Malawi joins the Madrid Protocol

Malawi has just formalized its adherence to the Madrid Protocol by depositing the country’s instrument of accession on the 25th September. By joining to this international treaty, that facilitates trademark registration and protection throughout 118 territories that have adopted the protocol, the country will have its present trademark legislation replaced, meaning that the protocol will enter into force on the 25th December 2018.

Alongside with the documents to access the protocol, the country has also filed declarations that consider the extension of the refusal period to 18 months and beyond for oppositions, the acceptance of intention to use the brand and made clear that the recording of licenses in the international register has no effect in Malawi.

By implementing the Madrid Protocol the country makes it easier, less expensive and more inclusive for trademark owners to register their brands, not only in Malawi but across all the other members that have signed this treaty.