--- title: "Country Guides | Trademark Registration by Jurisdiction" description: "Compare trademark registration across 9 key jurisdictions: filing systems, timelines, costs, attorney requirements, and Madrid Protocol coverage." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "name": "Trademark Registration Country Guides", "description": "Comprehensive trademark registration guides for 9 priority jurisdictions worldwide. Compare filing systems, timelines, costs, and attorney requirements.", "dateModified": "2026-05-30", "numberOfItems": 9, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "United States Trademark Registration", "description": "World's largest trademark registry. US-licensed attorney representation is mandatory for applicants domiciled outside the US. Applications can be filed on an intent-to-use basis.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/us-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "European Union Trademark Registration", "description": "Single filing covers all 27 EU member states. One of the most cost-effective ways to protect a brand across Europe. Opposition rate is moderate.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/eu-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "United Kingdom Trademark Registration", "description": "Post-Brexit, UK trademarks are separate from EU marks. Fast examination and relatively low opposition rate. No local attorney requirement for foreign applicants.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/uk-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "India Trademark Registration", "description": "Large and growing market with first-to-use principles. Examination backlogs can extend timelines. Expedited examination is available for an additional government fee.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/india-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "China Trademark Registration", "description": "Strictly first-to-file. Trademark squatting is extremely common. File early, even before entering the Chinese market. Subclass system adds complexity beyond the standard Nice classification.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/china-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "Canada Trademark Registration", "description": "One of the slowest trademark offices globally due to examination backlogs. Joined the Madrid Protocol in 2019. No requirement to prove use at the time of filing.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/canada-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "name": "Japan Trademark Registration", "description": "Rigorous examination process with high standards. Local attorney (benrishi) required for foreign filers. Registration fees are split into filing and registration payments.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/japan-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "name": "South Korea Trademark Registration", "description": "Active examination process with substantive review. K-brand and K-beauty sectors drive high filing volumes. Local patent attorney required for foreign applicants.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/korea-trademark" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 9, "name": "Australia Trademark Registration", "description": "Efficient examination process with clear guidelines. No local attorney requirement. Foreign applicants can file directly. Common-law rights recognized alongside registration.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/australia-trademark" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/how-it-works" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Country Guides", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/country-guides" } ] } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN ยท USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. [Resources](/how-it-works) 3. Country Guides # Country Guides Every country has its own trademark system, fees, and filing requirements. Understanding these differences is critical to an effective brand protection strategy. Explore our guides for the world's most important trademark jurisdictions. New to the process? See [How It Works](/how-it-works). Last updated: May 2026 ## Key Concepts for International Filing ### First-to-File vs. First-to-Use In **first-to-file** countries (China, EU, Japan), whoever files first owns the mark. In **first-to-use** countries (US, UK, Australia), prior commercial use can establish rights, but registration still provides much stronger protection. ### Madrid Protocol An international treaty ([130+ countries](https://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/)) that allows extending a home registration to other countries through WIPO. All 9 priority jurisdictions are members. We recommend **direct national filings** for key markets for maximum protection. ### Local Attorney Requirements Many countries require foreign applicants to appoint a local registered agent. This is **included in our service**our global network of associates handles local representation in every jurisdiction we cover. [](/services/us-trademark) [](/services/us-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ## United States USPTO 8โ€“12 months From $200 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants World's largest trademark registry. US-licensed attorney representation is mandatory for applicants domiciled outside the US. Applications can be filed on an intent-to-use basis. ](/services/us-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/us-trademark) [USPTO](https://www.uspto.gov) [](/services/eu-trademark) [](/services/eu-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ ## European Union EUIPO 4โ€“6 months From $300 First-to-File Not required (EEA applicants) Single filing covers all 27 EU member states. One of the most cost-effective ways to protect a brand across Europe. Opposition rate is moderate. ](/services/eu-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/eu-trademark) [EUIPO](https://euipo.europa.eu) [](/services/uk-trademark) [](/services/uk-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ## United Kingdom UKIPO 4โ€“6 months From $350 First-to-Use Not required Post-Brexit, UK trademarks are separate from EU marks. Fast examination and relatively low opposition rate. No local attorney requirement for foreign applicants. ](/services/uk-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/uk-trademark) [UKIPO](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office) [](/services/india-trademark) [](/services/india-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ ## India CGPDTM 12โ€“24 months From $75 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants Large and growing market with first-to-use principles. Examination backlogs can extend timelines. Expedited examination is available for an additional government fee. ](/services/india-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/india-trademark) [CGPDTM](https://ipindia.gov.in) [](/services/china-trademark) [](/services/china-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ## China CNIPA 9โ€“14 months From $300 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants Strictly first-to-file. Trademark squatting is extremely common. File early, even before entering the Chinese market. Subclass system adds complexity beyond the standard Nice classification. ](/services/china-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/china-trademark) [CNIPA](https://english.cnipa.gov.cn) [](/services/canada-trademark) [](/services/canada-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ## Canada CIPO 24โ€“30 months From $200 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants One of the slowest trademark offices globally due to examination backlogs. Joined the Madrid Protocol in 2019. No requirement to prove use at the time of