International Trademark Filings through the Madrid Protocol
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows businesses to file a single trademark application in their home country and extend it to other member countries. Canadian businesses can benefit from filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application, but it also comes with costs and disadvantages. In this article, we'll examine the costs and benefits and disadvantages of filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application for Canadian businesses.
Benefits of filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application
1. Cost-effective
Filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application can be cost-effective for businesses that want to protect their trademark in multiple countries. Instead of filing separate applications in each country, businesses can file a single application and pay a single set of fees. This bypasses the need to engage local counsel for each country, which in most cases will add to the filing expense.
2. Streamlined process
Filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application can streamline the application process for businesses. The application is filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which then forwards the application to the trademark offices of the countries where protection is sought. This can save businesses time and effort in navigating different application requirements in multiple countries.
3. Protection in multiple countries
A Madrid Protocol trademark application can provide protection for a business's trademark in multiple countries. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that have an international presence or plan to expand their operations to other countries.
4. Flexibility
A Madrid Protocol trademark application provides businesses with flexibility in choosing the countries where they want to seek protection for their trademark. Businesses can choose to protect their trademark in all member countries or only in selected countries.
Disadvantages of filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application
1. Higher filing fees
While filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application can be cost-effective in terms of reducing legal fees, the initial filing fees are higher than filing a trademark application in each country alone. This is because the application must be filed through the WIPO, which charges its own filing fee in addition to the fees of each country. This fee is not required when filing directly into each country.
2. More complex process
The Madrid Protocol application process can be more complex than filing a trademark application in Canada alone. Businesses must navigate the application requirements of multiple countries and may need to eventually engage with local agents or attorneys, which will offset some of the cost savings of the initial filing. Also, local agents or attorneys will often perform a preliminary trademark clearance search before filing, which may not be available with a Madrid Protocol filing unless local agents or lawyers are engaged.
3. Risk of rejection
Filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application does not guarantee that the trademark will be accepted for registration in all countries. If the trademark is rejected in one country, this could impact the protection of the trademark in other countries. This is particularly the case where the home country trademark application is rejected, which will generally lead to a rejection in all other countries, unless additional steps are taken which will involve additional costs and procedures. For this reason, it is advisable to ensure that the trademark is registrable or registered in the home country prior to investing significant resources into an international Madrid trademark filing.
Conclusion
Filing a Madrid Protocol trademark application can provide benefits for Canadian businesses that want to protect their trademark in multiple countries. However, it also comes with costs and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before filing. Businesses should weigh the costs and benefits and consult with an experienced trademark attorney before deciding whether to file a Madrid Protocol trademark application. For any questions relating to the Madrid protocol process, please feel free to contact us.
Disclaimer: The resources published on this website are available for informational purposes only and should not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing these resources, the reader understands there is no solicitor client relationship between the reader and JZC Intellectual Property Law. This website should not be used as a substitute for legal advice, and readers are urged to consult legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
