India joins the International Trade Mark System
In other July news, the Madrid Protocol (which governs the International Trade Mark system) enters into force in India on 8th July 2013. This follows the recent accessions of Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand and Rwanda and brings the total number of member states to 90.
Following the addition of India, the international trade mark system now covers more than two-thirds of the world’s population. This system therefore provides a convenient and cost effective method for filing trade mark applications covering large numbers of countries. In the midst of recent economic turmoil, the Madrid system has remained popular. In 2012, there were 44,018 international trade mark applications; the highest ever number and a 4.1% increase on 2011.
Other countries expected to join in the near future are Barbados, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Pakistan, South Africa and Tunisia. Brazil has also recently made some changes to its trade mark systems which some say indicates that it is also preparing to join.
If you have an existing International trade mark registration, you can now easily add India to the registration. If you would like advice on this issue or on any other international trade mark matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.
