Madrid Protocol
The Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks -- the Madrid Protocol -- is one of two treaties comprising the Madrid System for international registration of trademarks. The protocol is a filing treaty and not a substantive harmonization treaty. It provides a cost-effective and efficient way for trademark holders -- individuals and businesses -- to ensure protection for their marks in multiple countries through the filing of one application with a single office, in one language, with one set of fees, in one currency. Moreover, no local agent is needed to file the application. While an International Registration may be issued, it remains the right of each country or contracting party designated for protection to determine whether or not protection for a mark may be granted. Once the trademark office in a designated country grants protection, the mark is protected in that country just as if that office had registered it. The Madrid Protocol also simplifies the subsequent management of the mark, since a simple, single procedural step serves to record subsequent changes in ownership or in the name or address of the holder with World Intellectual Property Organization's International Bureau. The International Bureau administers the Madrid System and coordinates the transmittal of requests for protection, renewals and other relevant documentation to all members.
Basics
- MADRID FAQ
- Madrid System for International Registration of Trademarks
- Section 66(a) Timeline: Application based on Madrid Protocol
- Post Registration Timeline for Madrid Protocol-Based Registrations
Procedures and Guides
- Electronic forms for submitting Madrid-Protocol related documents (NOTE: Madrid TTAB e-forms are available)
- FAQs After Filing an International Application
- Petition to Review Denial of Certification Information Sheet
- Registered Extension of Protection Maintenance Requirements (UPDATE: 17Mar2010)
- Sample Section 71 Declaration
- Tips for Holders of International Registrations Seeking Extension of Protection to the United States of America: Avoiding Provisional Refusals (a World Intellectual Property Organization Information Notice)
- Tips for Filers of Responses to Notices of Irregularity
- Tips for Paper Filers
- Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP), Chapter 1900 - Madrid Protocol
- WARNING: Communications Issued by 3rd Parties Unrelated to WIPO
Rules
- Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendments Interim Final Rule [PDF] (24Jun2010)
- Notice: Madrid Protocol Modes of Payment Change (Effective 01Jan2008)
- Correspondence with the Madrid Processing Unit of the United States Patent and Trademark Office [PDF] (16Apr2007)
- Madrid Protocol Fee Change (Effective 02May2005)
- Madrid Protocol Final Rule [PDF] (27Sep2003)
- Madrid Protocol Rules Changes [PDF] (24Sep2003)
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Rules of Practice for Trademark-Related Filings Under the Madrid Protocol Implementation Act [PDF] (28Mar2003)
- Comments on Rules of Practice for Trademark-Related Filings under the Madrid Protocol Implementation Act (30May2003)
Laws
- Madrid Protocol Implementation Act (Pub. L 107-273), 116 Stat. 1758, 1913-1921[PDF]
- Trademark Technical and Conforming Amendment Act of 2010