Colombia became the 87th member country of the international trademark system and is now signed up to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks.
The Madrid system for the international registration of marks, known as the Madrid system, is a centrally administered system that facilitates the registration of tradmarks in separate countries around the world.
Vice President Angelino Garzon submitted the necessary documents Tuesday to Francis Gurry, director of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the organization responsible for overseeing the system.
Starting August 29, 2012, should Colombian trademarks be infringed upon in any of the member states, trademark holders will be able to protect their brand by filing one application.
“We are convinced that the accession of our country to the Madrid Protocol will serve to promote its economic growth, taking into consideration the many advantages it offers” said Garzon.
The vice president added, “This achievement has been possible thanks to the private sector in Colombia, which recognizes the advantages that the system offers to improve the competitiveness of our businesses, especially [the] small and medium-sized.
Gurry said “I am hopeful that other countries in the region will follow Colombia’s example.” Colombia is the third Spanish-speaking nation to adhere to the protocol.
The Philippines recently signed on to the Madrid Protocol, while Mexico, India and New Zealand are fulfilling domestic legislative requirements before gaining membership.