Do I need a national trademark before filing internationally?

Yes, you must have a registered trademark or a pending application (base registration) in your home country that is a member of the Madrid Union before you can file an international application through WIPO. This base registration is the foundation of your international trademark rights.

How much does international trademark registration cost?

Costs vary depending on the number of classes and designated countries. The basic WIPO filing fee starts at approximately 653 CHF (Swiss Francs) for a single class. Each additional designated country adds its own designation fee. Professional service fees for filing and managing the application apply separately.

How long does international trademark protection last?

International trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods. A single renewal through WIPO covers all designated countries simultaneously, simplifying the maintenance process.

International Trademark Registration

Protecting your brand across borders is no longer a luxury reserved for multinational corporations. Securing an International Trademark Registration is a strategic necessity for any business with a digital presence or export goals. Through the Madrid System, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a single application can extend protection to over 130 member countries worldwide.

At Stepping Stones, we specialize in guiding businesses through the complexities of international trademark filing. From your base application to designating target markets across the globe, our team ensures that every step of your Madrid Protocol filing is handled with precision and strategic insight.

Who Is This For?

SME Owners: Expanding into new markets and needing cost-effective legal protection across multiple jurisdictions without the expense and complexity of individual country filings.
Startup Founders: Securing brand equity before a Series A round or global product launch, ensuring intellectual property is protected before entering international markets.
Global Businesses & Exporters: Protecting established brands as they enter new territories, defend against counterfeiters, and build a unified global IP portfolio.

What You Will Gain

Single-Application Filing: Protect your trademark in 130+ countries through one centralized WIPO application instead of filing separately in each nation.
Cost Efficiency: Reduce overall filing costs by consolidating fees and avoiding multiple legal representatives across different jurisdictions.
Centralized Management: Maintain and renew your entire international trademark portfolio through a single WIPO administration process.
Flexible Expansion: Add new countries to your registration at any time through subsequent designations as your business grows into new markets.
Priority Protection: Secure your filing date across all designated countries simultaneously, establishing early priority rights in multiple jurisdictions.

Fee Structure

From 653 CHF

WIPO base fee (single class)

WIPO base fees start from 653 CHF for a single class. Each designated country adds specific individual fees. Total costs depend on the number of classes and target countries selected.

Required Documents

Home country trademark registration or pending application
Applicant identity and business registration proof
Clear representation of the trademark
List of goods/services by Nice Classification
Power of attorney (if applicable)

Registration Timeline

12 to 18 months

Total estimated timeframe

WIPO processing: 1 to 2 months. Country-level examination: 6 to 12 months additional. Total estimated timeframe: 12 to 18 months from filing to full protection in all designated countries.

Why Choose Stepping Stones for International Trademarks

WIPO Madrid Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Madrid Protocol, WIPO procedures, and country-specific designation requirements across 130+ member states.
Strategic Market Selection: Data-driven guidance on which countries to designate based on your business goals, market potential, and competitive landscape.
End-to-End Management: From base application preparation to WIPO filing, national phase monitoring, and centralized renewal management.
Cost Transparency: Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We provide detailed cost breakdowns before filing so you can budget effectively.
Proactive Enforcement: Ongoing monitoring of your international registrations, with timely alerts for opposition deadlines, renewal dates, and potential infringement issues.

Filing Steps

The Madrid System Process

Base Application

File or hold a registered trademark in your home country, which serves as the foundation for your international Madrid System application.

WIPO Submission

We prepare and submit your international application through WIPO, designating your target member countries and specifying goods or services by class.

International Examination

WIPO conducts a formal examination of your application for compliance and publishes it in the WIPO Gazette of International Marks.

National Review

Each designated country conducts its own substantive examination. Countries may accept, refuse, or issue provisional refusals within 12 to 18 months.

Protection Secured

Once all designated countries grant protection, your international trademark registration is active. Manage renewals centrally through WIPO every 10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Trademark FAQs

How long does international trademark registration take?

Processing through WIPO typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the designated countries. WIPO processes the application within 1 to 2 months, but each designated country conducts its own substantive examination, which can add 6 to 12 months depending on local procedures.

What is the Madrid System?

The Madrid System is a centralized international trademark registration system managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It allows brand owners to protect their trademark in over 130 member countries through a single application, filed in one language, with one set of fees.

Do I need a national trademark first?

Yes, you must have a registered trademark or pending application (base registration) in a Madrid Union member country before filing internationally. This base registration is the foundation of your international trademark rights.

How much does international registration cost?

WIPO base fees start at approximately 653 CHF for a single class. Each designated country adds its own fee. Total costs depend on the number of classes and countries. Professional service fees apply separately.

How long does protection last?

International trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the registration date and can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods through WIPO, covering all designated countries.

Can I add more countries later?

Yes. The Madrid System allows subsequent designations, meaning you can add new member countries to your existing international registration at any time as your business expands.

Get Started Today

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Our WIPO specialists are ready to guide you through every step of your international trademark registration. Get a personalized assessment of your global protection strategy.

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