Malawi Joins the Madrid System

September 25, 2018

On September 25, 2018, the Government of Malawi deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with WIPO’s Director General, making Malawi the 102nd member of the Madrid System, which now covers 118 countries. The Protocol will enter into force for Malawi on December 25, 2018.

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(Left to right) Ms. Gertrude Hiwa, Solicitor General and Secretary of Justice, Malawi, Mr. Samuel Tembenu, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Malawi, Mr. Francis Gurry, Director General of WIPO, and Mr. Robert Salama, Ambassador, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Malawi (photo: WIPO/Berrod)

Starting December 25, 2018 local brand owners in Malawi can begin using the Madrid System to protect their marks in the 117 territories of the System’s other 101 members by filing a single international application and paying a single set of fees.

With its straightforward designation process, foreign companies and trademark owners can, from this December, seek trademark protection through the Madrid System when selling their products and services in Malawi.

The deposit, made by Mr. Samuel Tembenu, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Malawi, includes declarations under Articles 5(2)(b) and (c) of the Protocol (extension of the refusal period to 18 months and beyond for oppositions), Rules 7(2) (intention to use the mark) and 20bis(6)(b) (recording of licenses in the International Register has no effect in Malawi) of the Common Regulations.

Video: Malawi joins the Madrid System

Protecting your brand in Malawi

Malawi’s accession spotlights the Madrid System’s emergence as a key component of protecting marks internationally, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for brand owners worldwide.

And stay tuned – information about Malawi’s trademark laws and practices will soon be available in the Member Profiles Database.

Are you the holder of an international registration? Use our online e-Subsequent Designation service and expand the scope of protection to include Malawi’s vast consumer market. Then, track the status of your request with Madrid Monitor.

About the Madrid System

The Madrid System makes it possible for you to apply for trademark protection in up to 118 territories by filing a single international application with the national or regional IP office of a Madrid System member.

With the Madrid System, the process of multinational trademark registration is streamlined through a single application and management process.

Today, the Madrid Registry is focused on delivering a streamlined, customer-driven experience for users throughout the lifecycle of their mark with its evolving suite of e-services and online resources.

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