New Rules Let Trademark Owners Partially Swap Registrations Abroad
Published Date: 6/2/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own U.S. trademarks and use the international Madrid system, new rules let you replace just part of your national trademark registration with an international one. Starting February 1, 2025, you’ll need to list exactly which goods or services you want to swap. This change makes the process clearer and more flexible—plus, it helps keep your trademark game strong worldwide!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Partial replacement of U.S. registrations allowed
If you own U.S. trademarks and use the Madrid international system, you can now replace only part of a U.S. national registration with an international registration. This change to USPTO rules is effective February 1, 2025.
You must list goods/services for replacement
Starting February 1, 2025, when you ask to replace a U.S. registration (even partially) by an international registration under the Madrid Protocol, you must list the exact goods and/or services you want to replace. The USPTO rule requires that specific listing as part of the partial replacement request.
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