What is the Madrid Protocol? International trademark registration explained
The Madrid system turns many national trademark filings into one application, with each country still deciding for itself.
Definition
Madrid ProtocolThe Madrid Protocol is the treaty behind the Madrid System for the international registration of marks, administered by WIPO. It lets a trademark owner file one international application, in one language and with one set of fees, designating multiple member countries. The application must be based on a mark already filed or registered at the applicant’s home office, and each designated office decides on protection under its own law.
How the Madrid system works for a product brand
You first need a basic application or registration in your home office, for example at EUIPO for an EU company. Through that office you file an international application in English, French or Spanish, list the goods and services by Nice class and choose the member countries. WIPO checks the formalities and sends the designations to each office, which has 12 or, in some cases, 18 months to refuse.
Fees are paid in Swiss francs: a basic fee, which was 653 francs for a black-and-white mark and 903 francs for a colour mark when this page was checked, plus a fee for each designated country, many of which charge their own individual fee per class. The system covers more than 130 countries; Saudi Arabia joined in October 2026. Some markets, such as Argentina and Kuwait, were not on WIPO’s member list when checked.
The main risk is dependency. For five years, the international registration depends on the basic mark. If the basic mark is refused, cancelled or narrowed in that period, the international registration falls with it to the same extent. Some countries add their own duties, such as Mexico’s declaration of use after three years. Madrid is efficient for several countries at once, but it is not one worldwide trademark.
This is general information and registration is never guaranteed; filing strategy goes through a licensed attorney. The guide international trademark via Madrid goes into detail, and trademarks by country shows national routes.
Related terms
Nice classification
The international system of 45 classes of goods and services used in trademark filings.
Brand architecture
How a company organises its master brand, sub-brands and product lines.
Go-to-market strategy
The plan for who you sell to first, through which channels, at what price and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Madrid registration a worldwide trademark?
No. It is a bundle of national or regional rights in the member countries you designate. Each office examines the mark under its own law, and countries outside the system need direct national filings.
What happens if my home trademark is refused?
During the first five years, the international registration depends on the basic mark. If the basic mark is refused or cancelled in that time, the international registration is cancelled to the same extent.
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