Definition

The Madrid system is the international trademark registration mechanism administered by WIPO. Based on a home application or registration, it lets you seek protection in over 130 member countries through a single procedure and one centralised fee.

How it works

• Prerequisite: a basic application or registration (national or regional)
• File an international application through the home office
• Designate target countries among 130+ members
• Each national office examines according to its own rules
• Duration: 10 years, renewable indefinitely

Advantages

• Simpler and cheaper than country-by-country filings
• Centralised management of changes (assignment, address, renewal)
• Possibility to extend to new countries at any time

Limits to know

The international registration depends on the basic mark for 5 years: if the basic mark is cancelled, the international registration falls too (central attack). Sound IP management anticipates this risk and converts into national filings if needed.