On Monday, April 8, 2013, India joined the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). India’s accession to the Madrid Protocol allows Indian trademark applicants the ability to file an application for international registration with the Indian patent and trademark office and protect a mark in up to 88 countries plus the European Union by filing an application in either English, French or Spanish and paying the appropriate application fees.
Likewise, applicants in Madrid Protocol countries can file an international registration designating India using their own trademark offices to file said application. The treaty will enter into force with respect to India on July 8, 2013. With India’s accession to the Madrid Protocol, trade mark owners have a cost effective, user friendly and streamlined means of seeking trademark protection in India.
Gordon & Rees attorneys regularly assist U.S. clients with trademark prosecution in India and with filing international registrations under the Madrid Protocol. For additional questions regarding trademark issues in India or the Madrid Protocol, please contact any of our trademark attorneys listed on the website www.gordonrees.com.