Tuesday, 12 May 2015

INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK REGISTRATION

MADRID SYSTEM FOR THE INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION OF MARKS (THE MADRID SYSTEM):
The Madrid System functions under the Madrid Agreement (1891) and the Madrid Protocol (1989). It is administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) located in Geneva, Switzerland. The system enables the registration of trademarks in multiple jurisdictions worldwide that are part of Madrid Union’s 91 member countries by filing a single application in the Applicant’s national trademark office, or regional trademark office.
What is Madrid Protocol
The Madrid Protocol is an international trademark filing system that provides a cost-effective and efficient way for individuals and entities to secure protection for their marks in multiple countries by filing one application with the Indian Trademark office. At present, there are a total of ninety one Contracting parties that are members of the Protocol. The list of members of the Madrid Protocol may be accessed here.
Process of International Registration Under Madrid Protocol
An international application may be made under Madrid Protocol by any person or entity that has an active trademark application or a valid trademark registration in India. Upon making an international application, the trademark is entered into the International register of trademarks pursuant to which subsequent filings are facilitated in any of the member countries. While the international application is dependant on the validity of the trademark in India for the first five years, the mark is entered into the International Register within 3-10 months of such application. Simultaneously, upon application the mark is processed for filing in the member countries specified in the application which can be made at the time of filing the International Application or at a later stage. Once processed for filing in the member countries, the application proceeds for registration based on conditions prevalent in each member country within 18 months.

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