Madrid E-Filing available for Australian brand owners

Australian trademark holders can now apply online to protect and manage their marks in key export markets through the Madrid E-Filing service.

“IP Australia is pleased to introduce Madrid E-Filing as Australia’s preferred means for filing applications for International Registration under the Madrid Protocol,” announced Patricia Kelly, IP Australia Director General.

This collaboration is another example of the strong partnership between IP Australia and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in improving global IP systems that enable innovation and creativity.

“Madrid E-Filing via IP Australia's eServices provides Australian brand owners with secure electronic access to the Madrid Registry, which will help trademark holders to avoid procedural difficulties in filing international trademark applications,” said WIPO Director General Francis Gurry.

Benefits for trademark applicants

• Data entry validation based on national records. This helps to reduce irregularities and “ unable to certify notices”, and speeds up processes.
• Payment of applicable fees in Swiss Francs in one single transaction using a WIPO Current Account or a credit card.
• Streamlined processing at the Office of Origin - IP Australia.
• Immediate transmission to WIPO. No time is lost in communication between the Office of Origin and WIPO.
• Online monitoring of applications and portfolios. Electronic notifications and critical processing dates allow live tracking of registrations.

How does it work?

Log on to the IP Australia website and:

1. Enter the basic mark/application reference and check the populated application based on the data from the National Office record;
2. Select designated Contracting Parties and goods and services for protection;
3. Update mark, holder, representative and language correspondence details; and
4. Pay the fees using a WIPO current account or a credit card.

Upon validation, the application is directly sent to WIPO for registration. It is that easy.

More questions?

• Visit the IP Australia website for more information on Madrid E-Filing and its benefits.
• Contact WIPO Madrid Customer Service.

IP Australia is the second IP Office to implement Madrid E-Filing, after the Benelux Office. WIPO looks forward to welcoming more IP Offices soon.