Monday, May 11, 2009

Global trademark registration touches one-million mark

New Delhi, May 11 : The international trademark registration touched the one-million mark this month, more than a century after the first trademark was registered by a Swiss chocolate maker.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the UN body which registers trademark, said the growing number of registrations reflects an increasing awareness among the general public and the business community.

“Trademarks and the branding efforts help consumers make informed choices about the products they buy,” WIPO Director General, Mr Francis Gurry said in a statement on Monday.

The trademarks are registered at the WIPO under its Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks.

“They (trademarks) are extremely valuable commercial assets. WIPO’s international trademark registration system is a cost-effective, user-friendly and streamlined means by which businesses operating internationally can protect and manage their trademark portfolio,” Mr Gurry further said.

Madrid System offers a trademark owner the possibility to have his trademark protected in several countries by simply filing one application directly with his own national or regional trademark office.

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