Trade mark protection worldwide

Select the country or territory in which you need protection. Each guide explains filing routes, preparation and practical considerations. A national registration, an EU trade mark and the Madrid System have different territorial effects.

Countries and territories

Country guide · Trade mark searches · Fees · Contact

Practical legal assessment

International planning starts with a specific list of territories and products. Headquarters, manufacturing, distribution and licensing can create different protection needs. Regional systems, Madrid registrations and national filings do not have identical territorial effects.

For Madrid, review eligibility, the basic mark and intended designations together. Central administration does not remove every local requirement or objection. National filings may be appropriate where a territory is not covered, a different sign is needed or the basic mark does not fit the project.

Separate professional fees, official fees, extra classes, translations and local representation in the budget. Include later notices and renewals in planning. Check current official information before filing; an old country plan does not guarantee unchanged conditions.

Four practical examples

Illustrative scenarios to explain the assessment; these are not reports of client matters.

EU and Switzerland

A business sells in the EU and Switzerland. Plan protection for each territory separately and compare suitable filing routes.

New language version

A different brand name is used abroad. Clear that local version and compare it with the portfolio before assuming an existing designation is sufficient.

Different owners

The basic mark and overseas business sit in different companies. Review and, where needed, reorganise ownership before filing.

Phased expansion

Sales expand into two countries first and more later. Prioritise actual markets and document later extensions without assuming automatic worldwide protection.

Why is a territory list essential?

Terms such as Europe, Asia or worldwide describe commercial ambitions, not a single legal right. Identify required countries and any special territories individually before comparing regional, international and national routes.

Preparing the next step

Provide the exact sign, relevant products, target territories and any register numbers. If there is an office notice or dispute, include the complete correspondence and the date of receipt. We identify missing information, agree the scope and clarify fees before taking further steps.

A useful instruction file distinguishes the confirmed facts, missing information and decisions still to be made. Keep dated versions of specifications, sign designs and correspondence so changes can be traced. Agree who approves each step and who monitors the next deadline. Where several companies or advisers are involved, document their respective roles. The resulting plan should connect the legal assessment with the operational changes needed in packaging, contracts, sales channels or register administration.

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