Application process


The application process for an international trade mark includes filing, registration and renewal. Aamendments and objections may occur along the way.

This page details the application process for an international trade mark through the Madrid Protocol system.  For Australian trade mark registration, see Apply for a trade mark.

Filing

Once you have filled out your application you need to file it with us. You can fax, post or lodge your application in person.

Registration

After your international application is filed with us, it will be checked against your basic trade mark. It will then be certified and sent to the International Bureau (IB). The IB then examines the international application.

If there are irregularities in the application, the IB will notify you or us. If there are no irregularities or they are overcome within the specified time, the IB will record your trade mark on the International Register. The details are published in the IB Gazette.

The IB will then send you a certificate and it will advise the designated countries of your international trade mark registration.

The designated countries then check the international registration in accordance with national legislation and notify the IB of objections (refusal). If this occurs, you will receive a notice.

Once any objections are overcome, the designated country can advertise your international registration for opposition. If opposition is filed, the designated country must notify the IB.

When everything is in order, the designated country gives effect to the international registration as if it were a trade mark registered as a result of Australian application.

Last Updated: 30/8/2011