Brand owners will have a new option to protect trademarks in the Republic of Chile under foreign intellectual property (IP) treaties effective July 4, 2022.
Madrid System
The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks (Madrid System) is an international trademark registration system that 9 countries collaborated to create more than a century ago. Today, the Madrid System includes more than 110 members and over 125 countries, representing more than 80% of world trade. The Madrid System is governed by the Madrid Agreement of 1891 (Madrid Agreement) and the Madrid Protocol of 1989 (Madrid Protocol), as those treaties have been amended over the years. The Madrid Union is made up of Contracting Parties to the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid System offers important benefits and strategic advantages, as well as potential pitfalls and tradeoffs, which experienced trademark counsel can help brand owners navigate.
Republic of Chile
On April 4, 2022, the Government of the Republic of Chile deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming the 111th member of the Madrid System. The Madrid Protocol will enter into force for Chile on July 4, 2022.
Latin America and Pacific Alliance
The Madrid System currently encompasses the following countries in Latin America: (1) Brazil; (2) Chile; (3) Columbia; (4) Cuba; (5) Mexico; and (6) Trinidad and Tobago. Chile is the third country from the Pacific Alliance (comprised of Chile, Columbia, Mexico, and Peru) to join the Madrid System.
Beggs & Lane assists clients worldwide with global IP protection and brand portfolio management, including U.S. and international trademark registrations, licensing, and enforcement, customs and border protection, and other IP matters.