Definition

Territorial scope is the geographic reach of an IP right. Protection is inherently limited to the territories where a title has been filed and registered: a French trademark does not automatically protect its owner in Germany, the United States or China.

Levels of protection

• National: direct filing with a national office (INPI in France, USPTO in the US)
• Regional: European Union trademark through EUIPO, covering 27 member states in one procedure
• International: registration through WIPO under the Madrid system, reaching over 130 countries

How to define the right scope

• Current and future markets
• Territories at risk of counterfeiting or cybersquatting
• The cost of filings and renewals multiplied across jurisdictions
• Local requirements (proof of use, translations, local agents)

Good IP management lets you tune territorial scope over time, in line with commercial expansion.