Trade mark rights are protected on a country-by-country basis registration in Australia, New Zealand or the UK does not automatically protect you overseas. As your business grows and enters new markets, securing international protection can help safeguard your brand and strengthen your global strategy.

How International Trade Mark Protection Works for AU/NZ/UK Businesses

There is no such thing as a single “global trade mark”. If you want to protect your brand overseas, you must apply for trade mark registration in each country or region where you operate, manufacture or sell products.

Two main pathways exist:

1. National or Regional Applications 
Filed directly in individual countries or regional systems (e.g., EU).

2. International Systems (Madrid Protocol) 
Allows businesses to seek protection in 110+ member countries via a single application, provided they have a “basic mark” filed in their home country.

The Madrid Protocol

The Madrid Protocol lets you nominate multiple member countries for protection through one centralised application. You must first have a home trade mark filed with:
• IP Australia 
• IPONZ (New Zealand) 
• UK IPO  

Once filed, you can extend protection to additional countries through one process.

How plummark Supports International Trade Mark Protection

plummark provides several pathways to help you secure trade mark protection beyond your home market:

Direct filing in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom

You can file trade mark applications directly in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK through plummark’s easy-to-use website. This makes it simple to secure protection for your brand in these key markets.

International applications via the Madrid Protocol

If you have a trade mark application or registration in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, plummark can help you file an international application under the Madrid Protocol. This allows you to extend your brand protection to multiple member countries with a single process.

Support in other countries through a trusted global network

For countries not covered by direct filing or the Madrid Protocol, or in cases where local expertise is needed, plummark works with an extensive network of trusted trade mark attorneys and lawyers worldwide. This means your business can access expert support wherever you need to expand your trade mark protection.

Why International Trade Mark Protection Matters

International protection helps you:
• Prevent copycats in overseas markets 
• Strengthen your brand when expanding globally 
• Build brand value as an intellectual property asset 
• Avoid expensive disputes or rebrand risks  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I protect my trade mark everywhere? 
You can apply in most countries, but local trade mark laws differ and some nations require direct filing.

What is the Madrid Protocol? 
An international system for seeking trade mark protection in 110+ countries via a single process.

Does plummark help with international filings? 
Yes,  through direct filing, Madrid Protocol assistance and global attorney partnerships.

Do I need separate protection for each country? 
Generally yes. Trade mark rights are territorial.

Get Started with International Trade Mark Protection

Begin by registering your trade mark in Australia, New Zealand or the UK. After securing your base application, plummark can help you explore international protection via the Madrid Protocol or direct filings.