How to Register Your Trademark Globally

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or brand builder with international ambitions, one of the smartest moves you can make is to protect your brand around the world. That means registering your trademark globally—so you’re not just protected in your home country, but wherever your products, services, or content may reach.

At A Step Above Legal Solutions, we’re here to break it all down in a simple, no-fluff way—because we know legal stuff doesn’t have to be complicated.In this blog post, we’ll walk you through why global trademark protection matters, how it works, and step-by-step how to register your trademark internationally.

Why Global Trademark Protection Matters

You’ve registered your brand in the U.S., but then someone in the U.K. or China starts using a similar name. Unless you’ve registered there too, there’s not much you can do about it.Your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Your name, logo, slogan, or even your product packaging sets you apart in the marketplace.A trademark registered in one country doesn’t protect you anywhere else.

You’ve registered your brand in the U.S., but then someone in the U.K. or China starts using a similar name. Unless you’ve registered there too, there’s not much you can do about it.
That’s why global registration matters—especially if you:

• Sell or ship products internationally
• Work with overseas partners or manufacturers
• Run an online store with global reach
• Have plans to expand into other countries

Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Trademark Globally

Step 1: Register or Apply in Your Home Country

Before you can file an international application, you need a national trademark application or registration in your home country. This becomes your “base” for your global application.

• If you’re in the U.S., you apply with the USPTO
• In Canada, you go through CIPO
• In the U.K., it’s the UKIPO

This base mark is required to use the Madrid System.

Step 2: Identify the Countries You Want to Protect Your Mark In

You don’t need to register your trademark in every country—only in those where you currently do business or plan to in the future.

• Where are your current or future customers?
• Where do you manufacture or distribute products?
• Which markets are strategic for your growth?

Once you’ve identified those markets, you can choose from the Madrid System’s member countries—also known as “Contracting Parties”—to include in your international trademark application.

Step 3: File Your International Application

Once your base application is filed, you can apply internationally through your national trademark office. They’ll certify and forward your application to WIPO.

• You submit one application
• Pay one set of fees (based on the number of countries)
• Use one language (English, French, or Spanish)

WIPO reviews your application for formalities and then sends it to each country you’ve selected.

Step 5: Maintain and Renew Your Trademark

Once approved, your international registration lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

• Add new countries later
• Make changes (like ownership or address updates)
• Renew everything with one single form

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few things to watch out for when registering your trademark internationally:

1. Skipping the base application

You must start with a national application or registration.

2. Choosing the wrong countries

Be strategic—register where your brand really needs protection.

3. Not checking for conflicts

Even if your name is unique at home, it might be taken elsewhere. Always do a trademark search in your target countries.

4. Not responding to refusals

If a country refuses your application, you may be able to respond or appeal—but only if you act quickly.

Registering your trademark globally isn’t just for big companies. Whether you’re a small business, startup, or growing brand, protecting your name across borders is a smart and strategic move.

With the right guidance, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. At A Step Above Legal Solutions, we’re here to make sure your brand stays protected—at home and around the world.

Ready to take your brand global? Let’s get started with a free consultation. We’ll help you take the right steps and make sure your trademark stands strong, wherever your business takes you.