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The importance of intellectual property protection, particularly trademarks, has become more significant over the years. Registering an international trademark is now an essential step for businesses looking to expand their reach and protect their brand on a global scale.
However, the process entails various steps and things that you must note in order to successfully register your international trademark, which can be confusing and complicated.
In this blog, we take you through the process of international trademark registration, what benefits it offers, and how we can help. Read on to find out!
Register International Trademark
How Do I Register An International Trade Mark?
You can register an international trademark via the Madrid Protocol administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization. This efficient system helps you obtain trademark protection across multiple countries and jurisdictions with a single filing.
There is also no limit to the number of countries that you can file for protection as long as it falls under the Protocol.
There are 1.7 million trademarks registered under the Protocol, which is testament to its popularity globally. Renowned companies such as Nestle, Microsoft, Daimler, Shiseido, and Sony are some examples of those that have filed applications under the Madrid Protocol.
How Do I Register an International Trademark in Singapore?
Singapore has been a member of the Madrid Protocol since 2000. Under the protocol, you must file or register your trademark application domestically in the country of origin.
A country of origin refers to a country that is a Madrid Protocol member, of which the applicant, whether an individual or entity, is a national or resident of, or who has a real and operational commercial or industrial establishment in.
In this case, if you are a Singapore citizen or if you have a business in Singapore, you can register an international trademark here. You can also appoint a representative such as SCI to manage your application and registration on your behalf for a smooth experience.
Related Read: Singapore Trademark Registration
What Are the International Trademark Registration Fees?
There are several fees payable when making an application to register your trademark internationally, such as:
- A basic fee
- A complementary fee per designated Contracting Party
- A supplementary fee per class of goods and services more than 3
All fees are to be paid in Swiss francs. Find out more by contacting our team of international trademark registration experts!
What is the Process of International Trademark Registration?
There are 5 steps to filing an international trademark application through the Madrid System, which we will share below:
Step 1: Complete Your International Trademark Application
The application must be completed via their digital gateway, eMadrid. Some things you must also do include:
- Designating a minimum of one Madrid System member
- Compile a list of goods and services that the trademark will cover
- Submit a high-quality copy of the trademark image
- Pay all of the necessary fees
Step 2: Turn in Your Application to Your Office of Origin
It is important to ensure that you do not submit your application to WIPO, but the right Office of Origin – which, in this case, is the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).
The Office of Origin will check if it corresponds to your basic mark’s particulars before certifying it and returning sending it to WIPO.
Step 3: Perform a Formal Examination
WIPO will ascertain if your international trademark application complies with formal requirements, such as:
- Fee payments
- Contact details
- Designation of minimally one Madrid System member
- Image quality
If they find non-compliance, they will send the applicant and the Office of Origin an “irregularity notice” that explains how to correct the problem within the given time limit, usually of which is 3 months.
Step 4: Trademark Registration
WIPO registers your trademark in the International Register and publishes it in the WIPO Gazette of International Marks. After which, they will send you a Certificate of Registration, which is an acknowledgement of compliance with WIPO’s formal requirements. Lastly, they will notify the designated members.
Step 5: Extensive Examination
The IPOS carries out extensive assessment and must provide or deny protection within a time frame, normally which is 12 or 18 months from the date of notification of the Office of Origin of its designation.
International trademarks are valid for 10 years and can be further renewed for another 10 years upon fee payment.
What Are the Benefits of International Trademark Registration?
Filing an application via the Madrid Protocol offers a myriad of benefits that makes it such an attractive choice for brand owners. We explore some of the prominent ones:
Cost-Efficient
Since you can register your trademark in multiple countries or regions simultaneously, it will cost less than registering them with each individual country.
There is no need to hire translators or representatives to file applications since all it takes is just one application in one language. In the event where there are changes to be made, they can also be performed centrally, hence saving costs.
Convenience
Registering a trademark via the Madrid Protocol allows the brand owner to enjoy trademark protection in more than one jurisdiction without the hassle of doing it individually.
It also reduces the need for extensive and tedious procedures. Companies can also manage their international trademark portfolio centrally and online via the WIPO easily, enabling expansion into new markets without significant effort.
Application Speed
Since only one application is required, it greatly eliminates the speed required to file for multiple trademark protection. This helps to support companies in their endeavour to expand into various new markets as well.
Brand Protection During Import and Export
You can obtain brand protection to safeguard against counterfeiting activities and unauthorised usage during the import and export of goods. When brand infringement happens, you can take legal action to protect its reputation and integrity.
Register Your International Trademark With SCI
Raise your chances of securing a successful international trademark registration when you engage our experienced team at SCI to help you with the procedure and get your brand up on a global scale.
Contact our advisors and find out how we can help your business today!
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