Madrid Protocol: One application = 130+ countries. Cost: $1,000 base + $300-$900 per country. Alternative: Individual filings = $800-$3,000 each. 10 countries via Madrid = $4K vs $20K individually.
How Madrid Works
File home country trademark first (UK/EU). Use as basis for international filing. WIPO coordinates with designated countries. Single application, multiple jurisdictions.
The Central Attack Risk
Base trademark rejected/cancelled within 5 years? Entire Madrid registration falls. Lose all countries simultaneously. Dependency = vulnerability. After 5 years, independent.
Designation Strategy
Don't designate all 130 countries. Choose target markets only. China, US, EU, Japan = common selections. Unused designations = wasted fees.
Individual Country Examination
Each designated country examines independently. China approves, US rejects = split result. Madrid coordinates filing, not approval. Oppositions handled per country.
Timeline Coordination
Base application + 6 months = Madrid filing deadline. Faster base approval = quicker international expansion. Delays compound across entire system.
Renewal Efficiency
Single WIPO renewal = all designated countries renewed simultaneously. No tracking 20 separate renewal dates. Administrative simplification = major benefit.
The UK/EU Choice
Post-Brexit: Base on UK trademark or EU trademark? UK = covers UK only. EU = covers 27 countries. Choose broader base for maximum coverage.
Trademark Lens checks individual country availability - Madrid Protocol requires separate clearance search for each designated country before filing.