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An Indian trademark only protects your brand within India. When you expand overseas, you need International Trademark Registration to secure your brand globally. This process gives you exclusive rights to use your trademark (name, logo, slogan) in multiple countries through a single application.
With online sales and digital presence, your business is already visible worldwide. International registration prevents others from copying your brand in foreign markets and safeguards your expansion plans.
International trademark registration is not just for large corporations. Any business selling online or planning global expansion needs this protection to prevent "trademark squatting" and secure future growth.
To file for international trademark protection from India, you must meet at least ONE of these criteria:
Any individual holding Indian citizenship can apply.
Must have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in India (factory, office, or main place of business).
India must be your permanent home where you intend to return (legal domicile).
Before using the Madrid System, you must have these foundations ready:
You must have either:
Your international application will be linked to this "basic mark." Details must match exactly.
The Indian Trademark Office acts as your "Office of Origin." You must have a genuine connection to India as per eligibility criteria.
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian TM Application/Registration Copy | Proof of basic mark | Must show application number and details |
| Identity & Address Proof | Verify applicant identity | PAN, Aadhaar, or company incorporation certificate |
| Power of Attorney (Form TM-48) | Authorize trademark attorney | Required if using professional services |
| Digital Logo Image | For device marks | High-quality image in specified format |
| MM2(E) Form | Main application form | Filled accurately with country designations |
Note: The Madrid System requires minimal paperwork compared to individual country filings. The focus is on accurate form completion rather than document collection.
Use WIPO's Global Brand Database to check if similar marks exist in target countries. This prevents rejection and saves costs.
Submit Form MM2(E) to Indian Trademark Office with:
• Applicant details
• Basic mark information
• List of designated countries
• Payment of handling fee
Indian office compares international application with basic mark. If matches, certifies and forwards to WIPO.
WIPO checks formalities, classification, and fees. If approved, records in International Register and publishes in WIPO Gazette.
Each designated country examines under local laws (12-18 month deadline). May issue "provisional refusal" requiring local response.
If no refusal within deadline, trademark considered protected. WIPO records grant and notifies applicant.
The Madrid System is a centralized trademark registration system managed by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization). It allows filing one application in one language to protect your trademark in 120+ member countries.
India joined Madrid Protocol on July 8, 2013. This gives Indian businesses:
Member Countries
Single Application
Years Validity
| Method | 5 Countries Cost | Time Required | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old System (Individual Filings) | ₹5-8 lakhs | 6-12 months per country | High (different lawyers, languages, forms) |
| Madrid System | ₹1.5-2.5 lakhs | 12-18 months for all | Low (single application, English, centralized) |
Amount: ~₹5,000
Purpose: Handling fee for verifying and forwarding application to WIPO
| Fee Component | Payable To | Approx. Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handling Fee | Indian TM Office | ₹5,000 | One-time processing fee |
| Basic Fee (Black & White) | WIPO | 653 CHF (₹61,000) | Standard base fee |
| Basic Fee (Color) | WIPO | 903 CHF (₹84,000) | If trademark includes colors |
| Country Designation Fee | WIPO | 100 CHF/country (₹9,300) | Per member country |
| Individual Country Fee | WIPO | Varies | Higher for USA, EU, Japan |
| Supplementary Fee | WIPO | 100 CHF/class | For classes beyond first three |
| Professional Fees | Trademark Attorney | Varies | For search, filing, and guidance |
Number of Countries
More countries = Higher cost
Number of Classes
More classes = Higher supplementary fees
Color vs B&W
Color trademarks cost ~40% more
Use WIPO's online Fee Calculator for exact estimates before applying.
Duration: 10 years from registration date
Coverage: All designated countries that granted protection
Status: Centralized management through WIPO
Frequency: Every 10 years (indefinitely renewable)
Procedure: Single renewal request to WIPO for all countries
Notification: WIPO sends reminder 6 months before expiry
Fee: Single renewal fee paid to WIPO
WIPO sends renewal reminder
File single renewal with WIPO portal
Single payment covering all countries
WIPO updates International Register for next 10 years
Mistake: Choosing descriptive/generic marks (e.g., "Sweet Chocolate" for chocolates)
Solution: Select unique, distinctive names/logos that are easily registrable.
Mistake: Not using WIPO Global Brand Database to check existing marks
Solution: Always conduct thorough search before applying to avoid rejection and fee loss.
Mistake: Wrong Nice Classification of goods/services (45 classes total)
Solution: Seek professional help for accurate classification to prevent rejection.
Mistake: Spelling mistakes, wrong addresses, mismatched details
Solution: Double-check all information before submission. Professional filing recommended.
While the Madrid System simplifies the process, professional guidance from a trademark attorney ensures accurate filing, proper classification, and response to country-specific objections, maximizing success rates.
Connect with Compliance 360 and let our experts handle the legal hassle while you grow your business.
Lets ConnectWe're Here To Help You
We help you plan international protection by selecting the right countries and classes based on your business goals.
Our team performs thorough global trademark searches to reduce conflict risk before filing abroad.
We guide you in choosing proper trademark classes and jurisdictions to ensure wider and safer coverage.
We handle Madrid Protocol filings and coordinate properly with Indian and international trademark authorities.
From application filing to renewals and updates, we manage the full lifecycle of your international trademark.
We ensure your international application correctly matches your Indian base mark to avoid objections and delays.
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