An introduction to WIPO, including pros and cons
- A global forum established in 1967 for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation
- Aim is to help governments, businesses, individuals understand the benefits of protecting intellectual property and how to achieve that protection
- 193 member states
- It is based in Geneva, Switzerland
- A global reference source and database for a variety of intellectual property information, including trade mark applications and portfolio management
Madrid – The International Trade Mark System
– Convenient and cost-effective
– You can use the Madrid System if you have a personal or business connection to one of the System’s members • In order to file, you first need a base trade mark
– The cost of an international trade mark includes a basic fee plus additional fees per class and territory
– There is significant variability in the fees charged by different territories
– Most Madrid members are individual countries but there are three regions:
- EU – the European Union
- Benelux – Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg
- OAPI – primarily French speaking African states
PROS
- Less admin: A single centralised application means administrative efficiency
- More cost effective if 3+ territories
- Madrid fee calculator to calculate costs
- No local attorney required (unless an issue arises)
- Language: Official notifications are in the language of the international registration
- Subsequent designations can be added at a later date
- Easy updates to the register – change of name, address, contact details, owner etc
- Easy online renewals