From March 19 to 21, 2025, we held a regional meeting on the Madrid System for selected members in the Asia and Pacific region, and a seminar for Madrid System users in the Philippines. Both events – held in Taguig, Philippines – were organized with the assistance of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), and with support from Funds-In-Trust (FIT) Japan Industrial Property Global.
This was the eighth regional meeting organized for this region under FIT/Japan. Fifteen representatives from fourteen Madrid System members – namely Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam – participated in the meeting.
About the regional meeting
The objective of the meeting was to discuss operational challenges, and enhanced promotion of the Madrid System, through the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
A wide range of topics was covered such as recent Madrid System developments, processing of international trademark registrations in designated Madrid System members, managing international trademark registrations, effective communication using electronic data exchange and WIPO online tools.
Participants exchanged valuable insights and perspectives on the practical challenges they face and fostered a deeper commitment to finding solutions.
About the user seminar
Some thirty participants, trademark practitioners and user association representatives attended the in-person seminar.
WIPO experts offered an overview of the latest updates to the Madrid System and insights into filing international trademark applications. Representatives from IP Offices also contributed, providing a detailed account of procedures within their respective Offices.
WIPO experts showcased the tools available for online management of international trademark registrations and performed a live demonstration of the Madrid System’s digital gateway, eMadrid.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with lawyers and stakeholders based in the Philippines. They explored various topics including international trademark registration fees, use of the Madrid Goods and Services Manager, and the frequency of data updates on the Global Brand Database. The panelists provided valuable insights and suggestions for improving user experience.
The event was an excellent information and exchange platform for Madrid System users.