Cost of International Trademark Registration via the Madrid System

The Madrid System lets a trademark owner seek protection in multiple countries through a single international application. For businesses based in Vietnam, understanding how the costs are structured helps with budgeting before filing. This article explains the main cost components without quoting specific figures, which change over time and depend on the case.

How Madrid fees are structured

The overall cost of an international registration is made up of several elements administered by the International Bureau of WIPO and by the designated countries:

• A basic fee for the international application itself.
• Fees that depend on the number of classes of goods and services.
• Country fees for each territory (Contracting Party) that the applicant designates — either a standard complementary fee or an individual fee set by that country.

Additional costs to consider

Beyond the WIPO and country fees, an applicant should budget for:

• The domestic handling fee associated with filing the international application through the office of origin.
• Professional fees if the applicant uses an IP representative to prepare and manage the filing.
• Possible costs of responding to refusals or objections raised by individual designated countries.
• Renewal fees, since an international registration must be renewed to remain in force.

Why costs vary

The total depends heavily on how many countries are designated and how many classes are covered. Because each designated country can charge its own individual fee and may examine the mark under its own law, the cost profile is different for every application. Currency fluctuations also affect the amounts, which are set in Swiss francs.

Frequently asked questions

Is filing through Madrid cheaper than filing directly in each country?

It is often more cost-effective when several countries are involved, mainly because it consolidates the process, but the benefit depends on the specific countries chosen.

Do I pay all countries at once?

Yes, the designation fees for the countries you select are generally paid together with the international application.

Are there ongoing costs after registration?

Yes, the international registration must be renewed periodically, and adding further countries later involves additional fees.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law helps Vietnamese and foreign businesses plan their Madrid filings, estimate cost components and manage the application through WIPO — contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.