Applying for an international trade mark

In order to protect your brand in other countries you have two main options:

File a trade mark application in each country of interest
File a Madrid Protocol international trade mark application through the Madrid System

In order for the filing that you make to retain the original filing date of your Australian trade mark application, the filing(s) whether via path 1 or 2 above must be made within 6 months of the original filing date of your Australian trade mark application.

Madrid Protocol international trade mark application

A Madrid Protocol international trade mark application is a simpler and less expensive way of seeking trade mark protection overseas. Trade mark application through the Madrid Protocol offers and presents several advantages, such as:

Only a single international trade mark application is required
It is in one language
It is filed through the Trade Marks Office of the home country
Protection can be sought in one, some or all of the member countries
Updates of ownership and renewals can be handled centrally

Direct trade marks vs. Madrid Protocol international trade mark application

There are some circumstances where filing a trade mark application directly in countries of interest may be a better option than filing a Madrid Protocol international trade mark application. Therefore, it is important to obtain the advice of a trade mark attorney prior to seeking international trade mark protection.