A Complete Guide On Madrid System for Trademark Registration

In today’s global marketplace, protecting your brand internationally is not just smart — it’s essential. The Madrid System for trademark registration enables Indian businesses and entrepreneurs to obtain trademark protection in multiple countries through a single application process which they can use to register their trademarks under the Madrid Protocol.

What Is the Madrid System for Trademarks?

The Madrid System which operates under the Madrid Protocol serves as an international trademark system which the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) manages from its headquarters in Geneva Switzerland. The system enables trademark holders to submit their international trademark application through one application which provides protection across all Madrid Union member nations. 

Why Use the Madrid System for Trademark Registration?

Here are the core benefits of madrid system for trademark registration:

• Single Application: One application covers multiple countries.
• Centralized Management: You can renew, expand, or modify your trademark at WIPO.
• Cost-Effective & Efficient: Managing one registration is easier and cheaper than many national filings.
• Digital Administration: WIPO’s online systems support tracking and fee payments.

How To Apply For Madrid Protocol Trademark India | Step by Step Process

Here’s a simplified overview of the Madrid System for trademark registration:

1. Have a Basic National Trademark

Before filing an international application, you must have a basic application or basic registration in India under the Trademark Act.

2. Conduct a Madrid Protocol Trademark Search

Do a search in WIPO’s Global Brand Database and Indian trademark records to ensure your mark is available internationally.

3. File the International Application

• Prepare the international application (WIPO Form MM2).
• Submit it to the Indian Trademark Registry.
• The Office of Origin certifies it and sends it to WIPO.

4. WIPO Formal Examination

WIPO checks if the application meets formal requirements (details, fees, designations).

5. National Examination

Each designated country examines the mark under its own trademark laws. This may take up to 18 months.

6. Registration and Protection

If there are no refusals, you get international protection in the selected countries.

Madrid Protocol Trademark Cost & Fees

The Madrid system for trademark registration allows businesses to register a trademark internationally through a single application, but the total cost depends on several factors.

Basic Fee (WIPO):

• 653 CHF – Black & white mark
• 903 CHF – Color mark

Country Designation Fee

• ~100 CHF per country (standard fee)
• Higher if the country charges an individual fee (e.g., US, EU)

Additional Class Fee

• 100 CHF per class beyond three classes

Note: The final cost varies based on the number of countries and trademark classes selected.

How Udyamita Helpline Can Help With Madrid System Trademark Registration?

Filing a trademark under the Madrid System requires accuracy and strategic planning. Udyamita Helpline helps startups and businesses with international trademark searches, Madrid Protocol filing, country selection, and WIPO compliance.

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Is India Part of the Madrid Protocol?

Yes, India joined the Madrid Protocol on July 8, 2013, allowing Indian applicants to register international trademarks through this system.

This means an Indian business can file an international application from the Office of Origin (e.g., Indian Trademark Registry) and extend trademark protection to member countries worldwide

List Of Madrid Protocol Member Countries

The member countries are divided into four groups which include Asia, Europe, Americas, and Africa. The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Türkiye make up the European member states. The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile make up the Americas region. The African countries of Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, and Ghana are included in this group. Australia and New Zealand make up the Oceania region. The European Union Intellectual Property Office operates in all EU member states. The African Intellectual Property Organization serves 17 African countries.

Conclusion

The Madrid System for trademark registration provides Indian startups and SMEs with a cost-effective international trademark protection system. The WIPO system enables businesses to manage their intellectual property protection across different countries while they concentrate on business expansion because it combines all aspects of filing and fee payments and case management into one central system. 

Are you planning to go global with your brand? The Madrid System might be the solution you need. Start your international trademark protection journey today by conducting a comprehensive trademark search.

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