News & Insights

Every year, the number of participants in the Madrid Protocol system of international trade mark registration expands. This year, we saw central American nation Belize join the system on 24 February. And on 6 May 2023, Mauritius will become the Madrid Protocol’s 114^th member.

The Madrid Protocol operates by springboarding an international trade mark application from an application or registration in the applicant’s home jurisdiction. It allows international applications to be filed without needing to appoint foreign lawyers at the time of filing to manage the international applications. While it may still be necessary or advisable to appoint foreign lawyers down the track, depending on whether objections are raised at the time of examination and the peculiarities of the jurisdiction, the Madrid Protocol can represent a genuine cost saving.

In 2021 / 22, Australia’s exports to Mauritius were valued in excess of $200 million, with education-related travel, wheat, dairy products and meat products dominating. Yet with this representing only 1.2% of Mauritius’ total exports, opportunities for Australian businesses abound.

Belize is a much smaller market for Australian exporters, amounting to only $1.24 million annually. Yet again, Australia is only the 60^th most important source of Belize’s imports.

Local trade mark protection is an important element of any export drive, and that’s now getting easier under the Madrid Protocol. If you see Mauritius or Belize among your current or future export markets, speak with the Macpherson Kelley IP team about securing trade mark protection.