International Trademark Protection Streamlined: The Madrid Protocol Comes into Force in the United States

Jeffrey M. Samuels, University of Akron School of Law
Linda B. Samuels

Abstract

Effective November 2, 2003, U.S. businesses have a streamlined and potentially less expensive means at their disposal to protect trademarks in overseas markets. Through U.S. adherence to the international treaty known as the “Madrid Protocol,” U.S. trademark owners may obtain protection abroad by filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office a single international application in English, and designating other Member states in which protection is sought.