The effects of Canada joining the Madrid System

After much debate, Canada has finally joined the Madrid System.

The Madrid System is administered by the United Nations agency WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and facilitates the registration of trade marks in several jurisdictions simultaneously.

With Canada joining, there are now 104 member countries in the system. The advantage of this international system is that you can easily apply for trade mark protection in several jurisdictions at the same time through one application, instead of having to apply in each country separately. This means great advantages both from control and cost perspective.

Canada joining means that from June 17th, you can apply for trade mark protection in Canada through the Madrid system, or extend an already existing WIPO registration.

If you have any questions regarding your trade mark protection and / or possible extension, please contact Abion.