What is the Treaty of Madrid?

While there seems to be various dates as to when the "Treaty of Madrid" was founded, the Madrid Protocol - the International Registration of Marks - was established in 1989. This international treaty allows for a single international trademark application to be registered within all of the countries that have joined the Madrid Protocol. As of April 15, 2006 there are 78 joined countries

The International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization, (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland administers the international registration system.

Madrid Treaty Trademark Application

Once you have a Madrid Treaty trademark, you can apply for a trademark in any of the 78 signatory countries by making one application, paying the filing fee and also paying the usual trademark filing fees for each country in which you wish to obtain a trademark. (There is a fee calculator on the US trademark office website which can be found on our links page. Follow the Madrid Treaty links on the US trademark office website. )

You do not automatically get the trademark in each of the countries, but you do enjoy a special set of rules for resolving conflicts with existing trademarks. Consequently, if you intend to sell your products internationally, you minimize your risks of infringement by applying as soon as possible.

For a free consultation about US trademarks call Donald Moir at (604) 272-6940. Donald is a registered Canadian trade-mark agent and is recognized for practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office.

We can help you obtain International trademarks. Contact us today!