What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty administered by WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization). It lets you seek trademark protection in many countries through a single international application. India has been a member since 2013, so Indian businesses can file one application through IP India and choose the countries they want.
Can I file a Madrid application without an Indian trademark?
No. You first need an Indian trademark application or registration for the same mark — the “basic mark”. The international application must be in the same name and cover the same or narrower goods and services. If you don’t have one yet, the Indian application can be filed first and the Madrid application can follow immediately.
How many countries does the Madrid Protocol cover?
As of October 2026 the Madrid System has 117 members covering more than 130 countries. These include the United States, the European Union (all 27 member states through one designation), the United Kingdom, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, China and many more.
How much does a Madrid Protocol application cost?
There are three parts to the official cost: a ₹5,000 handling fee to IP India; a WIPO basic fee of CHF 653 (CHF 903 if the mark is in colour); and a fee for each country you designate — either a CHF 100 complementary fee or an individual fee set by that country. The total depends on the countries and classes you choose. We work on economical, reasonable professional fees and share a transparent quote.
How long does Madrid registration take?
IP India normally certifies and forwards a compliant application to WIPO within about two months. WIPO then registers the mark and notifies each designated country, which has 12 or 18 months to issue a provisional refusal. If no refusal is issued in that window, the mark is protected in that country; many offices confirm protection earlier.
What is “central attack” under the Madrid Protocol?
For five years from the international registration date, the international registration depends on your Indian basic mark. If the Indian mark is refused, withdrawn or cancelled during that period, the international registration is cancelled to the same extent. It can then be converted into national applications in the affected countries within three months, keeping the original filing date.
Can I add more countries later?
Yes. You can extend an existing international registration to more Madrid members at any time through a “subsequent designation” filed with WIPO. Protection in the new countries runs from the date of that designation.
Which countries are not covered by the Madrid Protocol?
Some important markets are not Madrid members, so you must file directly with their national trademark office. Examples include Hong Kong and Macao (not covered by China’s membership), Taiwan, Kuwait, South Africa, Argentina, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria and Peru.
How long is a Madrid international registration valid?
An international registration is valid for 10 years from the international registration date and can be renewed through WIPO for further 10-year periods, with one renewal covering all the designated countries.