Trademark Registration Abroad: Country-by-Country Quick Guide (2026)

Trademark rights are territorial: a registration in one country gives no protection in another. Exporters therefore end up managing a portfolio spread across several offices with different rules on filing basis, examination, opposition and use. This guide summarises the points that matter most in ten jurisdictions our clients file in most often. Figures are indicative for 2026 and change; always confirm current fees and timelines before budgeting.

How to read the guide

• Basis: first-to-file (the first applicant wins, subject to limited exceptions) or first-to-use (prior use can defeat a later filing).
• Local agent: whether a foreign applicant without a local address must appoint a local representative.
• Time to registration: for a clean application without refusal or opposition.
• Use requirement: when a registration becomes vulnerable to cancellation for non-use.
• Madrid: whether the country can be designated through the Madrid System.

China (CNIPA)

First-to-file. Foreign applicants without an establishment in mainland China must file through a CNIPA-recorded agency. Examination about 4 to 6 months, then 3 months of publication; registration in roughly 9 to 12 months. Official fee RMB 270 per class for up to 10 items. Sub-class system: goods in different sub-classes of the same class are usually not similar. Vulnerable to non-use cancellation after 3 consecutive years. Madrid member. Register a Chinese-character version alongside the Latin mark.

United States (USPTO)

First-to-use with a first-to-file registration system: an application can be based on use or on intent to use, and registration issues only after use in US commerce is proven. Foreign-domiciled applicants must be represented by a US-licensed attorney. Examination about 6 to 8 months from filing at present; total 12 to 18 months. Declarations of continued use are due between years 5 and 6 and at each renewal. Madrid member. Specifications must be specific; broad wording is refused.

European Union (EUIPO)

One registration covers all EU member states. First-to-file. Representation is required for applicants outside the European Economic Area for most proceedings. Examination and 3-month opposition period; registration in about 4 to 6 months without opposition. Fee EUR 850 for one class online. Non-use vulnerability after 5 years. Madrid member. A single earlier national right in any member state can block the whole EU mark, so a clearance search across the EU is essential.

United Kingdom (UKIPO)

Separate from the EU since 2021. First-to-file. A UK or Channel Islands address for service is required for new applications by non-UK applicants. Registration in about 4 to 6 months without opposition; fee GBP 170 for one class online. Non-use vulnerability after 5 years. Madrid member.

Japan (JPO)

First-to-file. Foreign applicants must appoint a Japanese representative. Examination currently about 6 to 12 months; accelerated examination available for marks already in use. Fee JPY 3,400 plus JPY 8,600 per class at filing, plus registration fees. Non-use vulnerability after 3 years. Madrid member. Katakana or kanji versions of the mark are often registered in addition to the Latin mark.

South Korea (KIPO)

First-to-file. Foreign applicants must appoint a Korean agent. Examination about 10 to 14 months; accelerated examination available. Non-use vulnerability after 3 years. Madrid member. Korea examines goods against its own similar-goods codes, so specifications copied from other filings often draw office actions.

Vietnam (IP Vietnam)

First-to-file. Foreign applicants must file through a licensed Vietnamese agent. Examination is slow: 18 to 24 months is common. Non-use vulnerability after 5 years. Madrid member. Because of the timeline, file before entering the market and consider Madrid designation to secure the date.

Mexico (IMPI)

First-to-file with a first-use declaration system: a declaration of actual use must be filed within 3 months after the third anniversary of registration, or the registration lapses. Foreign applicants need a Mexican address for service or a local agent. Registration in about 4 to 8 months without opposition. Madrid member.

Brazil (INPI)

First-to-file. Foreign applicants must appoint a Brazilian attorney. Examination currently about 12 months without opposition. Non-use vulnerability after 5 years. Madrid member since 2019; multi-class applications are accepted for Madrid designations but national filings remain single-class.

Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, UAE)

First-to-file. Local agents are required, and documents for national filings generally need legalisation. Fees are among the highest in the world (the UAE charges several thousand dirhams per class). Registration in about 6 to 12 months. The UAE joined Madrid in 2021; Saudi Arabia is not a Madrid member, so a national filing is the only route.

Choosing between Madrid and national filings

Madrid saves cost and administration when three or more member countries are designated and the home application is solid, but provisional refusals still need a local agent and the international registration depends on the home mark for five years. Direct national filings give more control in countries with strict specification rules (United States, Korea, Japan) and are the only option for non-members such as Saudi Arabia. Our comparison of the three routes to international registration is here.

J&C Intellectual Property Agency (JCIPO), founded in 2008, is a CNIPA-recorded trademark agency and a member of the China Trademark Association. We file in China directly and coordinate foreign filings through partner firms in each country, see our trademark services. Patent filings are handled through an affiliated patent agency.