Filing individual applications in chosen countries is a common option used as an alternative to a regional or Madrid system application.
In many cases, countries accord trade mark rights on a "first to file" basis. That is to say, the first person to apply for a registration of a mark is treated preferentially in according the trade mark rights.
Many countries throughout the world do not recognise rights built up through the use of trade marks, hence registration in each country is the preferred, or only means of protection.
Franks & Co have a network of over 250 local trade mark practitioner associates covering all countries of the world, allowing us to handle your trade mark registrations from filing through prosecution and registration, to post registration matters such as payment of renewal fees and monitoring of infringers, and negotiating coexistence agreements.
In the short video below, European Patent and Trade Mark Attorney Dr Robert Franks explains the process of registering international trade marks using the Madrid System.
