Protecting your trade mark abroad
To protect your trade mark outside of the UK, you usually need to apply in each country you want protection in.
Introduction
A registered UK trade mark protects your brand in the UK, but it does not provide protection overseas. If you plan to expand, license, or sell your goods or services abroad, you should consider securing protection in those territories. Without it, others may legally register or use your mark abroad.
To apply for an international trade mark you must already have a base application or registration in the UK.
Get advice
Trade mark protection abroad can involve complex procedures, so you should consider getting advice from a trade mark attorney or other IP professional. They can help you understand the best route for protection in the specific markets you are targeting.
You can also contact our attachés, who are based around the world. They support and provide advice for UK businesses operating overseas.
Choosing the right level of protection for your trade mark
You can protect your trade mark by applying:
- directly to individual national trade mark offices
- through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for EU protection
- internationally via World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Choosing the right route will depend on where you plan to operate, your commercial strategy, and cost considerations.
National protection
You can apply to a national trade mark office in each country where you need protection. This may be suitable if you only require protection in a small number of markets.
You may be able to claim priority from your UK trade mark application if you file abroad within 6 months of your UK filing date. This means your later application will be treated as if it was filed on the same date as the UK application.
International trade mark protection (Madrid Protocol)
You can apply for protection in over 130 countries through a single international application under the Madrid Protocol. A single application allows you to designate multiple member countries you need protection in. This system is managed by WIPO.
You can find the application form MM2 on our website. There is a £50 UK handling fee plus appropriate WIPO fees. The cost depends on how many countries you designate. The WIPO fees can be calculated using the online calculator. You’ll also need to include the form FS4.
Alternatively the WIPO website can generate an MM2 for you to use.
Check the rules for international applications
Your international application:
- must be based on an existing trade mark application, or registration, in one of the member countries.
- must be identical to your UK trade mark application or registration if you apply through the UK office
- can be filed at the same time as you make your UK application, or at a later date
You can also use an EU trade mark (EUTM) filed with the EUIPO as the basis for an international mark. This must be done through EUIPO.
European trade mark protection
A European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) provides protection across all EU member states through a single application via the EUIPO. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, this route should be considered if you need protection in EU countries.
You can fill in an online application form on the EUIPO website, or print the form and then fill it in. Costs are available on their website.
You must use one of the 23 official languages used in the EU. You must also indicate a different second language from the 5 official languages used at EUIPO.
Updates to this page
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Guidance re-written.
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Fees changing for the 1 April 2026.
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First published.