IP News

BNU in Step With Changes Brought by Madrid Protocol

July 25, 2012

July 25, 2012 marks day one of Madrid Protocol operations in the Philippines and it is sure to bring changes in the country’s trademark landscape. Philippine trademark holders and applicants can now file trademark applications in different countries through the IPOPHL, instead of applying separately in every country of interest. There are a number of factors to consider whether to take the Madrid route or opt for direct/national filing.

BNU has spent the past two months configuring office operations to accommodate services for Madrid Protocol transactions. The partners, associates and paralegals have attended all the Madrid Training Sessions conducted by IPOPHL. As a result, the Firm will be listed in the WIPO website as among the local representatives trained in the Madrid system. The partners have also conducted seminars to interested clients that are considering the Madrid route in expanding and maintaining their trademark portfolios abroad.

Because the Madrid system allows direct interface between the IB/WIPO and the client, BNU foresees an increase in its dealings with the IB/WIPO. To obviate errors in the remittance of payments to the IB/WIPO, BNU has opened a WIPO account to facilitate transactions under the Madrid Protocol and Patent Cooperation Treaty.

IPOPHL recognized BNU for its advocacy: “To facilitate payments for Madrid Protocol transactions, the law office of Bengzon Negre Untalan Intellectual Property Attorneys (BNU), led by Attorney Ferdinand Negre, the leading advocate of Madrid Protocol in the country, opened a Swiss current account with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).” <http://ipophil.gov.ph/readit.php?id=196>

With the new trademark filing system in place, Filipino business owners now have an alternative in seeking trademark protection abroad. Through competent legal advice, they should be able to choose the faster, easier and more cost-effective route of expanding their businesses abroad. 

Office Address

15th Floor One Park Drive
9th Ave. cor. 11th Drive
Bonifacio Global City 1634
Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact

Ph: (632) 8280.9442
(632) 8892.3252
Telefax: (632) 8892.3228
E-mail: bnu@iplaw.ph
URL: www.iplaw.ph