International Trademark Protection: A Comprehensive Guide

S afeguard your brand globally with strategic trademark registration systems.


International Trademark Protection: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's global marketplace, protecting your brand across borders is crucial. This guide explores the key mechanisms for international trademark protection and provides strategic insights for businesses expanding globally.

The Madrid System: International Trademark Registration

The Madrid System offers a streamlined approach to international trademark protection:

  • File a single application through WIPO
  • Protection in over 130 member countries
  • Base fee of 653 CHF plus country-specific fees
  • Centralized management of your trademark portfolio

Fee Structure

  • Basic fee (black and white mark): 653 CHF
  • Color mark supplement: 100 CHF
  • Per-class fees vary by country
  • Designation fees for each country

Regional Protection Systems

EU Trade Mark (EUTM)

Benefits of the EUTM system:

  • Single registration covering all EU member states
  • Use in one country maintains validity across EU
  • Centralized enforcement mechanism
  • Cost-effective for broad European protection

African Regional Systems

Protection through:

  • ARIPO (English-speaking African countries)
  • OAPI (French-speaking African countries)

Strategic Considerations

Nice Classification System

Proper classification is crucial:

  • 45 classes of goods and services
  • Consistent international categorization
  • Strategic class selection for coverage

Dependency Period

Key points about the five-year dependency:

  • International registration depends on home application
  • Central attack vulnerability
  • Transformation options if base mark fails

Professional Tips

  • Use WIPO's Global Brand Database for clearance searches
  • Plan filing strategy based on business expansion
  • Monitor deadlines and renewal dates
  • Consider local counsel in key markets
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