The Madrid System enables trademark holders to seek protection across multiple countries through a single international application administered by WIPO.
Key Facts
- Established
- 1891, under the Madrid Agreement
- Governing treaty since
- 2016 (Madrid Protocol of 1989)
- Current members
- 115 members covering 131 countries
- Share of world trade covered
- More than 80%
- Administered by
- WIPO International Bureau, Geneva
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In the late nineteenth century, trademark owners seeking protection across multiple countries faced the burden of filing separate national applications under different legal systems, creating significant administrative complexity and cost for international commerce.
The Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks was concluded in 1891, establishing a centrally administered system that allows applicants to file a single international application and pay one set of fees to seek trademark protection in member countries, with each country retaining discretion to grant or refuse the application.
The system expanded substantially with the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement in 1989, which became the sole governing treaty in 2016. As of 2025, the Madrid Union comprises 115 members covering 131 countries, representing over 80% of world trade, making it the dominant framework for international trademark registration.
Political Outcome
Establishment of a unified international trademark registration system administered by WIPO, with 115 member states covering over 80% of world trade as of 2025.
Trademark protection required separate national filings in each jurisdiction
Single international application filed through WIPO grants protection across all designated member countries