📅 2026 Update: Changes in the Madrid Agreement Process

Since the article was written, there have been important updates to the Madrid Agreement process. These changes aim to improve how international trademark applications are filed and processed. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on trademark law and the registration process.

🚀 New Filing System

On October 1, 2026, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) switched to the Madrid e-Filing system for international trademark applications. This change replaces the older Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) and is designed to make filing easier and faster.

Applicants must create a WIPO account to use this new system.

🌍 Expanded Membership

With Grenada and Saudi Arabia joining in January and September 2026, respectively, the Madrid Protocol now includes 116 member countries. This expansion increases the system's reach globally, making it easier for U.S. businesses to protect their trademarks in more countries.

💰 Updated Fees

As of October 2026, the basic fee to file an international trademark application is 653 Swiss francs (CHF) for a black and white mark and 903 CHF for a color mark. Additional fees apply for each country designated and for each class of goods beyond the first three. Some countries also have individual fees.

⏳ Processing Times

The average processing time for new trademark applications is now 4.3 months for the first examining action and 10.4 months for registration or abandonment. The Madrid e-Filing system aims to improve these times by streamlining the filing process.

📌 Key Points

  • 🔄 Transition to the Madrid e-Filing system starts October 1, 2026.
  • 🌏 Madrid Protocol now has 116 member countries.
  • 💸 Basic fees are 653 CHF for black and white and 903 CHF for color marks.
  • ⏱ Average processing times are 4.3 months for the first action.
  • 📑 Applicants need to create a WIPO account for the new filing system.

💡 Tips for Navigating Trademark Registration

Review your situation with an attorney to ensure you understand trademark registration fully.

📝 Use the Madrid e-Filing System

Since the Madrid e-Filing system is now required for international applications, familiarize yourself with how to create a WIPO account. This will help you navigate the international filing process smoothly.

⏰ Be Aware of Deadlines

Respond to any office actions from the USPTO within six months. Missing this deadline could delay your application and affect your trademark protection.

🔍 Conduct Thorough Trademark Searches

Before applying, conduct a comprehensive trademark search. This will help you avoid potential conflicts and ensure your trademark is unique.

🌐 Take Advantage of Free Resources

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free guides and resources to help with the Madrid Protocol process. Utilize these tools to better understand the requirements and steps involved.

📅 Keep Track of Renewals

Remember to renew your international trademarks as needed. In 2025, there were 43,000 renewals, showing the importance of maintaining your trademark rights.

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

This section highlights services that assist with trademark registration. These services can help navigate the complexities of the process outlined in this article. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026.

Ratings can change over time, and it's important to consider both positive and negative reviews.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.6. It is known for its online legal services, including trademark registration assistance. Some users have reported delays and communication issues, which may affect the overall experience.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. The service is recognized for its legal document creation and trademark registration support. However, some users find the subscription model may not suit their needs, making it crucial to assess if it fits your situation.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Both the USPTO and WIPO offer free resources to help with trademark registrations. These include guides, FAQs, and webinars that can assist applicants in understanding the Madrid Protocol process.

🔎 Considerations When Choosing a Trademark Service

  • 📋 Compare fees and services offered by each provider.
  • ⏱ Check processing times to understand how quickly you can expect results.
  • 🌍 Look at the geographical coverage of the service for international applications.
  • 📝 Read user reviews to gauge customer satisfaction and common issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Madrid Protocol?

The Madrid Protocol is an international treaty that allows trademark owners to seek registration in multiple countries through a single application.

❓ How do I respond to an office action from the USPTO?

You must respond within six months from the date the office action is issued. Ensure your response addresses all issues raised by the USPTO.

❓ What fees are associated with the Madrid Protocol?

There are several fees, including a basic fee of 653 CHF for black and white marks and additional fees for each designated country and class of goods.

❓ Can I file a trademark application on paper?

While electronic filing is preferred, you can file on paper using official WIPO forms if necessary. However, this method may lead to processing delays.

❓ How long does it take to process an international trademark application?

As of October 2026, the average wait time for new trademark applications is 4.3 months for the first examining action.

❓ What happens if I miss a deadline set by WIPO?

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

⚖️ Recent Cases in Trademark Law

Recent court rulings have clarified various aspects of trademark law, affecting how trademarks are registered and enforced. These rulings are important for understanding the legal landscape surrounding trademark protection.

Explore more recent rulings in the news section for insights on current trademark law developments. more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






Trademark Registration Licenses



What to Know About The Madrid Agreement

Trademark licenses are used to provide for rights for an interested party in using a particular trademark to distribute, sell, or trade the products, services, or goods associated with that particular mark. A license is generally drafted by the owner of the mark and the interested parties or factions, which essentially acts as a contract. The contract will often contain information such as the owner of the mark, the names and locations of the licensees, the extensions or limitations for use of the mark, as well as any royalties that may be implemented. 

The trademark license is not necessary to be filed or recorded by the International Bureau, but it is strongly recommended so as to provide for a physical record approved by the governing administration of trademark laws. Trademark licenses will often be drafted in the creation of franchises, such as Subway or McDonald's, where the actual store is owned privately, but the owner has a license to use the trademark and its associated products, paying royalties to the owner or corporation with exclusively ownership rights to that mark.

The International Bureau and WIPO are the organizations responsible for the international registration of trademarks. The administrative tasks, as well as the record keeping of international trademarks are the core responsibility delegated to the International Bureau. 

However, they are also responsible in making such records available for public view, so as to make the knowledge of international trademarks available to all that may be interested or have a direct stake in international trademarks, such as owners and relevant contracting parties and affiliates. The International Bureau provides for the Gazette, an publication that contains the annual updates regarding international trademarks, such as newly registered trademarks, renewals cancellations provisional refusal.