Madrid System

The Madrid System provides a convenient route for extending trademark protection to multiple member countries, enabling centralized and strategic management of international applications. This process helps optimize time, costs, and resources, while offering an opportunity to assess registrability and commercial potential before expanding into international markets. As a result, trademarks enjoy broader protection, reduced risk of conflicts or infringement, and enhanced competitive value in global markets.

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What is the Madrid System?

Administered by WIPO, the Madrid System is a convenient and cost-effective mechanism for registering and managing trademarks worldwide. It allows applicants to file a single international trademark application and pay one set of fees to seek protection across 131 member countries.

Through a centralized system, applicants can monitor application status, receive notifications directly from WIPO, and make informed decisions regarding the trademark’s registrability and commercial potential before protection is granted in each designated country. The system also enables users to modify, renew, or expand their global trademark portfolio efficiently in one place.

Why Choose the Madrid System?

A single international trademark application with multiple strategic benefits

A single dossier is effective across all Madrid member jurisdictions (over 120 countries as of 2025), including the United States, the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, and others.

12–18-month extended response period

Applicants benefit from additional time—typically 12 to 18 months—to prepare their enforcement and commercialization strategy, assess market opportunities, and plan budgets before protection is confirmed in each designated jurisdiction.

Early and transparent assessment

Applicants receive the International Search Report (ISR) and WIPO notifications identifying potential conflicts with prior trademarks, enabling informed decision-making prior to entering new markets.

Reduced upfront costs

No national-level fees are required at the outset, easing initial financial pressure—particularly advantageous for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Madrid Registration Process

Only two main stages — optimizing cost efficiency and the scope of international trademark protection.

Phase 1

International Phase

Filing the international trademark application through the Office of Origin (Base Office)
Base application: a trademark already registered or pending before the national IP office.
WIPO conducts a formalities examination and issues the International Application Number.
WIPO publishes the international application within 6–9 months.
(Optional) Request amendments or add goods/services as permitted.

Phase 2

National Phase

National examination in each designated jurisdiction

Select the Madrid member countries where protection is sought.
Submit translations (if required) and pay national fees for each jurisdiction.
Each designated country conducts its own substantive examination and issues a decision of acceptance or refusal.
Upon acceptance, the trademark is protected in the corresponding jurisdiction.

How Receiving Offices Work in the Madrid System

When filing a Madrid international trademark application, it is submitted through the applicant’s national IP office, which acts as the Receiving Office (RO).

Applicants may base their international application on a trademark that is either registered or pending in their home jurisdiction.

Trademark protection is ultimately granted independently by each designated Madrid member country, according to its own intellectual property laws and substantive examination procedures.

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International Trademark Application Support Services

Multi-Market Trademark Search

Perform preliminary and comprehensive searches in the home jurisdiction and under the Madrid System to identify potential conflicts, likelihood of confusion, and risk of refusal.

Madrid Application Preparation & Filing

Draft accurate descriptions of goods and services, classify them according to the Nice Classification, and prepare the application in full compliance with WIPO and the Receiving Office requirements.

Application Monitoring & Notification Handling

Track provisional refusals and other official communications from designated member countries, providing expert guidance on responding appropriately in each jurisdiction.

Market Expansion Strategy

Advise on strategic country selection, balancing cost and scope of protection, and manage designation extensions efficiently to optimize international coverage.

Renewal & Portfolio Management

Monitor application and registration validity, issue timely renewal reminders, and manage updates or changes through the Madrid System to maintain a robust global trademark portfolio.

Questions

Frequent FAQs

Does the Madrid System issue an international trademark registration?

No. The Madrid System provides a centralized filing procedure only. The decision to grant protection is made independently by each national or regional intellectual property office.

How many countries can a single Madrid application cover?

A single application can designate multiple Madrid member countries. As of 2025, there are over 120 member countries.

What role does the home country play in the Madrid System?

The national IP office acts as the Receiving Office (RO). Applicants can file an international application through their RO based on a trademark that is either registered or pending in their home jurisdiction.

How long does examination take in each designated country?

Each designated country examines the application independently. The process typically takes 12–18 months, depending on local laws and procedures.

Can a trademark be amended after filing a Madrid application?

Yes. Applicants may amend the trademark details or the list of goods/services within the limits allowed before WIPO publication or during the national phase, subject to the rules of each designated country.

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