Introduction
With the growing expansion of businesses across borders, registering a trademark locally is no longer sufficient to protect brand identity. As trademarks enter new markets, the risk of infringement outside the home country increases. Therefore, international trademark protection is essential to ensure the sustainability and strength of a brand globally.
What Are the Methods for International Trademark Protection?
There are two main methods for protecting a trademark internationally:
- National Registration in Each Country
Trademark owners can file separate applications with each national IP office in the countries of interest. While straightforward, this method is often costly and requires local legal follow-up in each country. - International Registration via the Madrid System
The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, administered by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), allows filing a single application to seek protection in multiple member countries. This saves time, cost, and administrative effort.
What is the Madrid System?
The Madrid System is an international treaty that enables the owner of a trademark registered in a member country (known as the “home country”) to seek protection in other member countries through a single application, in one language.
Benefits of the Madrid System:
- File one application in one language (usually English or French)
- Pay one set of fees in a common currency
- Manage renewals and changes centrally
- Easily expand protection to more countries later
When is International Protection Recommended?
- When planning to export products or provide services abroad
- If working with partners or distributors overseas
- To prevent brand infringement in global online and e-commerce markets
- When facing international competition
How Can A&A Intellectual Property Help?
A&A Intellectual Property offers comprehensive services to protect your trademark internationally, including:
- Assessing target markets and selecting appropriate countries
- Filing applications in each country or through the Madrid System
- Handling oppositions or office actions in selected countries
- Renewing and managing the trademark portfolio across jurisdictions
