Madrid System: Upcoming Changes to Regulations and Administrative Instructions
January 29, 2023
A number of changes to the Regulations under the Madrid Protocol, and the Administrative Instructions, will come into force on February 1, 2023.
What’s changing?
New terminology
The new term 'Representation' will replace the current term 'Reproduction'.
New ways for you to represent a mark
Currently, an international application must contain a graphic reproduction of your mark. From February 1, graphic reproductions will no longer be required, providing holders who wish to seek protection of non-traditional marks through the Madrid System with more flexibility.
You can file an international application for a sound mark, motion mark or other types of multi-media marks represented in digital format so long as the representation of your basic mark is in the same format.
Formats and technical specifications
- Image (JPG, PNG, TIFF) (maximum width / length: 20cm)
- Sound recording (WAV or MP3) (maximum 5 MB)
- Video (MP4) (maximum 20 MB)
- Digital files must comply with WIPO Standards ST.67, ST.68 and ST.69
Important! Although you will be able to represent your trademark in digital format in your international application, some designated Madrid System Members may – under their own domestic laws – still require a graphic representation.
You can learn all about domestic laws and procedures of our members – and the types of trademarks that you can protect – in our Madrid System Member Profiles Database under eMadrid.
For full details of upcoming changes, download Information Notice 2/2023 
.
Reminder about electronic communications
If you have not yet done so, please provide us with an email address as soon as possible to ensure that you receive all communications related to your international applications and registrations, including notifications of provisional refusal, electronically.
Tip! You can submit – or update – your email address via eMadrid, using "Change Holder Details" or "Manage Representative". Find out more…