How it works
- You need a base application or registration in your home office.
- You file the international application through that office, choosing the countries (“designations”).
- WIPO checks the formalities and sends it to each country, which examines it under its own law and can refuse within its time limit.
- Where it isn’t refused, you are protected as if you had filed nationally.
WIPO fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic fee — mark in black and white | CHF 653 |
| Basic fee — mark in colour | CHF 903 |
| Supplementary fee, per class over three | CHF 100 |
| Each designated country | CHF 100 complementary fee, or that country’s individual fee |
| Renewal basic fee (every 10 years) | CHF 653 |
Applicants from least-developed countries pay 10% of the basic fee. Your home office also charges a handling fee. Use WIPO’s fee calculator for an exact total.
The five-year dependency
For five years the international registration depends on your home mark. If the base is refused or cancelled in that time — for example after an opposition — the whole international registration falls with it (“central attack”). You can transform it into national applications within three months, keeping the date.
When national filings are better
- Your home mark is weak or still pending and might be narrowed.
- You need a country that isn’t a Madrid member.
- You need country-specific wording, local scripts or a local agent from day one.
Check each country guide for its Madrid status.
A typical request on TrademarksHub
Example
“A UK cosmetics brand with a UK registration wants protection in the EU, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and China and asks whether Madrid or national filings are cheaper.”
Illustrative example. On TrademarksHub requests are shown as “Private brand owner”, and only firms that cover the chosen countries can reply.Questions
How much does a Madrid application cost?
The WIPO basic fee is CHF 653 (CHF 903 for a colour mark), plus country fees and your home office’s handling fee. The total depends on the countries and classes.
Is an international trademark valid worldwide?
No. Protection exists only in the countries you designate and that don’t refuse it.
Can I add countries later?
Yes, with a subsequent designation (basic fee CHF 300 plus the country fees).