Indian trademark registration gives you brand protection within India only. The moment you start exporting products, operating in foreign markets, or building an international brand, you need trademark protection in those countries too. The Madrid Protocol is the most cost-effective way for Indian businesses to achieve international trademark protection.

What Is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol (administered by WIPO — World Intellectual Property Organisation) allows trademark owners to file a single international application, designating multiple member countries, through their home country's trademark office. India is a member of the Madrid Protocol since 2013.

Instead of filing separate applications in 10 countries (10 different processes, 10 different attorneys, 10 different fee payments), you file one international application through IP India in Delhi, and WIPO handles distribution to all designated countries.

How It Works

  1. You must have a base Indian application or registration — your Indian trademark is the foundation for the international filing
  2. File Form MM2 through IP India (online at ipindia.gov.in)
  3. Designate countries — select which of the 130+ member countries you want protection in
  4. WIPO assigns an international registration number and notifies each designated country
  5. Each country's trademark office then examines the application under its own laws
  6. If accepted, you receive trademark protection in that country under your international registration

Key Countries Covered by Madrid Protocol

The Madrid Protocol covers most major global markets including:

  • Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia
  • Europe: EU (covers all 27 EU member states in one designation), UK, Germany, France
  • Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico
  • Others: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia

Cost of International Trademark Registration

Fees consist of: a basic WIPO fee + individual fees per designated country (each country has its own fee level). As a rough guide:

MarketsApproximate Total Cost
India only (base application)₹4,500–₹9,000 per class
India + USA + UK + EUUSD 2,000–3,500 total
India + 10 countriesUSD 3,000–8,000 total
India + 20 countriesUSD 5,000–15,000 total

WIPO fee calculator available at wipo.int/madrid. Exact costs depend on countries selected, classes, and mark type.

When Should Indian Businesses File Internationally?

  • Before entering any export market — even if you are not yet exporting, file in your target markets before products launch there
  • If you sell on Amazon.com, eBay, Etsy or other global platforms — you are effectively in those markets already
  • When investors or partners require it — international trademark registration is often required for PE/VC funding rounds
  • If your brand is phonetically similar to a common word in a target language — you may face objections; file early to assess registrability
Key Advantage of Madrid Protocol

One registration to manage globally. If you change your mark or renew, you update one international registration — not 10 separate national registrations. This saves significant administrative cost over time.