How Long Does It Take to File an International Trademark Application?

How long does it take to complete an international trademark registration application?

In today's globalized business environment, trademarks are one of the core identifiers of a company’s brand, making their importance self-evident. However, for many companies, protecting intellectual property in international markets is not easy, which requires achieving this through international trademark registration. So, how long does it usually take for an international trademark registration application to be completed? The answer to this question is not fixed but is influenced by various factors.

According to statistics from the World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO, the Madrid System is currently one of the main ways for international trademark registration. Applications submitted through this system typically receive an initial review result within about 18 months. This time frame provides sufficient space for national intellectual property offices to evaluate whether the application meets relevant requirements. For instance, recent news reports indicated that a Chinese company obtained approval from multiple countries in just 16 months when applying for an international trademark through the Madrid System, suggesting that the entire process might be slightly faster than the average value in some cases.

However, in practical operations, applicants often face more challenges. For example, if there are objections or requests for corrections during the application process, this may extend the processing time. Taking the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO as an example, once an application is received, the agency will conduct a detailed review and may require the applicant to provide additional information or modify the application. This supplementary material process can sometimes take several months or even longer. Although WIPO has set a target time of 18 months, the actual completion time for each case may vary.

The laws and regulations of different countries and regions also affect the speed of international trademark registration. Some countries have stricter requirements for trademark registration, such as requiring proof of actual use of the trademark or meeting specific product classification standards. These additional conditions undoubtedly increase the complexity and duration of the application. For example, while the European Union Intellectual Property Office EUIPO is known for its efficient approval procedures, it may still take longer to make final decisions in certain special cases.

To improve efficiency and reduce uncertainty, many companies choose to hire professional trademark agencies to assist with related matters. These agencies are not only familiar with all the rules of international trademark registration but can also provide targeted advice to help companies avoid potential risks. According to a well-known trademark agency, more than 90% of their cases in recent years have been successfully approved within 24 months. Such results fully demonstrate the importance of professional services.

In summary, the time required for an international trademark registration application varies due to multiple factors. In theory, most applications can be completed within 18 to 24 months. However, for specific companies, the actual time experienced may differ. During this process, maintaining good communication with relevant institutions, promptly responding to review comments, and choosing the right agency are all key steps to ensure smooth progress of the application. For Chinese companies hoping to expand into overseas markets, advance planning and understanding of the process details are particularly important.