Madrid Trademark Registration

The Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks is an efficient and cost-effective way for businesses to protect their trademarks in multiple countries around the world. Here's a breakdown of your questions about the system:

1. What Is The Madrid Trademark Registration?

The Madrid System is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that allows trademark holders to apply for protection in several countries by filing a single application. Instead of filing separate trademark applications in each country, you file one application through your home country's intellectual property office (the office of origin), and WIPO handles the registration process in each designated country.

2. Which Countries Are Included?

The Madrid System covers a vast number of countries and territories, including over 100 nations. Some of the key countries include:

All European Union countries (as a collective via the EUIPO)

United States

Canada

China

India

Australia

Japan

Brazil

Mexico

Switzerland (the system's headquarters)

Russia

South Korea

For a complete list, you can check the official WIPO site or consult a trademark attorney to ensure the countries you're interested in are covered.

3. What Materials Are Required To Register A Madrid Trademark?

To file a trademark under the Madrid System, you'll need:

A basic trademark application or registration from your home country (your "home" or "origin" country must be a member of the Madrid Protocol for you to use the Madrid System).

Details about your trademark, including the name, logo, and any other elements of the mark you're registering.

List of goods or services you wish to protect (must match the Nice Classification).

List of countries where you wish to extend the protection. These countries must be members of the Madrid Protocol.

Power of attorney (if required by your national office, though many jurisdictions do not require this).

Note: The application is typically submitted through your national intellectual property office, which will forward it to WIPO.

4. How Long Does It Take To Get The Certificate?

The process can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Here's a rough timeline:

Initial filing through your national office.

WIPO examination for formalities (this generally takes about 3 to 4 months).

Once accepted, your application is forwarded to the designated countries for examination.

Provisional protection is granted for the first 12 to 18 months while waiting for local decisions.

5. What Is The Approximate Cost?

The costs depend on a variety of factors, including the number of countries you are applying to and the number of classes of goods and services you are registering.

Basic fee to WIPO: around CHF 653 (for one class of goods/services).

Additional fees for each additional class of goods/services: around CHF 100.

Fees for each country: Some countries require additional fees, which can vary widely.

So, if you're registering in multiple countries or multiple classes of goods/services, the fees can add up quickly. On average, it can range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000+ for a relatively simple international trademark application, not including legal fees.

Summary Of Key Points:

The Madrid System allows you to register your trademark in multiple countries through a single application.

Over 100 countries participate in the system.

You need a basic trademark registration in your home country to use the Madrid system.

The application process takes about 12 to 18 months.

Costs can vary, but expect a basic fee around CHF 1,000+ depending on the number of countries and classes.