Applying for trade mark protection abroad

If you want to use your trade mark in countries other than the United Kingdom, you can:

• apply direct to the Trade Mark Office in each country

or, using a single application:

• apply for an International Trade Mark (for certain countries throughout the world ).
• apply for a Community Trade Mark . (for protection in Europe ) or

Both these single application systems cover many countries including the United Kingdom and offer a number of other potential benefits, including:

• less to pay;
• less paperwork;
• lower agents' costs;
• faster results;
• easy application

The International route

You can apply to register your trade mark in countries which are party to the Madrid Protocol through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Some of the countries party to the Madrid Protocol are also members of the European Union (EU).

The European route

You can apply for a European Community Trade Mark with the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs)(OHIM). The Community Trade Mark gives protection in all European Union (EU) countries.

Re-registration of UK marks in other countries

We have links that will direct you to our most up-to-date lists of the countries in which Trade Marks protection may be extended.