(Inter)national trademarks

The most common trademark misconception is that registration gives you global protection. It doesn't, and it's important to know how and why you can actually protect your brand from all threats globally.

Below, we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions related to international trademark registration.

Frequently asked questions

Do trademarks apply across countries?
Is it possible to own a trademark in multiple countries?
After filing a trademark in one country, can I file the same trademark in another?
What is the best way to register a trademark in multiple countries?
Is it better to register trademarks in more countries at once or could this be done in a staged way?
If my trademark application is successful in one country, does it mean anything for my registration in another?
If I'm applying for a trademark in several countries, would a refusal in one country have any implications for other trademark applications?
How can I get a global trademark?
In which countries should I register the trademark to sell globally?
Is it mandatory to get my trademark in my domicile first?
I don't have a domicile address in the country where I want to register my trademark. What should I do?
Should I get a trademark when my business expands to a new country?
Can I register a trademark in countries where my business is not active yet?
How should I choose countries to register my trademark in?
I'm running a global SaaS business. Are there any particular countries that I should consider trademarking my brand in, besides my own?
If my wordmark was deemed too descriptive, and for this reason I had to register a logo instead, can I expect the same result in other countries where I wish to file?
What does the Madrid Protocol do?
When should I apply through WIPO's Madrid System?
Do I need a pending trademark application to file through the Madrid System?
Can anyone use the Madrid System to register a trademark internationally?
Is there any drawback to using the Madrid System when registering an international trademark?
I have applied through WIPO, and in some countries, my trademark application was accepted, but in others, I have received refusals. How is this possible, and what can be done about it?
Do I need to get a trademark in China if I export my products from there?
If I register a trademark in the US, can I still sell my products in the UK with the US trademark?
I filed for the US trademark already; which countries should I consider next as a priority?
Our company is incorporated in Japan and applying for a trademark for the US market. Do we need to coordinate our trademark registration in Japan or can we do it independently?
Looking to trademark a media company that posts content digitally - which countries should I register in?
What is the best way to extend our US trademark protection to the rest of the world?
I'm based in Canada, but want to sell my product in Canada, USA, Australia and UK (possibly Europe). Do i need to trademark in each of these countries?
I'm not thinking to launch my business in the US as of now but maybe in the future. Should I still register the trademark there?
I have already got three trademarks for our brand in the UK. What is the best way to expand the brand protection in the US?
If I register for a trademark in the USA, can someone else register the same name in the UK and still distribute the same item as myself?
Is the trademark registration through UKIPO valid in the Netherlands?
Most of my clients are Irish and American, would you recommend the Irish & US or EU & US trademark?
I have a registered LLC in US. Can I apply for trademark in France on my US LLC?
Can I register a trademark in the US and Europe without being a resident in any of them?
I have a trademark registered in Canada and the United States. What is the best way for expanding this protection to the UK and Europe?
Can I register a trademark in the Netherlands only, or do I have to go for the Benelux trademark?

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