📅 2026 Update: Changes in International Trademark Filings

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates regarding international trademark registrations. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is transitioning to a new filing system, which will affect how applicants submit their international trademark applications.

The previous information still applies, and readers can find it further down this page.

🌍 Transition to Madrid e-Filing System

As of October 1, 2026, the USPTO will exclusively use the Madrid e-Filing system for initial international trademark applications. This new system is designed to make the filing process more efficient. To use it, applicants need to create a WIPO account.

📈 Processing Times Improvement

The average processing times for trademark applications have changed. As of October 1, 2026, applicants can expect the first examining action in about 4.3 months. The overall time for registration or abandonment is now around 10.4 months.

These improvements are part of the effort to streamline the trademark registration process.

💰 Updated Fees and Costs

Current fees for filing international trademark applications have been established. A basic fee is 653 Swiss francs (CHF) for black-and-white marks and 903 CHF for color marks. Additionally, there are complementary fees of 100 CHF for each designated member country and supplementary fees for additional classes beyond the first three.

🌐 Increased Membership

As of January 12, 2026, the Madrid System now includes 116 member countries. Recent additions include Grenada and Saudi Arabia. This expansion enhances the global reach of trademark protections available through the Madrid Protocol.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • The USPTO will switch to the Madrid e-Filing system starting October 1, 2026.
  • Average processing times for applications are now 4.3 and 10.4 months.
  • Basic fees for international applications are 653 CHF for black-and-white marks.
  • The Madrid System has 116 member countries, including new additions.
  • Applicants must create a WIPO account to use the new system.

💡 Tips for Trademark Registration

Review the details of your situation with your attorney to ensure you follow the correct procedures.

📑 Understand Filing Requirements

Ensure you have a national application or registration in your home country. This is necessary to file an international trademark application through the Madrid Protocol.

⏳ Meet Deadlines

Be aware of deadlines set by the USPTO and WIPO. For instance, you must respond to office actions within six months of receipt. Missing deadlines can lead to complications in your application process.

📊 Use Available Resources

Take advantage of free resources provided by the USPTO and WIPO. These organizations offer guides, FAQs, and webinars to assist applicants with the Madrid Protocol.

💵 Budget for Fees

Plan for the fees associated with international trademark applications. Remember that the basic fee, complementary fees, and potential individual fees can add up, depending on the countries involved.

📝 Prepare for Renewals

Keep track of renewal dates for your international trademarks. In 2025, there were 43,000 renewals, showing the importance of maintaining protections.

🏆 Top Services for Trademark Registration Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services that assist with trademark registration, based on user reviews and ratings. The information reflects Trustpilot scores checked in October 2026. Remember that star ratings are just a single aspect, as unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews, which can skew perceptions.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of **4.6. It is known for offering online legal services, including trademark registration assistance. Reviewers mention that while many find its services helpful, some users have reported delays and communication issues.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a Trustpilot score of **4.5. It specializes in legal document creation and provides trademark registration support. However, some users note that its subscription model may not fit everyone's needs, which can be a consideration for potential users.

🆓 Free Government Resources

The USPTO and WIPO provide free resources to help applicants navigate the Madrid Protocol process. These include guides, FAQs, and webinars, making it easier for individuals to understand their options without incurring costs.

🔎 Key Comparison Points

  • Check the Trustpilot score for user satisfaction.
  • Look into the types of services offered for trademark registration.
  • Review any caveats or common complaints from users.
  • Consider the cost structure and whether it fits your budget.
  • Investigate the availability of customer support and resources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to register their marks in multiple countries by filing a single application through the Madrid System.

🕒 How long does the trademark registration process take?

As of October 1, 2026, the average processing time for an initial trademark application is about 4.3 months for the first examining action and 10.4 months for registration or abandonment.

💵 What are the costs associated with filing an international trademark?

Filing fees include a basic fee of 653 CHF for black-and-white marks and 903 CHF for color marks, along with additional fees for designated countries and classes.

🌍 Can I file for international trademarks without a U.S. registration?

No, applicants must have a national application or registration in their home country as the basis for their international application under the Madrid Protocol.

📅 What happens if I miss a filing deadline?

If you miss a deadline set by WIPO, you can request continued processing within two months of the deadline's expiration for a fee of 200 CHF.

🔍 Where can I find help with trademark applications?

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free resources, including guides and webinars, to help applicants understand the trademark application process.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Trademark Registration

Recent court rulings reflect ongoing developments in trademark law and its enforcement, which directly impact the registration and protection of trademarks.

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

End of October 2026 Update





Under the Madrid Agreement, international registration is to be granted if the trademark registration application is appropriately and completely filled out, providing for all the necessary information, as well as any other requirements that may be asked by the Trademark Office of the mark's origin, or of the International Register Office. 

The International Bureau will ultimately decide whether or not the application is filed under the compliant provisions, and if it is deemed as such, the mark will be registered in the International Register. After the trademark registration is complete, the International Bureau will notify the domestic Office, as well as the applicant for international trademark registration and any contracting parties involved. The trademark registration will contain the following information, indicating proper registration and application approval:

         All of the pertinent data as found in the international trademark application, with the exception of a priority claim

The Madrid Agreement International Registration

    This exception pertains to any priority claim filed more that six months than the date of international registration.

         The date that international registration occurred under the Madrid Agreement.

         The international trademark registration number under the Madrid Agreement.

         The mark's classification according the the International Classification of Figurative Elements.

    The exception occurs when the applicant declares that the mark being registered is to be considered in standard characters, in which case, the International Bureau will determine the equivalent characters as found in the Classification system.

         The contracting party's classification in accordance to the Madrid Agreement or Madrid Protocol

         In regards to a prior mark as used by an organization, and seniority is claimed under said mark, the date of which the earlier mark was registered and the international trademark registration number will also be included on the trademark registration.

Under certain circumstances, there may be discrepancies regarding the actual date of the international trademark registration. These situations will usually arise from the trademark registration application being filed incomplete or not containing pertinent information that would ultimately deviate and slow down the registration process. 

The most common occurrences could be that the application does not have the mark's owner's name or address, or any other way of contacting the individual or corporation filing for the registration; the application does not appropriately assign the names of the contracting parties, after declaring such an incorporation for registration; the reproduction of the actual mark in question is not provided on the application; or the classification of what products or goods the mark being registered is associated it with. 

If classification of goods for the mark is missing, the International Bureau will provide the date of registration in concurrence with the date that the missing information is finally supplied. An incomplete application for international trademark registration will have the span of a two-month period to provide for the missing information. In the case that the missing information is in regards to any other factor but the classification of goods, it shall be registered under the date that the incomplete trademark registration form was received by the domestic Office.