Once you have taken the first step of the trade mark ladder and protect your brands in the UK and the EU, you will want to look further afield and register a trade mark internationally.
While there is no such thing as a global trade mark which covers all countries in the world, there are different options available to you, depending on where you would like to expand to.
The first question we would always ask is where you would like to register. This will enable us to put a plan of action together for you, highlighting the most straightforward and cost-effective way to protect your brand in your wishlist countries.
Depending on where you want to register, one option open to you is to file a trade mark through the Madrid system.
Governed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the Madrid system allows you to file one application in one or more of the system’s 112 members. These members include the US, Canada, Japan, China and Australia, amongst others. Using an existing UK mark as the basis for this, the application is first considered by WIPO and then split to the offices of the countries for further consideration and registration.
If the countries you wish to register in are not included within the Madrid system, no fear, we can still assist you here. We have a network of international agents at our fingertips which we have worked with on many occasions over the years and are there to assist us to file any further applications you may require.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team today to discuss expanding your trade mark portfolio with the assistance of the experts.
