The Madrid Protocol is a system for the international registration of trademarks, of which Norway is a member.

• Individuals or companies in any of the member countries of the Madrid Protocol may apply for registration of a trademark in other member countries on the basis of a national application or registration of a trademark.
• It is easier and cheaper to submit one international application via the Madrid Protocol than to apply separately in each country.
• The number of member countries is constantly increasing. A registration under the Madrid Protocol will enable the holder to extend this registration at a later date to apply to new member countries. This is known as "subsequent designation".

How to apply for trademark registration under the Madrid Protocol

Norwegian applicants wishing to make use of the system should submit an application to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO). An application for international trademark registration must be based on an application or registration made in the country of residence.

Those countries for which you wish to apply for trademark protection must be indicated in the application.

NIPO will send the application to WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), which will register the mark and then distribute it to the countries designated. The patent authorities in each country will consider whether the trademark can be registered in the country concerned.

Processing time in each country may vary, but is not normally longer than 18 months. The reason for this is that the regulations regarding the Madrid Protocol stipulate that national authorities have only 18 months in which to refuse registration. If the mark is not rejected within this period, it is considered registered in the country concerned.

Applications must be written in English and must not be hand-written.

• More information on filing an application can be found on WIPO's web site.
• Application forms (kode MM2) can be downloaded from the WIPO website

What does it cost to apply via the Madrid Protocol?

The Norwegian Patent Office requires a clearance fee of NOK 750.

More information on WIPO's web site:

• List of member countries which charge an individual fee.
• WIPO's Fee Calculator
• WIPO's pages on the Madrid Protocol
• WIPO's pages on Online Services for international registrations
• Guide to WIPO Services (PDF-file) - a new brochure offering a brief overview of the global services offered by WIPO (patents, trademarks, designs)