U. S. Implements the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks

On November 2, 2003, a new central filing system for international trademark protection, known as the Madrid Protocol, goes into effect in the United States. Starting on that date, it will be possible to file a single international application, in English, with one fee payment, through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and request extensions of protection in up to 59 member countries. Considerable cost savings are possible at the time of filing and in later maintaining the resulting rights.

Use of the system is not appropriate for all marks. Extensive analysis is required before proceeding. Please refer to the linked articles and information below for further details, or contact your Oblon, Spivak trademark counsel for advice. The final rules implementing this new treaty, issued on September 26, 2003, are also provided for your review.

• Alternative Trademark Filing Strategies Regarding the Madrid Protocol, the European Union and National Offices
• The Year That Was: Madrid Protocol Milestones in 2003
• Using the Madrid Protocol After U.S. Accession
• Rules of Practice for Trademark-Related Filings Under the Madrid Protocol Implementation Act
• Practical Considerations Of Using The Madrid Protocol
• A Short Primer on the Madrid Protocol for U.S. Trademark Owners and Counsel