International Trademark
An International Trademark allows a business or individual to protect their brand in multiple countries through a single application, mainly under the Madrid System managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). To apply, you first need a trademark filed or registered in your home country (the “basic mark”). The application is submitted through your national trademark office, designating the countries where you want protection. Each country then examines the application according to its own laws. Once approved, the protection lasts for 10 years and can be renewed. This system is cost-effective, simplifies the process, and provides centralized management for renewals and updates. Since September 2021, the UAE has been a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing UAE-registered trademarks to be used as a base for international filings..
International Trademark Registration Process
To protect their brand internationally, an organization can register under the Madrid System by filing through their national trademark office. The process starts with a home country trademark application, which acts as the base for the international filing. Through a single application, businesses can secure rights in multiple member countries, saving time and reducing costs..
- Search existing trademarks in WIPO database
- File via national trademark office (Madrid System)
- WIPO examination
- Review by each chosen country
- Registration and publication in WIPO Gazette