The application channels for international trademark registration mainly include two methods: "Madrid international application" and "single - country application". Madrid is just one channel for international trademark registration and is not equivalent to an international trademark. Trademark registration and protection scope are restricted by countries. A trademark is valid in the country where it is applied for registration, and there is no such statement that registration once is valid in all countries around the world. Whether it is a Madrid trademark or a single - country application, the applicant needs to specify the countries to be registered.

1. Madrid Trademark Registration
   The applicant selects countries - checks eligibility (must have a trademark basis in China) - submits to the China Trademark Office - transfers to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - accepts - "issues a certificate" indicating that the trademark has just been accepted (the whole process takes about 4 - 6 months) - assigns to each Madrid member state for review (1 month - 1 year) (if rejected, a review is required) - trademark public notice (a 3 - month period, if there is an objection, a defense is required) - approved registration (the whole process takes about 18 - 24 months)

Applicable Objects of Madrid Trademark Registration

1. Medium - and large - sized enterprises: They have a brand basis in China, and their overseas business has a market. In order to expand the international influence and protection of the brand and have no time requirements.

2. The selected countries are more than 5: The biggest feature of Madrid trademark registration is the centralized submission of applications. The more countries specified by the enterprise, the more cost - effective the total application cost is.

2. Single - Country Trademark Registration
   The applicant selects countries - prepares application materials - directly reports to the trademark offices of various countries - accepts (issues an acceptance number and letter) (2 days - 1 month) - reviews (1 month - 1 year) (if rejected, a review is required) - trademark public notice (generally a 3 - month period, if there is an objection, a defense is required) - approved registration (the whole process takes about 12 months, depending on the country specifically) - issues a certificate

Note: The time for single - country trademark registration is determined according to each country (for example, it only takes 4 - 6 months to obtain a certificate for UK trademark registration, about 8 - 10 months for US trademark registration, and about 12 - 18 months for Canadian trademark registration).

Applicable Objects of Single - Country Trademark Registration

1. Small, medium - and micro - enterprises: Domestic trademarks are optional, the countries for international trademark registration are clear, the overseas market is single, and they can directly apply for registration in the country where they want to register.

2. The selected countries are few and the market is clear: It is suitable for enterprises with limited budgets, a small number of countries involved in overseas brands, and requirements for time and certificates.