Michael J. Leonard's article "Madrid Filing: Do Not Be Afraid of Designating the United States" was published in Managing Intellectual Property. While the full text can be found in the January 2, 2014, issue of the publication, a synopsis is noted below.
Ten years after the United States joined the international trademark system, about 10 percent of applications come via the Madrid Protocol. Many international trademark owners face issues at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and just a small percentage of applications are approved without objection.
There are several steps you can take to ensure your application is successful including paying careful attention to the intent-to-use requirements, being prepared for the strict U.S. requirements on designating goods and services, making sure the entity of the owner is clear and identifying all relevant prior registrations.
By being prepared in advance of entering the U.S., applicants can increase their success rate, make their USPTO experience less daunting and save money.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.