MARQUES has received from its good friends at WIPO the good news that another Practical Seminar on international trade mark protection under the Madrid System will soon be upon us.  According to WIPO:

You are invited to register now to attend the upcoming Practical Seminar on the Madrid System at WIPO HQ in Geneva, Switzerland [it's necessary to add this, since there are more Genevas in the United States than there are in the rest of the world put together], on November 24 and 25, 2016.  The Seminar will be conducted in English and offers in-depth training on the Madrid System for new and existing users.
 
The Seminar is a highly practical “masterclass”, focusing on Madrid System procedures, including filing, examination and registration. Topics will be presented by WIPO experts, representatives from IP Offices and a private sector practitioner.
 
On average, 98% of previous attendees found that the event fully met their overall expectations, in terms of the expertise and guidance required to efficiently use the System. Who should attend? The Seminar is a must for users of the Madrid System looking to improve their knowledge and practical skills, and stay up-to-date on the System’s recent developments and trends. Hands-on sessions featuring real-life examples and discussion opportunities are planned [if there are "hands-on" sessions in seminars on registration, shouldn't there be "hands-off" sessions in seminars on enforcement?].

Topics to be covered during the Seminar will include

• a detailed look at how to file an international application, with practical tips on how to complete the official Form MM2, and a live demonstration of the Madrid e-Filing interface; 
• presentation and explanation of the certification process in a Contracting Party Office; 
• in-depth overviews of the examination and refusal procedures of several Designated Contracting Parties, including Q&A sessions and advice on how to avoid or overcome possible irregularities and refusals; 
• a presentation on operational and legal issues linked to managing an International Registration at the post-registration stage; 
• an in-depth review and demonstration of Madrid E-Services; and 
• one-on-one discussions with WIPO examiners, upon request.

For more details, please access the Provisional Program .
 
The registration fee of 600 CHF covers operational costs including materials, lunches, and morning and afternoon teas.  All participants should register online by November 18, 2016.  Places are limited and will be attributed on a first-come, first-served basis.