European Community Accedes to Madrid Protocol

According to a European Union press release on June 21, 2004,

"The European Community is submitting today to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol on the international registration of trademarks. It is the first time that the EC as such accedes to a WIPO treaty. . . . As soon as the accession enters into force on 1 October 2004, Community Trademark applicants and holders will be allowed to apply for international protection of their trademarks through the filing of an international application under the Madrid Protocol. Conversely, holders of international registrations under the Madrid Protocol will be entitled to apply for protection of their trademarks under the Community trademark system."

For more information, go to the
EU Trademark Website
OHIM Madrid Treaty Website
WIPO Madrid Treaty Website