Recently, while handling my company’s trademark affairs, I discovered that many people don’t fully understand the fees associated with subsequent designations for Madrid trademarks. I spent quite some time figuring it out myself, so today I’d like to share my experience with everyone.
What is Subsequent Designation
Simply put, after you complete an international trademark registration through the Madrid System, if you want to obtain protection in countries or regions you didn’t originally select, you need to submit a subsequent designation application. This process isn’t free, and the fee structure is actually more complex than the initial registration. Many people think that once they register a Madrid trademark, they’re done forever, but subsequent extensions also require investment.
Fee Breakdown Details
The fees for subsequent designation mainly consist of three parts: WIPO’s basic fee, individual fees for each designated country, and potential agency service fees that may be incurred through [Madrid international trademark fees]. The basic fee is fixed at either 653 Swiss Francs or 903 Swiss Francs. Individual fees vary greatly by country, with some countries like [Madrid visa fees] adopting standard fees, while others like [Ronaldo Madrid transfer fees] use individual fees.
| Fee Type | Amount Range | Notes |
|---|
| WIPO Basic Fee | 653-903 CHF | Depends on trademark type |
| Individual Fees | 100-300 CHF/country | Varies by country standards |
| Agency Fees | 200-500 EUR | Depends on service content |
Practical Operation Recommendations
From my experience, advance budget planning is extremely important. If you plan to designate multiple countries, I recommend doing it in batches so you can adjust your strategy based on market feedback. Additionally, while you can submit applications directly to WIPO yourself, considering the complexity of language and procedures, finding a reliable agency is worthwhile. I almost messed it up doing it myself once.
It’s important to note that the protection period for subsequent designations is calculated from the international registration date, not from the subsequent designation date—this is often overlooked.
Subsequent designation for Madrid trademarks is indeed a significant investment, but if your business truly needs protection in more countries, this cost is justified. I suggest everyone evaluate actual market demand and risks before making decisions, and avoid blind expansion. Feel free to discuss and exchange ideas if you have any questions.
