In a major development, Pakistan has formally joined the Madrid System to protect Pakistani trademarks in 124 member countries making it easier and effective for brand owners to get protection in export markets.
With the accession to the Madrid Protocol, the trademark holders of Pakistan will be able to protect their trademarks in the member countries by filing a single application at World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) whereby facilitating ease of doing business.
On Feb 24, Pakistan deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with WIPO’s Director General, making it the 108th member of the Madrid System, an official announcement of the WIPO said.
Effective May 24, local brand owners in Pakistan can begin using the Madrid System to protect their trademarks in the 123 territories of the system’s other 107 members by filing a single international application and paying a single set of fees.
Pakistan’s accession spotlights the Madrid System’s emergence as a key component of protecting marks globally, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for brand owners worldwide and in the South Asian region.
An official announcement Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan) issued said that the business community of other countries will also be able to get protection of their Trademarks in Pakistan by using Madrid route.
