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What the Madrid System is
The Madrid System is run by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It lets the owner of a mark that is already filed or registered in a member country apply once, in one language, and name the other member countries where protection is wanted. Each named country then examines the mark under its own law.
Compared with filing country by country, it can mean less paperwork and one place to manage renewals. It is not a single worldwide trademark, and not every country is a member.
What is included
- Checking that your home-country mark can serve as the base for an international application
- Advice on whether Madrid or direct filing suits each country on your list
- Preparing and filing the international application
- Following refusals or questions from the countries you named, and reporting them to you
- Adding countries later, and managing renewal of the international registration
How it works
- Review your base markThe international application depends on an existing filing or registration in your home office.
- Choose countriesWe go through your markets and decide where Madrid helps and where direct filing is the better route.
- FileWe prepare the application and file it through your home office.
- Each country examinesEvery named country decides for itself, on its own timetable.
- Protection where acceptedYou receive the result country by country.
For the first five years, an international registration stays tied to the base mark. If the base mark falls away, the protection abroad can fall with it. This is one of the reasons we look at the route before recommending it.
Common questions
Is the Madrid System a worldwide trademark?
No. It lets you apply once and name the member countries where you want protection. Each country examines the mark under its own law and can refuse it, and not every country is a member.
What do I need before I can use Madrid?
A base mark: a trademark application or registration at the office of your home country, which has to be a member. The international application is filed through that office.
What is the five-year dependency?
For the first five years, an international registration stays tied to the base mark. If the base mark falls away, the protection abroad can fall with it. This is one reason we look at the route before we recommend it.
Can I add countries later?
Yes. Countries can be added to an international registration later, and renewal of the international registration is managed in one place.
Is Madrid always the best choice?
No. For some countries direct filing is the better route. We go through your list and tell you where Madrid helps. See regional systems.