WIPO Madrid System: International Trademark Registration Guide
WIPO Madrid System applications let eligible trademark owners seek protection in multiple designated territories through one international application based on a national or regional basic application or registration.
A Madrid registration is territorial: each designated office examines the application under its own law.
What is the WIPO Madrid System?
The WIPO Madrid System is an international framework administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization. It simplifies filing and portfolio management by letting an eligible owner designate participating territories in one international registration. Coverage currently spans more than 130 territories, subject to member status and designations when filing.
One international registration can make administration easier, but it does not replace local examination. Each designated trademark office can issue a provisional refusal under its domestic law. Official overviews are available from WIPO’s Madrid System filing basics and the international application process guide.
Who can use the Madrid System?
An applicant must have a qualifying connection to a Madrid member, such as nationality, domicile or a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment. The international application is filed through the applicant’s national or regional intellectual property office, often called the Office of Origin. Applicants do not normally start by filing the international application directly with WIPO.
The international application must be based on a corresponding basic mark: an application or registration at the Office of Origin. The owner, mark representation and list of goods and services need to correspond to the basic mark, subject to the system’s requirements. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s facts and the relevant office’s procedure.
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How to file an international trademark application
- Choose the mark and define the goods and services carefully.
- File or hold a basic national or regional application/registration at the Office of Origin.
- Prepare the international application through that office and select Madrid members to designate.
- Pay the WIPO basic fee plus applicable supplementary, complementary or individual fees.
- The Office of Origin certifies the application and forwards it to WIPO.
- WIPO checks formal requirements and records/publishes the international registration if accepted.
- Each designated office then examines protection under its own laws and may grant protection or issue a refusal.
See WIPO’s step-by-step filing information. Deadlines for responding to a refusal are set by the relevant office and can be short. Local counsel may be needed to respond in the designated territory.
What protection does a Madrid registration provide?
A Madrid international registration is a single administrative record with a set of designated territories. It does not create a global trademark and does not guarantee acceptance everywhere. A designated office can refuse protection based on conflicts, distinctiveness, classification or other local requirements. If no refusal is issued within the applicable period, protection may take effect in that territory according to the system and local rules.
Territorial strategy matters: designate markets where the business expects to sell, manufacture, license or enforce the brand. The EU can be selected as a designated territory through the Madrid System, subject to WIPO and EUIPO rules. For a direct European Union Trade Mark route, read our comparison and guidance on EU versus national trademark protection.
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What is the five-year dependency risk?
For the first five years from the international registration date, the international registration depends on the basic mark. If the basic application or registration is refused, withdrawn, cancelled or otherwise ceases to have effect to the relevant extent during that period, the international registration may also be cancelled centrally for the corresponding goods and services and territories. This is often called central attack. The risk makes the choice and preparation of the basic mark important.
WIPO explains the dependency and central-attack concept in its Guide to the Madrid System. Consider a clearance search and a robust basic filing before relying on international expansion. Our trademark risk assessment guide covers pre-filing checks, and our logo and name guide explains how the selected sign affects protection.
Concerned about the basic mark or central-attack risk?
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Madrid System fees and renewals
WIPO charges a basic fee, with additional fees depending on the number and type of designations and classes. Some members use individual fees. Costs are calculated in Swiss francs and may change; use WIPO’s current fee information and fee calculator for the exact countries and application.
An international registration is generally renewed every ten years through WIPO for selected or all designated territories. Changes of ownership, address, limitation, renewal and other portfolio actions can be managed centrally, but national effects and deadlines still need attention. Keep the Madrid record and local refusals in a portfolio calendar.
Madrid System compared with separate national filings
Madrid can be efficient when several designated territories are relevant and eligibility is met. Separate national applications may offer more flexibility where only one or two markets matter, where a local route has strategic advantages, or where an applicant does not qualify for Madrid. A direct EU trademark covers all EU member states as a unitary right; the Madrid route can designate the EU but has its own process and dependencies.
There is no universally best route. Assess the countries, budget, use plans, conflicts, ownership structure, deadlines and need for local representation. Related resources: EU opposition procedure, transferring an EU trademark, and genuine use and proof of use.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly to WIPO?
The international application is normally filed through the competent Office of Origin, which certifies and forwards it to WIPO.
Does Madrid guarantee trademark protection in all selected countries?
No. Each designated office may examine the application and refuse protection under its law.
Do I need a trademark registration before using Madrid?
You need a basic national or regional application or registration, and it must meet the Madrid System requirements. A pending basic application can be sufficient in many cases.
How much does a WIPO application cost?
The total depends on the mark’s color status, classes and selected territories. Use WIPO’s fee calculator for a current calculation.
What should I do after receiving a provisional refusal?
Check the issuing office, deadline, grounds and local representation requirements immediately. A response may need to be filed locally.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm eligibility, fees, members and deadlines with WIPO and the relevant
Need help choosing an international trademark filing route? Start an online chat.national or regional office.
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