International Trademark Registration (Madrid Protocol)
In today’s globalized economy, your brand identity is your most valuable asset. If you are expanding your business beyond Indian borders, a domestic trademark is not enough. Trademark rights are territorial, meaning your Indian registration only protects you within India.
To protect your brand in the USA, Europe, China, or Australia, you need an International Trademark Registration. At Efilingway, we simplify the complex global filing process through the Madrid System, allowing you to protect your brand in over 130+ countries with a single application.
- Govt-Certified Process
- 100% Online Registration
- Dedicated CA & CS Support
- Startup-Friendly Pricing
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows a trademark owner to seek protection in multiple countries by filing one “International Application” through their home trademark office (the Indian Trademark Registry).
Managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, this system eliminates the need to hire local lawyers in every country, saving you thousands of dollars in legal fees and administrative costs.
Benefits of International Trademark Registration
Registering your trademark globally offers more than just legal protection; it builds a foundation for international growth.
Global Brand Monopoly: Prevent competitors from using or “squatting” on your brand name in foreign markets.
Cost-Effective: Pay one set of fees in a single currency (Swiss Francs) instead of managing multiple foreign currencies and local agent fees.
Centralized Management: Change your address, renew your mark, or add new countries to your portfolio through a single centralized filing.
Boosts Valuation: For startups looking for VC funding, a global IP portfolio significantly increases company valuation and investor trust.
Amazon & Global Marketplace Ready: Essential for brands selling on Amazon Global, Shopify, or international E-commerce platforms to prevent IP infringement.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Businesses
To file for an International Trademark from India, you must meet the following requirements:
Base Mark: You must already have a pending trademark application or a registered trademark in India.
Nationality/Domicile: You must be a citizen of India, have a business establishment in India, or be domiciled in India.
Entity Types: Individuals, Startups, LLPs, and Private Limited Companies are all eligible.
Step-by-Step Registration Process with Efilingway
We handle the entire journey from your Indian office to the WIPO headquarters in Switzerland.
Step 1: International Trademark Search
Before filing, we conduct a comprehensive search in the WIPO Global Brand Database to ensure your mark doesn’t conflict with existing international registrations.
Step 2: Filing the Base Application (MM2 Form)
We prepare and file the MM2 Form with the Indian Trademark Registry. This serves as the foundation for your international request.
Step 3: Certification by Indian Registry
The Indian IP Office verifies that your international application matches your Indian base mark and forwards it to WIPO.
Step 4: WIPO Examination & Notification
WIPO conducts a formal examination. Once approved, your mark is recorded in the International Register and published in the WIPO Gazette.
Step 5: Protection in Designated Countries
Each country you selected has 12 to 18 months to examine the mark according to their local laws. If no objections are raised, your trademark is granted protection in that country.
Documents Required Checklist
To start your application, simply provide the following:
| Document Type | Details Needed |
| Base Mark Details | Application Number or Registration Number in India. |
| Applicant Details | Name, Address, and Nationality (Same as Indian application). |
| Trademark Image | High-resolution logo or wordmark (3cm x 3cm to 8cm x 8cm). |
| List of Countries | Selection of countries where protection is required. |
| Power of Attorney | Authorization for Efilingway to act as your representative |
Popular Countries Under the Madrid System (2026)
You can protect your brand in 132 countries, including:
Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Chile.
Europe: UK, European Union (EUIPO), Switzerland, Norway, Turkey.
Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, UAE.
Africa: South Africa, OAPI (17 African countries), Egypt.
Why Choose Efilingway for Global Protection?
Dedicated IP Experts: Our team includes experienced Trademark Attorneys who understand the “first-to-file” vs. “first-to-use” nuances of different global jurisdictions.
Transparent Fee Structure: No hidden costs. We provide a clear breakdown of WIPO fees, individual country fees, and our service charges upfront.
End-to-End Handling: From responding to provisional refusals to managing your renewals, we are your long-term IP partners.
100% Online & Secure: Manage your global portfolio from our secure digital dashboard. 1
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an International Trademark cost?
The cost depends on (a) The number of classes, (b) The number of countries chosen, and (c) WIPO’s basic fee (approx. 653-903 Swiss Francs). We provide a customized quote based on your specific target markets.
2. How long does the process take?
WIPO usually processes applications within 2-4 months, but individual countries can take 12 to 18 months to grant final protection.
3. What is a “Central Attack”?
For the first 5 years, your international registration is dependent on your Indian “Base Mark.” If your Indian trademark is cancelled or refused within these 5 years, the international registration may also be affected. Our experts help you ensure your base mark is strong to avoid this.
Protect Your Brand Worldwide Today
Don’t let copycats steal your brand’s global potential. Start your international trademark journey with Efilingway’s expert guidance.
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!