filing. ](/services/canada-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/canada-trademark) [CIPO](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canadian-intellectual-property-office/) [](/services/japan-trademark) [](/services/japan-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ## Japan JPO 12โ€“18 months From $250 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants Rigorous examination process with high standards. Local attorney (benrishi) required for foreign filers. Registration fees are split into filing and registration payments. ](/services/japan-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/japan-trademark) [JPO](https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/) [](/services/korea-trademark) [](/services/korea-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ## South Korea KIPO 12โ€“15 months From $400 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants Active examination process with substantive review. K-brand and K-beauty sectors drive high filing volumes. Local patent attorney required for foreign applicants. ](/services/korea-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/korea-trademark) [KIPO](https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/) [](/services/australia-trademark) [](/services/australia-trademark) [ ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ ## Australia IP Australia 7โ€“10 months From $250 First-to-Use Not required Efficient examination process with clear guidelines. No local attorney requirement. Foreign applicants can file directly. Common-law rights recognized alongside registration. ](/services/australia-trademark) [View Full Guide](/services/australia-trademark) [IP Australia](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au) ## Side-by-Side Comparison Jurisdiction Timeline From System Local Attorney Madrid Official Office ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 8โ€“12 months $200 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [USPTO โ†—](https://www.uspto.gov) ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union 4โ€“6 months $300 First-to-File Not required (EEA applicants) โœ“ [EUIPO โ†—](https://euipo.europa.eu) ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom 4โ€“6 months $350 First-to-Use Not required โœ“ [UKIPO โ†—](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office) ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India 12โ€“24 months $75 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CGPDTM โ†—](https://ipindia.gov.in) ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China 9โ€“14 months $300 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CNIPA โ†—](https://english.cnipa.gov.cn) ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada 24โ€“30 months $200 First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CIPO โ†—](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canadian-intellectual-property-office/) ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan 12โ€“18 months $250 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [JPO โ†—](https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/) ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea 12โ€“15 months $400 First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [KIPO โ†—](https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/) ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia 7โ€“10 months $250 First-to-Use Not required โœ“ [IP Australia โ†—](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au) ## International Filing Strategy Tips ### File in China Early, Even If You Don't Sell There Yet China is strictly first-to-file, and trademark squatting is endemic. Squatters register foreign brand names pre-emptively and demand payment for transfer. Filing proactively in China costs a fraction of what it costs to fight a squatter later. If your product might ever reach China (including via re-sellers or e-commerce), file now. Learn more about [first-to-file vs. first-to-use](/faq#international). ### Consider the EU for Cost-Effective European Coverage A single EU trademark (EUTM) covers all 27 member states for one fee. Far cheaper than filing nationally in even 3โ€“4 EU countries. If you do business anywhere in Europe, an EUTM is almost always the right choice. Post-Brexit, the UK requires a separate filing. ### File Before You Launch in New Markets In first-to-file countries (most of Asia, Europe, and Latin America), someone else could register your brand name before you arrive. Always file trademark applications before announcing market entry, attending trade shows, or launching e-commerce in a new region. ### Balance Speed vs. Cost When Choosing Jurisdictions Some offices are fast (EU: 4โ€“6 months, UK: 4โ€“6 months, Australia: 7โ€“10 months) while others are slow (Canada: 24โ€“30 months, India: 12โ€“24 months). If you need protection quickly for enforcement or platform requirements (e.g., Amazon Brand Registry), prioritize faster jurisdictions. ## Explore More Resources [ ### How It Works 6-step trademark registration process Read more about how it works ](/how-it-works)[ ### FAQs 35+ questions answered Read more about faqs ](/faq)[ ### Specimen Guide USPTO specimen requirements & examples Read more about specimen guide ](/resources/specimen-guide)[ ### Trademark Glossary 75+ trademark terms defined Read more about trademark glossary ](/resources/glossary) ## Looking for Another Country? We offer trademark registration in 100+ jurisdictions worldwide. Browse the full catalog to find your country and get an instant quote. [Browse All Countries](/services/trademark-registration)[Get Expert Advice](/free-consultation) ## Site footer ![Global Trademark Company](/assets/gtc-logo-white-DQ8YcvVd.svg) Secure Every Step of Your Growth Trusted by brands since 2016 [hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com ](mailto:hello@globaltrademarkcompany.com) [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/) [+1 510-973-4964 (US & International) ](tel:+15109734964)[+44 7453 347853 (UK & EU) ](tel:+447453347853)[+91 6397-329955 (India) ](tel:+916397329955) ### Company - [About us](/about) - [Contact](/contact) - [Our lawyers](/lawyers) - [Case studies](/case-studies) - [Careers](/careers) - [Press](/press) - [B2B partners](/b2b-partners) - [GTC Advantage](/gtc-advantage) ### Services - [All services โ†’](/services) - [US trademark](/services/us-trademark) - [Madrid Protocol](/services/madrid-protocol-filing) - [Patent filing](/services/patent-filing) - [Copyright registration](/services/copyright-registration) - [Commercial contracts](/services/nda-drafting) - [Fractional GC](/services/fractional-gc) - [Data privacy](/services/gdpr-compliance) ### Resources - [Blog](/blog) - [Trademark Glossary](/resources/glossary) - [Country Guides](/resources/country-guides) - [Specimen Guide](/resources/specimen-guide) - [Class Assist](/class-assist) - [Free TM Check](/free-trademark-check) - [Free Consultation](/free-consultation) - [Reviews on Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ### Get Started - [Login](/login) - [Sign up](/signup) - [Application status](/application-status) - [Terms of service](/terms) - [Privacy policy](/privacy) - [Refund & credit policy](/refund-policy) - [Sitemap](/sitemap) ### Our Offices United States 712 H Street NE, Suite 2094 Washington DC 20002 India 4th Floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110016 European Union Iskar 75 Str., office 2 Sofia, Bulgaria China 2nd floor No. 51 Zhongshan Yi Road Guangzhou, China United Kingdom Unit 1A, 1 Bridge Road Camberley, Surrey GU15 2QR We accept: ![Visa](/assets/visa-logo-DngOCJX3.webp) ![Apple Pay](data:image/webp;base64,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) Stripe Payoneer Wire [Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ยฉ 2026 Global Trademark Company LLC. 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