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Hawksford can assist businesses starting up with the trademarking of a business name, slogan and logo.
Registration of trademarks in multiple jurisdictions around the world may be done via The Madrid Protocol – an international system for obtaining trade mark protection for a number of countries and/or regions using a single application. Madrid Protocol permits the filing, registration and maintenance of trade mark rights in more than one jurisdiction on a global basis.
Currently there are more than 85 countries that have become members of the Madrid Protocol. Singapore joined the Madrid Protocol in 2000. The Madrid Protocol is administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
This guide provides information on how to register a trademark worldwide under Madrid Protocol by filing the application through Singapore trademark office.
Applications for international registration of a trademark may be filed only by natural persons or legal entities within a country that is party to the Madrid Protocol (e.g. Singapore).
You can submit a single international trademark registration application and list the countries in which you are seeking protection for the trademark. There is no limit on the number of countries applied for so long as they are all members of the Protocol. However, keep in mind that a separate fee is applicable for each country; and the costs can add up quickly.
An international application will be presented to the WIPO International Bureau through the Office of Origin, and must contain at least:
An international trademark registration is valid for 10 years (same as the domestic registration in Singapore). It may be renewed for further periods of 10 years by paying the prescribed fees to WIPO via the country of origin. Note that for the first five years, the international registration remains dependent on the validity of the mark registered or applied for in the country of origin.
Since Singapore is a member under the Madrid Protocol, an application for the worldwide trademark registration may be filed with the Singapore trademark office. Before making such an application:
An international application is treated much in the same manner as Singapore domestic applications, and is therefore published in the Trade Marks Journal for opposition purposes before protection is granted. They are published in a separate section of the Trade Marks Journal entitled “International Registrations filed under the Madrid Protocol Published for Opposition Purposes under the Trade Marks Act (Cap. 332, 1999 Ed.)”. Unlike Singapore domestic applications, they are published according to the international registration number instead of the class of goods or services.
Once the trademark has been registered or applied for in Singapore, the basic steps for registration of the trademark in other member countries under the Madrid Protocol is as below:
Trademark registration paperwork, as well as the process, is usually quite complex and you are well-advised to utilize the services of a professional firm for this purpose. You will significantly increase your chances of successfully registering your trademark as well as save a lot of personal time and effort. Knowledge and prior experience is the key.
Hawksford can assist businesses starting up with the trademarking of a business name, slogan and logo.
As your firm grows, Hawksford can provide assistance for your start-up or business's legal, marketing, operational, financial and project management needs.
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