After consistent efforts and hard work of the Intellectual Property Organization, Pakistan has formally joined the Madrid- The International Trademark System. The Madrid System is a convenient and cost-effective solution for registering and managing trademarks worldwide. All you have to do is file a single application at World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and pay one set of fees to apply for protection in up to 124 countries. This hassle-free process makes it the top choice for international trademark registration among export-oriented brand owners.
On Feb 24, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Khalil-ur-Rehman Hashmi deposited the instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with WIPO’s Director General Daren Tang in Geneva, making it the 108th member of the Madrid System, said an official announcement of the WIPO.
President Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, signed the succession to the Madrid Protocol instrument which paved its way to become the 108th member of the international trade mark system.
In a video message, Mr Tang said Pakistan based brands like spices giant Shan Food or fashion house Khaadi, with its unique hand-woven kurtas will now find it easier and cheaper to get protection in export markets.
Good news: Pakistan🇵🇰 joins WIPO’s International Trademark System – https://t.co/lGrwuqSgRg
The Madrid System allows brand owners to protect their #trademarks in over 120 countries through a single and cost-effective procedure. pic.twitter.com/hGagQMHXR6
— World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (@WIPO) February 24, 2021
SMES and entrepreneurs in Pakistan will also benefit from the Madrid System’s simple registration systems, along with individuals s such as cricket stars or other Pakistani personalities whose personal brand is celebrated around the world.
Accession to the Madrid System would allow members to modify, renew or expand their global trademark portfolio through one centralized system.
From May 24, foreign companies and trademark owners would be able to seek trademark protection through the Madrid System, when selling their products and services in Pakistan.
“For those interested in bringing their brands into a huge Pakistan market of over 200 million, the Madrid System will make it easier for them to enter and scale into Pakistan as it has for other members of the Madrid family. With its accession to Madrid, Pakistan has taken an important step in supporting its brand owners, entrepreneurs and enterprises as well as further strengthening its IP ecosystem, the DG WIPO said.
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The business community of other countries will also be able to get protection of their trademarks in Pakistan by using Madrid route. It is win-win situation for traders of both Pakistan and its trading partners to get protection of intellectual property rights to promote genuine businesses in their markets as well as instilling confidence in potential foreign investors, said a statement issued by Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan).
According to Ambassador Hashmi, Pakistan’s accession to the Madrid protocol would provide international brands operating here with an opportunity to expand their outreach throughout the world.