Algeria accession
The Madrid Protocol entered into force in Algeria on 31st October, meaning that from that date Madrid will be a single treaty system. The Protocol, rather than the Agreement, will govern all transactions between or in respect of Contracting Parties and users.
All users will now benefit from features such as: the ability to file international applications based on national/regional applications or registrations via form MM2; free choice of office of origin based on commercial establishment, domicile or nationality; and transformation of IRs into national/regional trade marks following cancellation due to the basic mark ceasing to be in effect.
More information is available in WIPO Information Notice No. 39/2015, in the September 2015 issue of Madrid Highlights, and on the WIPO web pages "How to file an application" and "How to manage your registration: Renewal". You can also contact Madrid Customer Service.
Geneva seminar
A seminar on the Madrid System will be held in Geneva on 26th and 27th November.
It is aimed at both new and existing users of the System and will cover a range of topics.
You can register until 20th November and the fee is Sfr600, which includes all materials, lunch and coffee/tea. Find out more and register on WIPO's website.
Working Group
MARQUES will be represented at the 13th Session of the Madrid Working Group on the Legal Framework of the Madrid System, taking place in Geneva from November 2 to 6. By Gregor Versondert, Tove Graulund and William Lobelson.
Ahead of that Meeting, the International Trade Mark Law & Practice Team has prepared a position paper on the User Survey on Madrid Dependency Principle Issues and the Review of the Proposal to Freeze the Application of Article 14(1) and (2)(a) of the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks. This has been circulated to Working Group participants.
The Working Group will also consider a number of amendments to the Common Regulations following Algeria's accession to the Protocol.