📅 2026 Update: Changes in International Trademark Filings

Since the original article was published, several important updates have taken place in the area of international trademark filings through the Madrid System. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has made significant changes that affect how applicants can register trademarks internationally.

The earlier article continues further down this page and provides foundational information on the trademark registration process.

🌍 New Madrid e-Filing System

As of October 1, 2026, the USPTO has transitioned all outbound international trademark filings to the Madrid e-Filing system. This new system aims to make the application process more efficient. Applicants must create a WIPO account to use this system, marking a shift in how U.S. trademark applications are handled internationally.

🏳️‍🌈 Membership Growth

The Madrid System has expanded its membership. As of September 1, 2026, Saudi Arabia joined the system, bringing the total to 116 member countries. This expansion is significant for businesses looking to protect their trademarks across more global markets.

💰 Updated Fees

The fees for international trademark applications have been updated. The basic fee is now 653 Swiss francs (CHF) for a black-and-white mark and 903 CHF for a color mark. Applicants may also incur additional fees, such as a 100 CHF complementary fee for each designated country and a 100 CHF supplementary fee for classes beyond the first three.

⏰ Processing Times

Processing times have also been updated. As of October 1, 2026, the average wait for a first examining action is now 4.3 months, while the overall registration or abandonment period averages 10.4 months. The Madrid e-Filing system is designed to improve efficiency, potentially speeding up these times.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🌐 The Madrid e-Filing system is now mandatory for international applications.
  • 🌍 Membership has increased to 116 countries.
  • 💵 Basic fees are 653 CHF for black-and-white marks and 903 CHF for color.
  • ⏱️ Average processing times are 4.3 months for first actions and 10.4 months for registration.
  • 📅 Timely responses to office actions are crucial for maintaining application status.

💡 Tips for Navigating Trademark Registrations

Review the specifics of your situation with an attorney to ensure compliance with all trademark regulations.

📝 Understand Eligibility Requirements

To apply for international trademark protection, you must be a national of a member country or have a significant business presence there. Ensure you meet these eligibility criteria before proceeding.

💻 Use Online Resources

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free online resources. These include guides and FAQs to help you navigate the Madrid Protocol process effectively.

⏳ Meet Deadlines

Be mindful of deadlines, especially for responding to office actions. You have six months to respond once an office action is issued by the USPTO.

💵 Plan for Fees

Budget for the various fees associated with the Madrid System. The basic and additional fees can add up, especially if you are designating multiple countries.

🔄 Consider Continued Processing

If you miss a deadline, you can request continued processing within two months. This may help you maintain your application status, but it does incur an additional fee of 200 CHF.

🏆 Trademark Registration Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services that assist with trademark registration, particularly through the Madrid System. The ratings are based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. It's important to remember that while star ratings are helpful, unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews, potentially skewing perceptions.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is recognized for providing comprehensive online legal services, including trademark registration assistance. However, some users have reported delays and communication issues, which may affect the overall experience for potential applicants.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a score of 4.5. It is known for its legal document creation and trademark registration support. Be aware that its subscription model may not be the best fit for all users, depending on their specific needs.

🆓 Free Government Resources

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free resources for applicants. The USPTO provides guides and FAQs, while WIPO offers guides, webinars, and a fee calculator to help applicants understand the Madrid System better.

🔎 Considerations for Choosing Trademark Services

  • 💼 Review the service's reputation and ratings.
  • 🕒 Check processing times and efficiency.
  • 💰 Compare fee structures and additional costs.
  • 📚 Look for available resources and support options.
  • 🌍 Ensure the service covers international trademark needs effectively.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark holders to register their marks in multiple countries through a single application. It simplifies the process of obtaining international trademark protection.

📅 How often do I need to renew my international trademark registration?

International trademark registrations must be renewed every 10 years. Keeping track of your renewal dates is crucial to maintaining protection.

🌐 Can I file a trademark application without using the Madrid System?

Yes, you can file a trademark application directly with each country's trademark office without using the Madrid System. However, this may involve more paperwork and higher costs.

📑 What happens if my international trademark application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you will receive an office action explaining the reasons. You can respond to the office action within the specified time frame to address the concerns raised.

💵 Are there any additional fees for designating multiple countries?

Yes, there are additional fees. For each designated member country, a 100 CHF complementary fee is required, along with supplementary fees for classes beyond the first three.

⌛ How long does it take to receive a trademark registration?

As of October 1, 2026, the average processing time for registration is 10.4 months. This can vary based on various factors, including the number of applications being processed.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Trademark Registrations

Recent court rulings have clarified various aspects of trademark law, especially concerning international registrations. These decisions can impact how trademarks are registered and enforced globally.

For more recent rulings, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The Madrid Agreement requires for certain fees to provide for the registration of a trademark at the international level. Fees are also required for renewals, and supplementary fees are imposed regarding the designation of contracting parties, as well as any parties that will be licensed to use that particular mark. 

All fees must accompany their respective applications at the time of submission in order to provide for the proper registration or administrative process to proceed without any lapse of time or incomplete recording of such procedure. Fees are to be paid to the International Bureau, whether the transaction be directly from the applicant or through the domestic Office in which the application is to be initially processed. 

Contracting parties may also collect the required fees, as longs as a notification is made to the Director General. All fees are required to be made in full, and can be made through credit card, cash, or by setting up an account with the International Bureau, which acts similar to a debit account. 

The Madrid Agreement Fees

Under specific provisions provided under the Madrid Agreement, in situations where the payment is incomplete or not made in full, the recording of the actual administrative procedure concerned will be enacted once such payment is fully received; however, the Madrid Agreement allows for expiration dates or allotted periods of time in which the procedure will not be nullified, as long as payment is made in full within that time period. 

In certain cases, an extra fee may be implemented where the original payment was not made in full, and the extra time is undertaken by the holder or owner of the trademark, or its contracting parties. The Madrid Agreement also requires individual fees, which refer to the contracting parties being designated for use with a particular mark.

The individual fee is comprised of two parts, the first being made at the time the international registration application is submitted, and the later part is to be paid during the imposed period decided by the International Bureau. The notification of payment by the contracting parties must contain the number of the international registration in question, the name of the holder or owner of the trademark, and the date of the second payment on which it must be fully paid. If the payment of the second part is in correlation to the number of goods or classes the trademark is associated with, such information must also accompany the payment notification. 

If payment is not made by the effective expiration date by any concerned contracting parties, the international registration will be void in respect to those contracting parties. All payments made to the International Bureau are considered to be made once the Bureau itself receives such payment, and not any organization or Office initially accepting the payment. Fees are subject to change and modification as applied by the International Bureau and the Madrid Agreement, and are also subject to certain procedural or administrative processes and exemptions. 

It is important to note that all payment transactions are to be made in Swiss francs, so the applicable exchange rates will apply, and such changes will be reflected on the imposed fees in accordance with the currency of the country of origin. Currently, a basic registration fee is 653 Swiss francs for a black and white application, and 903 Swiss francs for applications that require a color reproduction of the mark. For countries or nations that qualify for the Least Developed Country considerations provided by the Madrid Agreement provisions, the black and white application is 65 Swiss francs, and 90 Swiss francs for the color application. 

Complementary and supplementary fees are imposed in 100 Swiss francs denominations, and multiplied by the number of applicable designations or classes of goods or services exceeding three. Individual fees are determined by the International Bureau, and are applied in concordance with the Madrid Agreement provisions.