GLOBAL TRADEMARK FILING
INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK PROTECTION UNDER THE MADRID PROTOCOL
Protect your brand across multiple countries through one streamlined international trademark application.
Why Businesses Choose the Madrid Protocol
One international application. Protection across multiple member countries.
It streamlines administration, simplifies portfolio management and supports efficient international expansion.
Our Madrid Protocol Filing Process
Every Madrid Protocol application is carefully planned and managed to ensure efficient international protection while supporting your long-term brand strategy.
Expand Your Brand with One International Filing
Expand your international presence through a single streamlined trademark filing that simplifies protection across multiple member countries while supporting long-term business growth.
One Application, Multiple Countries
Submit a single international application to seek trademark protection across multiple designated member countries.
Centralised Portfolio Management
Manage renewals, assignments and ownership changes through one international registration system.
Cost-Effective Expansion
Reduce administrative effort and many of the duplicate costs associated with separate national filings.
Flexible Geographic Coverage
Designate member countries that support your commercial strategy and expand protection as your business grows.
Built for Long-Term Growth
Develop an international trademark portfolio that evolves alongside your global business.
International expansion requires more than trademark registration; it requires a filing strategy that supports your commercial objectives today while providing flexibility for future growth.
How the Madrid Protocol Works
From a single international application to trademark protection across multiple designated member countries, the Madrid Protocol follows a structured process designed to simplify international trademark filings while allowing each designated jurisdiction to examine the application under its own national laws.
the Madrid Protocol the Right Filing Strategy for Every Business?
- Madrid Protocol System
- Multiple member countries
- Centralised management
- Cost-efficient expansion
- Future international growth
- Simplified portfolio
- Direct National Applications
- Non-member countries
- One or two jurisdictions
- Country-specific strategies
- Greater local flexibility
- Tailored filing programmes
The most effective international filing strategy depends on your commercial objectives, target markets and long-term expansion plans. We help determine the most appropriate approach for your business.
Understanding the Five-Year Dependency Period
Our Madrid Protocol Services
From international filing strategy to ongoing portfolio management, we provide comprehensive support throughout every stage of the Madrid Protocol process, helping businesses protect and manage their trademarks across multiple jurisdictions.
Eligibility Assessment
We determine whether your business and trademark qualify for international filing through the Madrid Protocol and advise on the most suitable filing strategy.
International Filing Strategy
We identify the jurisdictions that align with your commercial objectives and develop a coordinated international trademark filing plan.
Application Preparation & Filing
We prepare and submit your international application, ensuring compliance with WIPO requirements and your Office of Origin.
Office Actions & Prosecution
Where objections arise in designated jurisdictions, we coordinate with trusted local associates to manage responses and progress your application.
Subsequent Designations
As your business expands, we assist with extending protection to additional Madrid Protocol member countries through subsequent designations.
Portfolio Management
We provide ongoing support with renewals, ownership changes, assignments, recordals and the long-term management of your international trademark portfolio.
Who Should Consider the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol supports businesses that are expanding beyond their domestic markets. It is particularly valuable where brand protection forms an important part of commercial growth, international distribution or long-term market strategy.
Luxury & Fashion Brands
Protect valuable brand identities as collections are introduced into new international markets, boutiques and authorised retail networks.
Fragrance & Cosmetics
Secure trademark protection before entering new territories, working with distributors or expanding through global e-commerce platforms.
Manufacturers & Exporters
Protect brands in key export destinations to support international trade, reduce legal risk and strengthen commercial presence.
Technology Companies
Safeguard product names, software brands and digital platforms as your business expands across multiple international markets.
Retail & Consumer Brands
Build a consistent international brand by protecting trademarks across the jurisdictions where products are marketed and sold.
Franchises & Hospitality
Support international franchise and hospitality expansion through coordinated trademark protection across multiple member countries.
Whether you’re launching products internationally or building a long-term global brand, the Madrid Protocol offers a coordinated approach to protecting trademarks across multiple member countries.
When the Madrid Protocol Delivers the Greatest Value
The Madrid Protocol is particularly beneficial when businesses began expanding beyond their domestic market and require a coordinated approach in International Trademark Protection.
Why Businesses Trust IPWise for Madrid Protocol Filings
- Strategic Filing
- International Coordination
- Portfolio Management
- Commercial Guidance
- Long-Term Portfolio Support
Frequently Asked, Clearly Answered
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is an international trademark filing system administered by WIPO that enables businesses to seek trademark protection in multiple member countries through a single international application. Each designated country independently examines the application under its own trademark laws.
Who can file an international trademark application under the Madrid Protocol?
Businesses and individuals with a qualifying connection to a Madrid Protocol member country—such as nationality, domicile or a commercial establishment—and who have a basic trademark application or registration may be eligible to file an international application.
Does the Madrid Protocol provide worldwide trademark protection?
No. The Madrid Protocol does not create worldwide trademark rights. Protection is available only in the member countries you designate, and each country decides whether to grant protection under its national legislation.
Is the Madrid Protocol better than filing separate national trademark applications?
It depends on your expansion strategy. The Madrid Protocol is often the most efficient option for protecting trademarks across multiple member countries, while direct national filings may be more appropriate in certain jurisdictions or commercial circumstances.
What is the five-year dependency period?
For the first five years, an international registration remains linked to the underlying basic application or registration. Once this period has passed, the international registration becomes independent.
Can additional countries be added after an international registration is filed?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol allows businesses to extend protection to additional member countries through subsequent designations as international expansion continues.
How long does an international trademark registration remain valid?
An international registration is generally valid for ten years and may be renewed for further ten-year periods, provided the applicable renewal requirements are met.
Can objections still be issued by individual countries?
Yes. Although the application is filed centrally through WIPO, each designated trademark office independently examines the application and may issue objections or refuse protection under its own national laws.
How long does the Madrid Protocol application process take?
The timeframe varies depending on the designated countries and whether objections are raised during examination. Some jurisdictions complete examination within several months, while others may take longer.
How can IPWise assist with Madrid Protocol filings?
Protect Your Brand Beyond Borders
International trademark protection begins with the right strategy. Whether you are entering new markets or building a long-term global brand, we help you develop an international filing programme aligned with your commercial objectives.