In a development that brings the USPTO another step closer to a fully electronic trademark process, the agency now offers electronic forms for submitting Madrid Protocol related documents. The Protocol is a treaty that facilitates the protection of U.S. trademark rights throughout the world. The United States began accepting applications under the Madrid Protocol last November.
Now, a U.S. trademark owner may file a single online application with the USPTO in English, based on an existing U.S. trademark application or registration, pay the fees in U.S. dollars and potentially obtain registration for the mark in any or all of the 65 member countries of the Madrid Protocol. Before the electronic application, trademark owners filed on paper and paid their Protocol related fees to the World Intellectual Property Organization in Swiss francs.
“Increasingly, U.S. trademark holders have interest in protecting their intellectual property globally,” noted Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Jon Dudas. “Electronic filing of Madrid Protocol documents is one more way for American businesses to speed the process of seeking brand protection in foreign markets.”
Today, 73% of all trademark applications are filed electronically. This level of electronic filing, coupled with Madrid filings, furthers the agency’s commitment to a fully electronic trademark operation.
Forms for submitting Madrid Protocol related documents are available at TEASi.
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