Registering an international trademark is an important step that helps individuals and businesses protect their brand when expanding into foreign markets. However, for those who have never filed legal documents or are unfamiliar with the process of working with government agencies, researching, preparing documents, or choosing the appropriate registration form can be confusing.
The following article provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand guidance that adheres to current regulations to help you understand how to register an international trademark, including the form, documentation, costs, timeframe, and support services from FundGo Law.
1. What is international trademark registration?
Register an international trademark This involves the owner filing an application for trademark protection in one or more countries other than Vietnam. The goal is to ensure that your brand is protected by the laws of the host country, preventing it from being copied, misappropriated, or disputed.
Currently, there are three main forms To register your trademark abroad:
- Registering an international trademark directly in each country
- Registering an international trademark under the Madrid System
- Registering a trademark internationally by territory
See more: What does the trademark registration process in Vietnam involve?
2. Register directly in each country
This is a form of individual filing with the intellectual property office of each country. The applicant has full authority to customize the application according to the laws of each market and is not dependent on the original application in Vietnam. This form is suitable when:
- You only need to register in 1–2 specific countries.
- You want to control each market according to your business strategy.
- Water requires registration not part of the Madrid System.
Limitations: Since each country applies a different process and fee, the total cost and processing time will increase significantly.
The documents required for direct international trademark registration in each country usually include:
- Trademark sample to be registered.
- List of products/services according to the Nice Classification.
- Legal documents of the applicant.
- Documents requesting priority rights (if any).
- Power of attorney if submitted through a representative organization.
- Translation according to each country's requirements (if any).
- Some countries require additional documentation regarding trademark use.
3. Registering an international trademark under the Madrid System
Register under the Madrid System administered by WIPO. This is an international registration mechanism that allows a single application to be filed to seek protection in multiple member countries. The Madrid System currently has over 130 participating countries through two treaties: the Madrid Protocol and the Madrid Agreement. Vietnam is a member of both, so businesses can file an application with the Intellectual Property Office to be forwarded to WIPO and the designated countries.
This method saves costs, is easier to manage, and is more convenient when registering in 3–5 or more countries. However, the Madrid application depends on the original Vietnamese application for the first 5 years, and some countries may still require a more in-depth content examination.
The documents required for direct international trademark registration in each country usually include:
- MM2 Form (WIPO form).
- Trademark sample to be registered
- Product/service catalog.
- Documentation proving that an application has been filed/a protection certificate has been granted in Vietnam.
- Power of attorney (if registering through a representative).
- Copy of fee documents.
FundGo Law will assist in preparing all documents according to WIPO standards, minimizing errors.
4. Registering an international trademark by territory
Registering an international trademark by territory is a form of business. submit an application directly to the intellectual property office of a region There is a centralized protection mechanism. A single application can provide protection in multiple countries within the same bloc, depending on the regulations of each system.
Some common territorial registration systems:
- European Union (EU – EUTM): The application is filed with the EUIPO. Once accepted, the trademark is protected in all 27 EU member states.
- Benelux (Belgium – Netherlands – Luxembourg): Register at BOIP. A single application is valid for all three Benelux countries.
- African System (OAPI and ARIPO): OAPI: Applications are protected simultaneously in 17 member countries; ARIPO: Businesses can select individual countries within the bloc to request protection.
5. International trademark registration process
The process varies between countries, but generally includes:
Step 1: Check registration eligibility
- Conduct preliminary and in-depth searches in the countries where registration is intended.
- Identify the risk of rejection to have a plan to amend the trademark in a timely manner.
Step 2: Prepare the documents
- Prepare the application according to the form required by each country or according to the WIPO form.
- Organize the appropriate product/service catalog.
- Review the legal and technical aspects of the trademark.
Step 3: Submit the application
- For Madrid: submit via the Vietnam Intellectual Property Office → WIPO → designated country.
- For each country: submit directly or through a representative.
- For the territory: submit through the Intellectual Property Office of the territory.
Step 4: Form review
Intellectual property agency inspection:
- Trademark sample, product/service catalog.
- The validity and completeness of the documents.
Step 5: Content review
Reviewing agency:
- Is the trademark identical or similar to a prior trademark?.
- Whether there is a violation of the host country's protection regulations.
If there is a refusal or request for modification, FundGo Law will provide support in complying with the regulations of each country.
Step 6: Granting of protection certificates
If approved, the intellectual property agency will issue:
- National trademark registration certificate.
- International trademark registration under the Madrid System.
6. International trademark registration fees
The cost of registering an international trademark depends on:
- Form of registration (direct, Madrid, or territorial).
- Number of countries requiring protection.
- Number of product/service groups.
- Attorney/representative fees (in each country).
FundGo Law will provide a detailed quote based on your actual needs, with no additional charges beyond the agreed scope.
7. Registration period and term of protection
Time for registering an international trademark:
- Madrid System: commonly from 12–18 months, depending on the country's designation.
- Direct registration: ranges from 6–24 months depending on the process in each country.
Term of trademark protection:
- Most countries: 10 years from the date of application.
- It is possible continuous renewal every 10 years without limiting the number of times.
FundGo Law will assist in monitoring and reminding you of renewals to avoid expiration.
Why choose FundGo Law?
Full-service – professional – legally compliant
FundGo Law provides comprehensive solutions for clients seeking to register international trademarks, including:
- Advise on the appropriate registration method for each business objective.
- In-depth searches at WIPO and in individual countries.
- Prepare all documents in accordance with the correct forms and WIPO standards.
- The representative submits the application and monitors the entire process.
- Support responding to official letters and handling rejections when requested.
- Monitor expiration dates and remind about certificate renewals.
Benefits customers receive
- Save time and costs, minimize errors in documentation.
Avoid the risk of rejection due to non-compliance with each country's regulations.
Eliminate all legal procedures – you just need to provide the information, FundGo Law will handle the rest.
If you are expanding your operations into foreign markets, don't let legal risks slow down your strategy.
Contact FundGo Law for detailed, free consultation on the most suitable, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient international trademark registration options for your business.
We provide comprehensive support from research, document preparation, application submission, follow-up, to certificate receipt. You focus on your business, FundGo Law handles all legal procedures.
