The International route

You can apply to register your trade mark in countries which have signed-up to an agreement, known as 'The Madrid Protocol’.

The Madrid Protocol is controlled by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), which is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Some of the countries who are party to the Madrid Protocol are also members of the European Union.

A full list of member countries that an International application can cover is found at WIPOs web site.

An International application made through the UK office must be based on a UK trade mark application or registration. You can apply for the International mark at the same time as you make your UK application, or later if you wish.

International Applications (under the Madrid Protocol)

You must have an application or a registration in the UK on which to base your application. The mark must be identical and the goods or services in your international application must be covered by your UK mark. The applicants details must also be the same.

A single International application can also be based on more than one UK application or registration.

Costs

The cost to apply depends on which or how many countries you want your trade mark to be protected in.

Before you apply

Valuble information you should be aware of before you apply.

How to apply

You can get the application form from WIPO but must send it to us if you are basing your international application on a UK trade mark.

After you apply

Find out how to manage your international trade mark after the mark has been registered.

If your mark is attacked

An International application may be attacked in two ways, find out how and what you should do if it is.