WIPO Madrid System Working Group: the 18th Session Concluded
The 18th session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Working Group on the Legal Development of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks has now concluded its work in Geneva. The event took place from 12 to 16 October and was held in a hybrid format for the first time.
The most important item was the discussion on the study of the cost implications and technical feasibility of the gradual introduction of the Arabic, Chinese, and Russian Languages into the Madrid System. The Russian Federation, on behalf of the regional group and in its national capacity, emphasizes the particular importance of the expansion of the System’s language regime to improve access for Russian-speaking users. The meeting agreed to hold consultations on the modalities for the introduction of the new languages during the inter-sessional period. This issue will be considered at the 19th session of the Working Group.
Besides, the parties approved the proposed amendments to the Regulations under the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of the System in case of emergencies and related restrictions.
The Working Group also discussed amendments to the Regulations that would allow users to file their international applications using new means of representation, and adopted the proposed amendment concerning partial replacement of national or regional registration with international registration.
Background information:
The Madrid System is a convenient and cost-effective solution for registering and managing trademarks worldwide. File a single application and pay one set of fees to apply for protection in up to 123 countries. Modify, renew, or expand your global trademark portfolio through one centralized system.
The previous decade had witnessed a record number of international applications under the Madrid system. This number is constantly increasing every year.
