US Trademarks: Intent to Use
The US trademark system has particular requirements regarding the intention to use trademarks which should be borne in mind by Australian trade mark owners who are hoping to extend their protection to that country. This post looks at a few of the issues that typically arise for Australian trade mark owners (those using the Madrid Protocol in particular).
European Union Members: Community Trademarks
Many countries are members of the European Union, or are signatories to the Madrid Agreement or the Madrid Protocol. This post provides a table which shows the status of each of the countries of the European Union as at 2 May 2010.
The Madrid System: Key Absentees
The Madrid Protocol and Madrid Agreement together cover 84 of the 192 countries that are currently members of the United Nations. Understanding which countries are outside of the Madrid System is an important step to determining your international trademark strategy.
Some Disadvantages of the Madrid System
The Madrid System offers many benefits to those seeking international trademark protection. Nevertheless, there are some traps for the unwary, and it is imperative that these are thoroughly assessed and understood before a Madrid Protocol application is filed.
The Madrid Protocol vs The Madrid Agreement
The Madrid Protocol has fast overtaken the Madrid Agreement in importance for a number of reasons. Since 2008, the differences between the two have become less important, trademark applicants in countries that are party to both the Protocol and the Agreement need to be aware of them.
The Madrid System for International Trademarks
The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks is an essential consideration for anyone who is seeking trademark registration in more than one country. In this post, we examine how it works, and look at a number of the advantages it brings.
Madrid System Members
An important part of your international trademark registration strategy is knowing the countries in which you are likely to need protection. Next, you should see whether those countries are members of the Madrid Protocol or the Madrid Agreement, because these systems provide streamlined (and often more cost effective) methods of obtaining registered rights in other countries.
Financial Assistance – overseas IP filings
The Commonwealth Government’s Export Market Development Grant is an important scheme for Australian businesses who are looking to export their products and services. Under the scheme, a wide range of expenditure is subsidised, including intellectual property expenses.
EU TM Official Fee Reduction
More good news for clients wanting to apply for trademarks and designs in the European Union: a massive reduction in official fees.
Community Trademarks (CTM)
There are two main options for securing trademark protection in Europe, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: (a) Country-by-country registrations, or (b) the “Community Trade Mark” (CTM). This article explains the main differences.