Madridijärjestelmän

Madridijärjestelmän, officially the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, is an administrative system managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It provides a centralized and cost-effective way for trademark holders to protect their marks in multiple countries simultaneously. Instead of filing separate applications in each country where protection is sought, applicants can file a single international application through their home intellectual property office.

The system allows for the international registration of trademarks. An applicant who has already filed for or obtained a trademark in their home country can then file an international application. This application designates specific member countries where they wish to obtain protection. WIPO then transmits the application to the intellectual property offices of the designated countries. Each national office examines the application according to its own laws and regulations. If the mark is deemed registrable in a designated country, protection is granted in that territory.

The Madrid System simplifies the process of obtaining and maintaining international trademark protection. It reduces the need for multiple filings, translations, and local agents in various countries, thus saving time and money. Renewal of the international registration is also done through a single process, and subsequent changes, such as ownership transfers or amendments, can be recorded centrally. The system currently has a significant number of member countries, making it a vital tool for businesses operating in a global marketplace.