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Colombia’s Accession to Madrid Protocol is Good for Business - INTA

03-Jun-2012 | Source : | Visits : 9735
NEW YORK, NY - The International Trademark Association (INTA) applauded the Government of Colombia for joining the Madrid System for the International Registration of Trademarks under the Madrid Protocol, a treaty that simplifies trademark registration throughout the world. With this development, Colombia becomes the second country in the Latin American region to join the international trademark system.

INTA stated in a press release that by joining the Madrid Protocol, Colombia has acknowledged the vital role trademarks play in its economy. Now, local companies looking to participate in the global market can file a single trademark application in one language, saving both time and money.

Under the Madrid Protocol, Colombian companies may file an application for international registration with the Colombian patent and trademark office, Superintendent of Industry and Commerce (SIC), and designate any of the 86 countries that belong to the Madrid System in order to start the registration process in those selected jurisdictions. Likewise, companies in Madrid Protocol countries can designate Colombia using their own trademark offices with the application for international registration passing through the World Intellectual Property Organization to SIC. Colombia will start accepting Madrid applications on August 29.

“Colombia is taking the lead in its approach to economic development by adopting policies designed to help companies looking to do business internationally,” said Alan C. Drewsen, executive director of INTA. “Countries in the region should follow suit and improve their registration systems by joining Colombia and other major economies in becoming a member of the Madrid Protocol.”

INTA has worked to promote the treaty to Latin American countries. Through its advocacy program, INTA will continue to work with other governments and their national trademark offices in order to communicate the system’s advantages and to gain support in the business community.
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