The Madrid Protocol - big savings for some trademark owners?

Beginning in November 2003, the U.S. became a Madrid Protocol member, allowing U.S. trademark owners to file foreign trademark applications directly through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Madrid Protocol system offers substantial cost savings for new applications, renewals, assignments and recording security interests. But foreign trademark applications filed under the Madrid Protocol are subject to a variety of restrictions which for some clients and marks make the system ill-advised. We can help you quantify the potential cost savings and assess whether the Madrid Protocol's limitations are too restrictive.