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How can I register an international trade mark?

While there is no such thing as a ‘worldwide trade mark’, there are three ways to apply for trade mark registration in countries concerning your business:

1. The Madrid Protocol provides a simple and less expensive method of international trade mark registration by allowing you to apply in multiple countries using a single application. It also allows for renewals in multiple countries in a single step. There are presently 71 member states to the Madrid Protocol, including the USA and China. Used in the right way, you can benefit from a consolidation of administrative and legal costs.
   
   
2. The European Community Trade Mark System is another means of seeking registration in multiple European countries initiated by a single application and single registration procedure. A ‘community trade mark’, once granted, gives you a legally enforceable right to your mark over each member country.
   
   
3. This is a much quicker and cheaper procedure than filing a single application in each European country of interest. Trade mark applications can be filed directly in each country of interest. To do this, a local associate must be appointed to handle each application in each country. Unlike options 1 and 2, a separate administrative cost is applied for each country of registration.

The Paris Convention operates in each option, which maintains the priority date of your first application as long as the international application is made within six months.

How can Actuate IP assist?

Actuate IP can advise which of the international trade marking options will best suit your requirements, and can draw on its international network to guide you through the process, safeguarding your commercial interests around the world. Our international associates are like-minded, taking the same approach to cost efficiency and integrity.

Contact Actuate IP to learn more.