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Country Guides.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Concepts for International Filing
First-to-File vs. First-to-Use
In first-to-file countries (China, Japan, South Korea), registration generally goes to the first to file. The European Union and the United Kingdom grant rights on registration and still give some weight to earlier use. In first-to-use countries (the United States, India, Canada, Australia), earlier use can establish rights, and registration adds much stronger protection.
WIPO's Madrid System
WIPO's Madrid System (130+ countries) lets you extend a home trademark to other countries and regions with one international application. All nine countries and regions on this page are members. Which route fits depends on your home trademark and where you trade.
Local Attorney Requirements
Many countries require owners based abroad to appoint a local representative. This is included in our service. Our in-house attorneys file in the United States, the European Union, China, and India. Our team files directly in the United Kingdom and Canada. Elsewhere a qualified local attorney files, and GTC manages it end to end.
Fees below are the government fees in each office's own currency. Our professional fee is on the pricing page, and a 5% bank fee applies to government fees.
United States
In the United States, trademark rights begin with use, and the USPTO checks every application against earlier trademarks. Registration extends those rights nationwide.
European Union
One EU trademark covers all 27 countries of the European Union as a single right. The EUIPO does not refuse an application because of an earlier trademark: the earlier owner has to oppose.
United Kingdom
A European Union trademark has not covered the United Kingdom since 1 January 2021. The UKIPO does not refuse over earlier trademarks; it notifies their owners, who can oppose.
India
India is not purely first-to-file: a business that used a trademark first can keep using it despite a later registration. The government fee depends on who the owner is.
China
China follows first-to-file: between two similar applications, the earlier one goes forward. CNIPA also examines by subclass and treats a Chinese-character name as a separate trademark.
Canada
Canada registers a trademark without proof of use, tests its meaning in both English and French, and charges a government fee for each class.
Japan
Japan registers the trademark that was filed first, and it opens the opposition period only after registration.
South Korea
In South Korea, when two similar trademarks are filed for similar goods, only the earlier application can register. MOIP examines each application, then opens a 30-day opposition period.
Australia
Australia offers an examiner's opinion before you file, and the application fee depends on how you word your goods and services.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Country or Region | Government Fee | Timeline | System | Local Attorney | Madrid | Trademark Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | USD 350 per class | About 10 months |
First-to-Use
|
Required for owners based abroad | ✓ | USPTO ↗ |
| 🇪🇺European Union | EUR 850 for one class | 4 to 5 months |
First-to-File
|
Required for owners outside the EEA | ✓ | EUIPO ↗ |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | GBP 205 for one class | 3 to 4 months |
First-to-File
|
Not required (an address for service in the United Kingdom is) | ✓ | UKIPO ↗ |
| 🇮🇳India | INR 4,500 or INR 9,000 per class | 18 to 24 months |
First-to-Use
|
An address for service in India is required | ✓ | CGPDTM ↗ |
| 🇨🇳China | CNY 270 per class | About 7 months |
First-to-File
|
Required for owners based abroad | ✓ | CNIPA ↗ |
| 🇨🇦Canada | CAD 491.06 for the first class | 11 to 17 months |
First-to-Use
|
Not required | ✓ | CIPO ↗ |
| 🇯🇵Japan | JPY 3,400 plus JPY 8,600 per class at filing | 7 to 11 months |
First-to-File
|
Required for owners with no address in Japan | ✓ | JPO ↗ |
| 🇰🇷South Korea | KRW 52,000 per class | 13 to 15 months |
First-to-File
|
Required for owners with no address in South Korea | ✓ | MOIP ↗ |
| 🇦🇺Australia | AUD 250 per class | From 7.5 months |
First-to-Use
|
Not required (an address for service in Australia or New Zealand is) | ✓ | IP Australia ↗ |
Government fee for the first class unless stated. Not sure how many classes you need? Try Class Assist.
International Filing Strategy Tips
File in China Early, Even If You Don't Sell There Yet
China follows first-to-file: between two similar applications, the earlier one goes forward. An early filing gives you the earliest filing date before you enter the market. If your product might reach China (including through resellers or e-commerce), file before you launch there. Learn more about first-to-file vs. first-to-use.
One Application for the Whole European Union
One EU trademark (EUTM) covers all 27 member states with one application and one government fee. With national filings you pay a fee in each country. The United Kingdom needs its own filing.
File Before You Launch in New Markets
Filing before you announce a market entry, attend a trade show, or launch e-commerce in a new region gives you the earliest filing date there. It matters most in first-to-file countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Choose Faster Offices When Timing Matters
Typical times differ: about 3 to 4 months in the United Kingdom, 4 to 5 months in the European Union, and from 7.5 months in Australia, against 11 to 17 months in Canada and 13 to 15 months in South Korea. If you need a registration soon, for enforcement or for a platform program such as Amazon Brand Registry, start with the faster offices.
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