Protecting the name where you sell
A trademark is valid only in the countries where it's registered. A Ukrainian certificate means nothing to a Polish court or to Amazon. Every new market means new protection.
The most common mistake is registering “just in case” in twenty countries and paying fees that will never pay off. Or the opposite: entering a market without a mark, and a year later there's already a local owner of your name.
What's included
- Strategy: which countries now, which later, which system works out cheaper.
- Name check in the databases of the chosen countries.
- Application via the Madrid System, EUIPO or national offices.
- Translation of the list of goods into English.
- Support with replies to requests from foreign offices.
Madrid, an EU trademark or individual countries
| System | How it works | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid System | One application via WIPO for several countries, based on the Ukrainian mark | Several markets outside the EU, or together with the EU |
| EU trademark (EUIPO) | One mark for all EU countries | Sales in several EU countries |
| National application | Separately in each country | One or two markets, or countries outside Madrid |
It's often worth combining: an EU trademark for the EU and the Madrid System for other countries. We cost both options.
Why one certificate isn't enough
In 2019 the EU court cancelled one of Adidas's registered three-stripe marks, finding it too simple. The company didn't lose its brand, because it held several other marks for different design variations. What saved it was a system, not one piece of paper.
For a small business the lesson is the same. It matters not only to register a mark, but to do it so that it holds up when someone comes after it seriously.
How it works
Your part: a list of markets and the Ukrainian application or certificate. The rest of the arrows are mine.
Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks and its Protocol; Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 on the European Union trade mark; Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Rights to Marks for Goods and Services”.
Frequently asked questions about international trademark registration
How much does international trademark registration cost?
My work is from €150. Fees depend on the number of countries and classes; I calculate them in advance.
Do I need a Ukrainian mark for the Madrid System?
Yes, an international application is based on a Ukrainian application or certificate.
How long does registration abroad take?
It depends on the country. In the EU it's quicker than in Ukraine, if there are no objections.
Can countries be added later?
Yes. In the Madrid System new countries are added to the existing international registration.
First you need a Ukrainian mark: trademark registration in Ukraine. Working with foreign partners will also require a cross-border contract.