Madrid Mash-Up: In-House Share International TM Filing Tips

To create a diverse intellectual property (IP) portfolio, many companies look to file in a wide variety of jurisdictions, which can often be a costly process. IP lawyers often use  the Madrid Protocol to reduce costs. The protocol allows organizations to file one application and pay one set of fees to receive trademark  protection in up to 126 countries. 

Managing Intellectual Property interviewed Finnegan partner Brett Heavner to discuss the Madrid Protocol. Brett explained that when companies use their Madrid filings for their U.S. trademark registrations, they often have narrower descriptions than if they had filed directly at the foreign offices. Many foreign offices would allow for broader coverage in the description, thus providing the company with better protection.

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