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 FAQs
- 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
- Tips for Avoiding Denial of Certification of International Application (March 2016)
- Madrid Highlights Special Edition: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- 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 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
Seminars
- Madrid Protocol Seminar (October 23, 2013)
WIPO Notices
- WIPO Announces New Special Services for Users of Madrid System (30Jul2013)
- WARNING: Communications Issued by 3rd Parties Unrelated to WIPO
Special Notices
TEASi International Application Priority Deadline
If you have a priority filing deadline of today and cannot file electronically, please fill out the MM2 form from the WIPO website at http://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/forms/ and then file a "Petition to the Director under Trademark Rule 2.146" (http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/petition_forms.jsp) using the basic application serial or registration number. Attach the MM2 form in the "File Upload" section. Request that the $100 petition fee be applied to the U.S. certification fee(s). Indicate whether you would like to be contacted to provide the international application fees, that you authorize payment to USPTO deposit account or that you will pay WIPO directly. You will be notified of any certification fee deficiency. Once the petition is filed, contact the Petitions Office at 571-272-8950 and let them know that an International Application was filed by petition. Provide the basic application serial or registration number used for filing the petition and request that processing be expedited. If you are unable to use the petition form, please send the required petition and paper MM2 form by email to TEAS@uspto.gov with appropriate certification fees payable by deposit account or by submitting a credit card payment form.