WIPO Welcomes Adoption by U.S Lawmakers of Bill Paving Way for Accession to Madrid System

Geneva, October 29, 2002
Press Releases PR/2002/332

The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has welcomed the adoption by United States lawmakers of a bill that paves the way for the United States to join other countries in a pact that greatly facilitates and reduces the costs for the registration of trademarks in multiple countries.

"We are delighted that the U.S. lawmakers have passed this important bill. This is excellent news for both American trademark holders as well as nationals of other countries that are party to the Madrid Protocol and opens up new commercial opportunities for all concerned," Dr. Idris said. The Director General said WIPO is committed to working closely with the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to prepare U.S entry into the Madrid system.

In a telephone call, Dr. Idris congratulated Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property James E. Rogan, who oversees the work of the USPTO, and assured him of WIPO's continued support.

The Congress has passed a bill containing implementing legislation that will permit the U.S. to join the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, a procedural agreement that allows contracting parties to file for registration of their trademarks in any number of its 56 member countries by filing a single standardized application at the national office, with a single set of fees. This was followed by the adoption by the Senate of a resolution of advice and consent regarding accession. The bill has been submitted to the President of the U.S. for his signature.

"The possible accession of the United States to this important treaty will significantly facilitate the process of obtaining international protection for trademark holders in the U.S and elsewhere as the Madrid system for international trademark registration becomes more inclusive. The Madrid system provides a cost-effective and efficient way for trademark holders to ensure protection for their marks in multiple countries through the filing of a single application," Dr. Idris said. It offers a way for trademark owners to extend the protection of their marks to the other member countries of the system.

The Madrid system is governed by two treaties: the Madrid Agreement, which dates from 1891 and was revised several times since then, and the Madrid Protocol, which came into operation in 1996 and introduced some new features into the system in order to address difficulties that had impeded adherence by certain countries. A country may adhere to either the Agreement or to the Protocol or to both.

Trademarks, which are distinctive signs that identify the source and origin of certain goods or services and also serve as an indication of quality, are of significant economic importance. The protection available by registering a trademark ensures the exclusive right to use it to identify the owner's goods or services, or to authorize another party, usually through a license or franchise, to use it in return for payment.

For further information, please contact:

Tel: + 4122-3388161/3389547
Email: publicinf@wipo.int
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