📅 2026 Update: Key Changes in International Trademark Filing

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates to the international trademark filing process. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has transitioned to the Madrid e-Filing system, enhancing the way applicants submit their applications.

This update aims to make the process smoother and more efficient for those looking to protect their trademarks internationally.

The earlier article continues further down the page, providing essential information about trademark registration and protection. Below, you will find the most important changes that impact this process.

🗂️ Transition to the Madrid e-Filing System

As of October 1, 2026, the USPTO requires all international trademark applications to be submitted through the Madrid e-Filing system. This change simplifies the application process for U.S. applicants. To use this system, applicants must create a WIPO account.

💰 Updated Fees and Costs

The fees for filing an international trademark application 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. Additional fees apply for each designated member country and for extra classes of goods and services.

⏳ Processing Times

Average processing times for new trademark applications have been updated. As of October 1, 2026, the wait for the first examining action is approximately 4.3 months, while the time until registration or abandonment is about 10.4 months. The Madrid e-Filing system is designed to improve efficiency and potentially reduce these times.

🌍 Global Membership Expansion

The Madrid System has grown with new members. As of January 12, 2026, Grenada joined, and Saudi Arabia followed on September 1, 2026. This brings the total number of member countries to 116, expanding the system's global reach.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • The Madrid e-Filing system is now mandatory for international trademark applications from the U.S.
  • Basic fees for applications have changed to 653 CHF for black and white marks and 903 CHF for color marks.
  • Average processing times are 4.3 months for the first action and 10.4 months for registration.
  • The Madrid System now has 116 member countries, including new additions like Grenada and Saudi Arabia.

💡 Tips for Navigating Trademark Registration

Review the specifics of your trademark situation with an attorney to ensure you understand all requirements and implications.

📝 Understand the New Filing Process

Get familiar with the Madrid e-Filing system. This system streamlines the international application process and requires a WIPO account for access.

💵 Budget for Fees

Be prepared for the updated fees. The basic fee is 653 CHF for black and white marks, with additional costs for designated countries and extra classes of goods.

📆 Keep Track of Deadlines

Respond to any office actions from the USPTO within six months. Missing these deadlines could delay your application significantly.

🌐 Utilize Free Resources

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free resources to assist in the trademark application process. Take advantage of guides, FAQs, and webinars available online.

🔄 Consider Renewals

Be aware of the importance of renewing your trademark. In 2025, there were 43,000 renewals of international trademark registrations, highlighting their necessity for maintaining protection.

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

This section lists services that assist with trademark registration, focusing on their ratings and customer feedback. The order follows Trustpilot data from October 2026, and scores may vary over time. Remember that star ratings reflect user experiences but may not capture every aspect of a service.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. The service is known for its legal document creation and trademark registration support. Reviewers appreciate its user-friendly platform, but some note that the subscription model may not fit everyone's needs.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. This service is recognized for its online legal services, including trademark registration assistance. While many users find it beneficial, some report delays and communication issues that could affect the overall experience.

🆓 Free USPTO and WIPO Resources

Both the USPTO and WIPO provide free resources for trademark applicants. These include guides, FAQs, and webinars designed to help users navigate the complexities of the Madrid System and the trademark application process.

🔎 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service

  • ⭐ Star ratings and review counts
  • 💬 Customer feedback on service quality
  • 💰 Pricing structures and potential hidden fees
  • 📞 Availability of customer support
  • 🛠️ Range of services offered related to trademark registration

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Madrid e-Filing system?

The Madrid e-Filing system is a platform that allows applicants to file international trademark applications electronically. It aims to simplify the application process and is mandatory for U.S. applicants as of October 1, 2026.

📅 How long does it take to process a trademark application?

As of October 1, 2026, the average processing time for a first examining action is about 4.3 months, while the total time for registration or abandonment is approximately 10.4 months.

🌍 How many countries are part of the Madrid System?

As of January 12, 2026, the Madrid System includes 116 member countries, offering a wide reach for trademark protection.

💵 What are the current fees for filing an international trademark?

The basic fee is 653 Swiss francs for a black and white mark and 903 Swiss francs for a color mark. Additional fees apply for each designated member country and for extra classes.

📈 How can I ensure my trademark is protected internationally?

To protect your trademark internationally, you must file an application through the Madrid System and maintain compliance with renewal requirements. Utilize available resources from the USPTO and WIPO for guidance.

🕒 What happens if I miss a deadline?

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

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Trademark Registration

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of trademark registration and protection. These rulings highlight the importance of understanding trademark rights and procedures.

For more information on recent rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Through the United States trademark law system, a particular trademark may be perpetually endless, as long as it is renewed every ten years. A similar approach is available in the Madrid Agreement, where an international trademark registration must be renewed in order to continue its use and international recognition in terms of rights and protection. Renewal of the registration is required every ten years from the original date that the registration was issued. 

An advantage provided by the Madrid Agreement is that the owner of the mark does not need to file a renewal for every country that the mark is internationally registered for protection; a single renewal application may be filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization, or WIPO, which would consider the renewal to apply for all countries and nations the mark is recognized in, unless otherwise specified.

The international registration renewal is considered to be complete once the necessary fees are paid in full, which may include the basic fee, as well as supplementary and individual fees for the involved Contracting Parties. A Contracting Party must not be found to have any prior notice of refusal or invalidation in order to be considered for the license renewal, whether it be for the mark itself, or the goods or services related to that mark. A renewal application may be filed, and will still be upheld as long as the payment of fees is completed by the end of the sixth month that the application was filed, and any necessary surcharges are paid.

The Renewal of the Madrid Agreement

Certain specific situations may arise regarding the renewal of an international registration, simply because they are more complex than domestic registrations, and offer more options regarding terms of protection. In the case that the holder or owner of a mark may wish to renew the international registration of a trademark, but limiting it to only certain Contracting Parties, the application for renewal and fees must also be accompanied by a statement regarding the renewal to certain parties, but not others, and a formal request to not record those parties in the register as having a renewed registration. 

A similar situation may be applied to the renewal of only certain types of goods or services related to that specific trademark; the applications and fees must also be submitted along with a statement signaling which goods or services are to be considered for renewal, and which ones are to be excluded. Renewal of registration may be refused under the Madrid Agreement if the Contracting Parties have a prior invalidation recorded, whether it be for the goods or services, or because of an existing notice of provisional refusal. 

A renewal may also be discarded if the necessary fees are not paid in full. In such a case, if at the time the application is submitted the imposed fees are not paid, or not paid in full, the International Bureau will notify the owner or holder of the mark, as well as any contracting parties and representatives, if any. The renewal fees have a period of six months to be paid in full; if the payment is received after the expiration date, the renewal will not be recorded. The Madrid Agreement further gives flexibility for payment of fees by only requiring at least 70% of the total fees to be received in the six month allotment period; three more months are provided to complete payment of the imposed fees effective from the date of notification of the missing fees.

The Madrid Agreement provides those with international copyright registrations ample time to complete the fee payments, while also allowing for flexibility in order for those marks to be renewed. Furthermore, the Madrid Agreement offers the convenience for a one-time renewal process rather than having to provide for a separate renewal application process for each of the nations or countries the mark is to be recognized in. The renewal process under the Madrid Agreement allows for the owner of the mark to renew the international registration in one shot, killing multiple birds with one stone, so to speak.