Question 1

Does a Trademark Registered in Turkey Count As Registered Abroad?

Accepted Answer

A trademark registered in Turkey does not provide protection in another country. To secure registration, an international trademark application must be filed in the desired country.

Question 2

How Is an International Trademark Search Done?

Accepted Answer

The first step in an international trademark registration search is entering the required information correctly. That includes the mark's name, the signs or symbols that make up the mark, and details like slogans. This data is critical for keeping the search on track. During the international trademark search process, owners and businesses need to draw on various tools and platforms. These tools make trademark searches easier and speed up the registration process. First, official trademark search systems matter a lot. WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization) provides the Global Brand Database, where users enter trademark names to check whether their own marks or the marks they plan to file already exist. Another important source is the eSearch plus platform offered by EUIPO (the European Union Intellectual Property Office). The system provides access to trademark information registered across the 27 EU member countries. Users can identify similar or conflicting marks while searching, spotting potential issues in advance. These official platforms deliver reliable and current information, and increase transparency in the registration process. Searching a mark built from a combination of name, logo, and slogan by name alone is not enough. Dedicated search tools matter just as much for such marks. Sistem Patent's trademark specialists use dedicated software to give users a detailed analysis of a mark's status and brief them on potential risks.

Question 3

How Is International Trademark Registration Done?

Accepted Answer

International trademark registration is the formal application process for protecting a mark in more than one country. It starts with preparing the documents needed to register the mark. First, the countries where the mark is meant to be registered need to be identified. Owners select target markets based on their commercial needs at this stage. Next, the application documents are prepared. These typically include the trademark application form, a specimen of the mark, documents proving the owner's identity, and proof that the application fee has been paid. Each country can ask for additional documents under its own registration rules, so direct contact with our trademark specialist for detailed information is recommended. Application fees vary by country, and the fees can rise with the scope of the filing. Some countries charge extra for multiple classes, so class selection needs careful thought. Once the documents are ready, the application goes to the relevant international body. The most common route is the Madrid Protocol, an international agreement that simplifies registration and protection. After filing, the relevant offices start the examination. The application is assessed against each target country's legal requirements. Our trademark agent briefs owners on the steps that matter through the process. To prevent problems, we recommend working with a trademark attorney firm.

Question 4

How Much Are WIPO Application Fees?

Accepted Answer

As of 2025, fees payable for international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol filed through WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization) are as follows: 1. Basic Application Fee For black-and-white marks: 653 Swiss Francs (CHF) For color marks: 903 CHF Applications from least developed countries get a 90% discount on this fee. 2. Additional Fees Complementary fee: 100 CHF per designated country (some countries may apply an "individual fee") Additional class fee: 100 CHF for each class after the third Over-the-character fee per class: 100 CHF for each class after the third Individual fee: In some countries, like the US, Japan, and Turkey, an "individual fee" applies. These fees are set by each country's intellectual property office and can vary. 3. Post-Filing Fees Additional class renewal fee: 100 CHF Complementary renewal fee: 100 CHF Individual renewal fee: set by each country Registration changes (for example, assignment, class change): 177 CHF Additional fees for international registration: 177 CHF 4. Fee Calculation and Filing To calculate your total application cost, use WIPO's official fee calculator, or reach our trademark specialists on +90 212 266 31 25. 5. Important Notes for Turkey Turkey is a party to the Madrid Protocol, and WIPO applications go through TÜRKPATENT (the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office). Individual fees apply for applications filed from Turkey. TÜRKPATENT provides guidance to applicants and briefs them on fee payments.

Question 5

What Is the Madrid Protocol?

Accepted Answer

The Madrid Protocol simplifies international trademark registration. Enacted in 1989, it allows a single application to register a trademark in multiple countries. Managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it is a vital tool for global trademark protection. Countries party to the Madrid Protocol can use this system to file their applications. The protocol's operation is straightforward. A trademark owner must first register in their home country. They can then file an international application through the Madrid system based on that registration, selecting the other countries where protection is desired. This allows registration in many countries through one application in one language, saving significant time and cost. The key advantage of the Madrid Protocol is that companies can register their trademarks in many countries with a single application. This simplifies and speeds up international registration procedures. Managing applications is also easy, as all proceedings can be monitored through a single central point.

International Trademark Registration — Frequently Asked Questions

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