How many and which countries does a worldwide trademark cover?

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Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

There is no such thing as a single worldwide trademark that provides automatic protection everywhere. Trademark rights are granted on a country-by-country basis, and you need to apply for trademark registration in each individual country where you seek protection.

The number of countries where you can obtain trademark protection depends on your business goals, target markets, and available resources. It is up to you to determine the countries in which you want to secure trademark rights based on factors such as where you currently operate, plan to expand, or anticipate potential infringement risks.

There are international treaties and systems, such as the Madrid System administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), that facilitate the filing and management of trademark applications in multiple countries. Through the Madrid System, you can file an international application based on a single primary application or registration in your home country and designate multiple member countries where you seek protection. This streamlines the process, but it still requires examination and approval by each designated country's trademark office.

To achieve comprehensive trademark protection globally, you will need to file applications in the countries where you conduct or plan to conduct business. This approach allows you to secure protection in key markets and jurisdictions relevant to your business activities.

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