International Trademarks
International Trademarks: A Professional Guide
In today’s global marketplace, safeguarding your brand across multiple countries is more crucial than ever. At Cardiff Service, we help businesses protect their intellectual property worldwide with international trademark solutions.
An international trademark protects brand names, logos, and slogans across borders, preventing unauthorized use or infringement in global markets. As businesses expand globally, strong trademark protection is essential to avoid brand dilution, safeguard consumer trust, and maintain a competitive edge.
The Madrid System, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), makes it possible to file a single application that covers multiple countries. With over 100 member nations, the Madrid Protocol provides a unified framework for trademark registration, significantly simplifying the process for businesses.
With Cardiff Service, you gain expert guidance to register and manage your trademarks worldwide, ensuring consistent protection across international markets.
Eligibility for International Trademark Registration
To qualify for an international trademark, businesses must first hold a registered or pending trademark in their home country. This local registration forms the foundation for filing an international application under the Madrid Protocol, ensuring recognition across multiple jurisdictions.
By establishing this initial registration, businesses secure a priority date, which is crucial in case of disputes or competing claims.
At Cardiff Service, we guide you through every step—from registering your trademark locally to expanding protection globally—so your brand enjoys consistent legal safeguards in international markets.
Duration and Renewal of International Trademarks
An international trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. Trademark owners can renew their registration indefinitely for additional 10-year periods, provided the trademark remains in use.
Staying on top of renewal deadlines is vital to avoid losing protection. At Cardiff Service, we provide proactive trademark renewal management, ensuring your brand rights remain secure without interruption.
Filing Procedure for International Trademark Registration
The process of filing for an international trademark involves several key steps:
Register a Trademark in Your Home Country
Begin by securing a trademark at the national level. This registration serves as the foundation for your international application.Prepare Your International Application
Once your national trademark is registered, you can file through WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), designating the countries where you seek brand protection.Pay Required Fees
Fees vary depending on the number of countries selected and their individual requirements. Budgeting accurately is crucial for a smooth filing process.Submit the Application
After completing the necessary documentation, submit your international application through your national trademark office.
At Cardiff Service, we simplify this process—ensuring accurate filings, cost-effective planning, and professional guidance—so your brand is protected seamlessly across borders
Frequently Asked Questions
A company name search ensures that your chosen business name is unique, legally compliant, and not already registered with Companies House UK. It helps you avoid legal disputes, trademark issues, and confusion in the Cardiff business market.
If your desired name is already registered, you’ll need to choose a different name or modify it. Using a taken name could result in rejection by Companies House or potential legal issues. Our experts can help you brainstorm alternative names that are compliant and market-ready.
It’s not advisable to use a name that’s too similar to another company, especially within the same industry. Similar names can confuse customers and risk trademark disputes. A company name search helps you identify these risks early.
For a company name search in Cardiff, you may need:
Proposed company name
Business entity type (Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc.)
Jurisdiction (Cardiff / UK)
Owner or shareholder details (if applicable)
Business description
A “high probability” result means your proposed company name is likely to be available, but further checks are recommended. This is why our detailed Cardiff Company Name Search Report includes both identical and similar names for clarity.
Certain words are restricted under UK law (e.g., “bank,” “insurance,” “government”). If you want to use them, you’ll need special approval from regulatory bodies. We guide you through this process if your Cardiff business requires such terms