look at which countries are in the Madrid Protocol and what this means for your trademark protection strategy.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is a treaty that was first signed in 1989 to simplify the process of protecting trademarks globally. It allows trademark owners to file a single international application through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that designates the countries they want their mark protected in. This can save time and money compared to filing separate applications in each country.
Which Countries are in the Madrid Protocol?
As of August 2021, there are 107 countries that are members of the Madrid Protocol. This includes major economies like the United States, Japan, China, and the European Union. Some smaller nations have also joined, such as Bhutan and San Marino.
Here is a list of all 107 countries currently in the Madrid Protocol:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil - Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba - Cyprus
- Czech Republic
Denmark Dominican Republic
Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia European Union (EU) Note: The EU is a member of the Madrid Protocol as a regional organization, which means that trademark owners can use the protocol to protect their marks in all 27 member states with one application.
Fiji
Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana As you can see, there are many countries in the Madrid Protocol, covering a significant portion of the world’s economy. However, it’s important to note that some countries have certain restrictions or requirements for using the protocol. For example, China requires applicants to use a local trademark agent and has specific rules for translations and classifications.
It’s also worth noting that not all countries that are members of the Madrid Protocol may be suitable for your trademark protection strategy. You should consider factors such as your Target market, business goals, and the strength of your mark in each country before choosing where to seek protection.
Conclusion
The Madrid Protocol is a powerful tool for protecting your trademark internationally. With 107 countries currently in the agreement, it offers a streamlined and cost-effective way to seek protection in multiple jurisdictions. However, it’s important to carefully consider which countries are right for your business and to work with an experienced trademark attorney to navigate the process.