International trade marks

The Madrid Protocol for the international registration of marks is a treaty administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) in Geneva. It allows trade mark owners to apply for protection of their trade mark in more than 80 participating countries by simply filing one application directly with their own national or regional trade mark office.

What does New Zealand’s accession to the Madrid Protocol mean?

On 10 December 2012 the Madrid Protocol comes into force in New Zealand. From that date international applications based on New Zealand national trade mark applications and registrations can be filed with IPONZ; also, IPONZ will be able to receive international registrations filed with WIPO designating New Zealand as a country in which protection is sought.

Why apply for an International Trade Mark?

The advantage of an International Trade Mark via the Madrid System is there will be one filing; one international application in English, one set of fees, one registration number and one renewal date all for a broad geographic effect and centralised administration of a global trade mark portfolio.

What is IPONZ’s NZOO?

NZOO refers to international applications filed with IPONZ where New Zealand is the Office of Origin.

What is IPONZ’s NZD?

NZD refers to international registrations originating overseas designating New Zealand as one of the countries in which protection is sought.

Resources (WIPO’s online services)

WIPO provides a lot of quality information regarding the Madrid System online. 

Information concerning National or Regional Procedures before IP Offices under the Madrid System including New Zealand

• ROMARIN is the international register. No additional protection is afforded marks on this register. Each mark must be examined in each designation by the local IP office to grant protection in that designation.
• The guide about Madrid
• The Explanatory Notes on submitting an international application (MM2)
• The FAQs about Madrid
• The Goods & Services Manager
• International Application Simulator
• Fee Calculator