Madrid Protocol
International trademark treaty enabling single-application trademark filing across multiple countries.
Definition
Madrid Protocol is a WIPO-administered international trademark treaty. Single application via WIPO extends trademark protection to designated member countries. The US is a member.
Context
Delaware LLCs with international brand expansion plans can use Madrid Protocol for cost-effective multi-country trademark protection.
Example
A Delaware LLC files US trademark with USPTO, then files Madrid Protocol application to extend to 10 European countries via single WIPO application.
Common pitfalls
- Requires existing or applied-for US trademark as basis.
- Member-country list affects which countries can be designated.
- USPTO basis trademark must be maintained for 5 years for Madrid to be independent.