Who May Use the Madrid Protocol?

By Robert Palmer

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that offers a streamlined process for trademark registration in multiple countries. This treaty provides a simpler and more cost-effective way to protect your brand globally. But, who exactly can use the Madrid Protocol?

Individuals and Companies

Any individual or company that is based in one of the countries that are members of the Madrid Protocol can use it to register their trademark in other member countries.

Members Countries

Today, there are 106 member countries of the Madrid Protocol, including:

  • The United States of America
  • The United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Russia

Existing Trademarks Holders

If you already have a trademark registered in your home country, you can also use the Madrid Protocol to extend your protection to other member countries.

Important Considerations for Existing Trademark Holders:

  • If your home country is not part of the Madrid Protocol, you cannot use this system.
  • Your existing trademark must be considered “basic” for registration under the Madrid System. That means it must be registered or applied for in your home country before filing an application under the Madrid System.
  • You cannot extend protection to any country that is not a member of the system.

New Trademark Applicants

If you’re looking to file a new trademark application, you can also take advantage of the benefits offered by the Madrid Protocol.

Benefits of using the Madrid Protocol for New Applicants:

  • You can file one application and pay one set of fees to seek protection in multiple countries.
  • The process is streamlined, making it easier and quicker to obtain trademark protection in other countries.
  • You can modify your application at any time during the registration process to add or remove countries where you want protection.

In Conclusion

The Madrid Protocol is a useful tool for anyone looking to protect their brand across multiple countries. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large corporation, the system provides a simpler and more cost-effective way to register your trademark internationally.