How to Protect your TradeMark Internationally

Register your Trade Mark in Antigua and Barbuda before seeking international protection. Typically, a Trade Mark registered locally will provide protection within the geographical boundaries of Antigua and Barbuda. Alternatively, overseas Trade Mark applications can be pursued in two methods:

1. Application can be filed directly with each intended country,

Or

2. A single international application can be filed through Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property and Commerce Office selecting the relevant Madrid Protocol countries where protection is required.

Antigua and Barbuda is the only English speaking Caribbean country that is signatory to the Madrid System. The protocol was signed since the year 2000 and is a one stop solution for managing Trade Marks internationally.

The Madrid system simplifies the process for registering a trademark in multiple countries that are signatories to the protocol. An international registration under Madrid system is the same as an application for registration of the mark filed in each of the countries. Once registered you are protected for ten years.

Trademark applications can consist of a word, combination of words, letters, and numerals. Drawings, symbols, three-dimensional features such as the shape and packaging of goods are accepted.