Currently, there are several international systems for registering trademarks. Each system has its pluses/minuses and can be suitable for some specific cases and situations.
National System
If you are planning to operate in 1-3 foreign countries, this option will be just perfect for you. The procedure shall be executed in the national office of every jurisdiction in accordance with its regulations and laws. The advantages of this method are obvious:
· the opportunity to refuse from preliminary registering in the native country;
· you can choose any country at your discretion.
However, there are lots of minuses here:
· high cost – the state duties hall be paid several times;
· the language barrier since the records management shall be executed in the language of the country of registration;
· mandatory application to patent agents;
· different terms for considering applications.
Moreover, entrepreneurs will have to prepare applications and sets of documents more than just once.
European System
This system becomes of less demand every year since it provides protection only within the European countries. The procedure itself is identical to that of the national system with its positive and negative aspects.
Madrid System
This system covers more than 120 jurisdictions and is characterized by the following advantages:
· the standard application form;
· single fee payment;
· extension as per the simplified algorithm.
The following can be identified as the minuses of the system:
· requirement to preliminarily register the designation with the native country;
· no unified international certificate.
Each system has its own specific aspects and features, an applicant has no time for these aspects understanding and identifying and therefore faces lots of difficulties. Thus, it is reasonable to apply for professionals assistance.