What is the Madrid Protocol?

It is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to protect their marks in multiple countries through a single application.

Do I need a trademark in India first?

Yes. You must have a 'Basic Application' or 'Basic Registration' in India before you can apply internationally.

How many countries are part of the Madrid Protocol?

Over 120 countries, including major markets like the USA, EU, China, Japan, and the UK, are members.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a UN agency that manages the international trademark registration system.

How long is an international trademark valid?

An international registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed centrally via WIPO.

What is 'Central Attack'?

If your basic Indian trademark is cancelled or fails within the first 5 years, your international registration is also cancelled in all countries.

Can I add more countries later?

Yes. You can expand your international registration to additional member countries at any time after the initial filing.

How long does the process take?

WIPO registers the mark quickly, but local registries in designated countries have 12 to 18 months to issue an approval or refusal.

Service

International Trademark Registration

Globalize your brand with our international trademark services. We help Indian businesses file trademarks in multiple countries using the Madrid Protocol.

Taking Your Brand Beyond Borders

Globalize your brand with our international trademark services. We help Indian businesses file trademarks in multiple countries using the Madrid Protocol.

Protect your brand in 120+ countries through a single application. Expert Madrid Protocol filing for global business expansion.

Don't let borders limit your brand. Secure trademark protection in over 120 countries, including the USA, EU, China, and Japan, through a centralized filing system.

As Indian businesses grow, the need for international brand protection becomes paramount. Trademark rights are territorial, meaning your Indian registration offers zero protection in countries like the USA or the UK. To protect your brand globally, you can either file individual applications in each country or use the 'Madrid Protocol'—an international treaty that allows you to file one application in India to seek protection in over 120 member countries.

The Madrid System, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage a global trademark portfolio. Instead of hiring local attorneys in 50 different countries and translating your application into 50 different languages, you can file a single application in English through the Indian Trademark Registry.

QuickTaxperts provides end-to-end support for international expansion. We help you choose the right target countries, ensure your 'Basic Mark' in India is robust, and handle the technical communications with WIPO and designated international registries.

Category: IPR
Requires a basic 'Home' application or registration in India first.
Ability to add more countries to your registration at a later stage.
Single renewal date for all countries in your international registration.
Simplifies changes of address or ownership across all jurisdictions.
One single application for multiple target countries
Centralized management through WIPO (UN agency)
Significant cost savings on local attorney fees
Streamlined renewal and maintenance for your global portfolio

The Madrid System Explained

How it simplifies global IP management.

Centralized Filing: One application, one language (English), and one set of fees for all member nations.
Cost Efficiency: Avoid thousands of dollars in individual country filing and agent fees.
Designation Rights: Pick and choose only the countries where you currently do business or plan to expand.
Direct Portfolio Mgmt: Renew or modify your international mark for all countries through one WIPO portal.

Documents required

Document requirements vary by entity type, state, premises, and authority. These are the usual groups we verify before submission.

Checklist for International Filing: Copy of the 'Basic' Indian Trademark application or registration.; List of specific countries where protection is required.; Clear digital representation of the mark (logo/text).; Details of the applicant (must exactly match the Indian record).; Correct classification of goods/services (same as the basic mark).; Power of Attorney for the authorized agent.

Process and timeline

Basic Mark Verification: Ensuring you have a pending/registered mark in India to act as the 'Base'.
International Filing: Submitting the Madrid application (Form MM2) to the Indian IP Office (The Office of Origin).
Registry Certification: The Indian registry verifies your base mark and forwards the application to WIPO.
WIPO Examination: WIPO performs a formal check and records the mark in the International Register.
Local Designation: Designated countries have 12-18 months to grant or refuse the mark under their local laws.

Expert review

International Trademark Registration content is reviewed by QuickTaxperts International IPR Team, Global IP Strategists.

Checklist-led review
Document pre-verification
Authority-specific next steps

Frequently asked questions

These quick answers cover common planning questions before you request a checklist or quote.

What is the Madrid Protocol?: It is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to protect their marks in multiple countries through a single application.
Do I need a trademark in India first?: Yes. You must have a 'Basic Application' or 'Basic Registration' in India before you can apply internationally.
How many countries are part of the Madrid Protocol?: Over 120 countries, including major markets like the USA, EU, China, Japan, and the UK, are members.
What is WIPO?: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a UN agency that manages the international trademark registration system.
How long is an international trademark valid?: An international registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed centrally via WIPO.
What is 'Central Attack'?: If your basic Indian trademark is cancelled or fails within the first 5 years, your international registration is also cancelled in all countries.
Can I add more countries later?: Yes. You can expand your international registration to additional member countries at any time after the initial filing.
How long does the process take?: WIPO registers the mark quickly, but local registries in designated countries have 12 to 18 months to issue an approval or refusal.