Membership on the Rise: Afghanistan Joins the Madrid System

April 18, 2018

On March 26, 2018 the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol, making Afghanistan the 101st member of the Madrid System.  The Protocol will enter into force for Afghanistan on June 26, 2018.

Starting June 26, local brand owners in Afghanistan can begin using the Madrid System to protect their marks in the 116 territories of the System’s other 100 members by filing a single international application and paying a single set of fees. Membership in the Madrid Union will offer these enterprises a direct pathway to the country’s top export destinations, including India and Turkey.

(Image: Milenius (iStock/Getty Images Plus)

With the Madrid System’s straightforward designation process, foreign companies and trademark owners from across the globe—including top import origins like the United States, Kazakhstan and India—can also easily seek protection for their trademarks when selling their products and services in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s membership highlights the Madrid System’s ongoing expansion across the region, and solidifies the System as a key component of protecting marks internationally.

Protecting your brand in Afghanistan

Information about Afghanistan’s trademark laws and practices will soon be available in the Member Profiles Database.

Are you the holder of an international registration? Starting June 26, you can use our online e-Subsequent Designation service to expand its scope of protection to include Afghanistan. Then, track the status of your request with Madrid Monitor.

About the Madrid System

The Madrid System makes it possible for you to apply for trademark protection in up to 117 territories by filing a single international application with the national or regional IP office of a Madrid System member.

With the Madrid System, the process of multinational trademark registration is streamlined through a simplified application and management process.

Today, the Madrid Registry is focused on delivering a streamlined, customer-driven experience for users throughout the lifecycle of their mark with its evolving suite of e-services and online resources. 

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