Can I register a brand on an international level?
November 18, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Carsten Schlüter
Dear lawyer,
My name is Jürgen Schulz and I am the owner of a successful company that distributes its products internationally. Lately, I have noticed an increase in other companies abroad using my brand name, leading to confusion and potential harm to my reputation.
I am wondering if it is possible to register my brand internationally in order to strengthen my brand protection and safeguard my intellectual property worldwide. I am concerned that the use of my brand name by third parties in other countries could devalue my brand and result in revenue losses.
Could you please provide me with information on how I can register my brand internationally and what steps I need to take? Are there any specific legal requirements or restrictions that I should be aware of?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Schulz
Dear Mr. Schulz,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the protection of your brand on an international level. It is indeed possible to register your brand internationally in order to strengthen your brand protection and protect your intellectual property worldwide. Through an international trademark registration, you can prevent third parties from using your brand name in other countries and thus maintain the value of your brand.
International trademark protection can be achieved through various agreements and conventions. A common instrument for this is the so-called Madrid System, which is governed by the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. This system allows you to register your brand in different countries through a central application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
To register your brand internationally, you must first determine in which countries you wish to seek protection for your brand. You can then apply for an international registration with WIPO. It is important that your brand is already registered nationally or that you file an application for your brand in your home country.
There are certain legal requirements and restrictions to be considered in international trademark registration. You should ensure that your brand does not pose a risk of confusion with existing brands in the respective countries. Additionally, you must carefully choose the classification of your goods and services to define the scope of protection for your brand.
It is advisable to seek advice from a specialized trademark attorney to ensure that your brand is optimally protected. An experienced attorney can assist you in registering your brand internationally and help you comply with legal requirements.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have. Thank you for your trust.
Sincerely,
Carsten Schlüter
