How to Use the Madrid System for International Trademarks
Last revised:
April 19, 2026
The Madrid System allows you to file a single international trademark application through WIPO, designating trademark protection in up to 130+ countries. It is the trademark equivalent of the PCT for patents — one application, multiple countries.
How It Works
- You must first have a trademark filed or registered in your "home" office (the office of origin)
- File an international application through your home office, designating the countries where you want protection
- WIPO conducts a formality check and forwards the application to each designated office
- Each designated office examines the application under its own national law
- Protection is granted or refused independently in each country
Fees
A base fee of CHF 653 (black-and-white mark) or CHF 903 (colour mark), plus individual fees for each designated country. Fees vary by country — from CHF 70 (some developing countries) to CHF 400+ (US, Japan, EU).
Total cost for protection in 10 countries: approximately CHF 3,000–$6,000 — significantly cheaper than filing 10 separate national applications.
The Dependency Period
Critical limitation: for the first 5 years, the international registration depends on the home registration. If the home registration is cancelled, refused, or narrowed during this period, the international registration falls with it ("central attack"). After 5 years, the international registration becomes independent.
Strategic Use
File your home trademark first (in your country of residence or principal business). Then use Madrid to extend to all commercially relevant markets. For Chinese trademark protection, consider filing directly at CNIPA in addition to Madrid — direct Chinese filing is faster and avoids the central attack dependency risk.
Sources
- WIPO — Madrid System for International Trademarks — Official overview of the Madrid System for international trademark registration
- WIPO — Madrid System Fee Calculator — Tool for calculating international trademark registration fees
- WIPO — Madrid Monitor — Online tool for tracking international trademark registrations
- WIPO — Madrid e-Filing — Electronic filing portal for Madrid System applications
This article is part of the iInvent Encyclopedia — the world's most comprehensive knowledge base for inventors. It is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified patent attorney.
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