Is it possible to register a brand internationally?
February 1, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hausdorf
Dear Trademark Attorney,
My name is Artur Herrmann and I have a question regarding the international registration of a trademark. I am the owner of a small business that is successfully operating in the field of jewelry manufacturing in Germany. We have developed a unique brand that we would like to protect internationally.
Currently, our trademark is only registered in Germany and we would like to protect it in other countries such as the USA, the UK, or China. However, I am unsure if this is even possible and how complex the process of international trademark registration is.
My concern is that without international protection of our brand, we may be at risk of being copied by competitors abroad. Therefore, it is very important for us to know if and how international trademark registration is possible and what steps we need to take.
Can you please provide me with information on how we can protect our brand internationally and what costs and legal aspects need to be considered? Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Artur Herrmann
Dear Mr. Herrmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the international registration of your brand. It is understandable that as the owner of a successful jewelry manufacturing business, you are interested in protecting your brand internationally to minimize risks of imitation by competitors abroad.
The international registration of a brand is generally possible and facilitated by the so-called Madrid System. The Madrid System is an international agreement that allows a brand to be protected in multiple countries through a single application with the Intellectual Property Office in your home country. This process is managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
To register your brand internationally, you must first check if the countries where you wish to seek protection are also parties to the Madrid System. Most industrialized countries have joined the agreement, including the USA, UK, and China. You can then apply for an international registration and specify the countries where you wish to protect your brand.
The costs for the international registration of a brand depend on various factors, such as the number of countries where you are seeking protection and the nature of your brand. It is advisable to seek advice from a specialized trademark lawyer to clarify the exact costs and legal aspects of the process.
It is important to note that while international trademark registration facilitates the protection of your brand in different countries, it also comes with certain obligations. You must actively protect your brand and take action against possible infringements to maintain the protection.
I hope this information is helpful and answers your question regarding the international registration of your brand. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, I am happy to help.
Sincerely,
Ingo Hausdorf, Trademark Lawyer
