--- title: "Country Guides | Trademark Registration by Jurisdiction" description: "Compare trademark registration across 9 key jurisdictions: official filing fees, timelines, first-to-file rules, attorney requirements, and Madrid 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": "Trademark registration fact cards for 9 priority jurisdictions: office, official filing fee, first-to-file or first-to-use, timeline, and attorney requirements.", "dateModified": "2026-09-04", "numberOfItems": 9, "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "United States Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/united-states" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "European Union Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/european-union" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "United Kingdom Trademark Registration Guide", "description": "Post-Brexit, UK trademarks are separate from EU marks. Fast examination and a relatively low opposition rate. First-to-file, with passing-off rights for earlier unregistered use.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/country-guides/united-kingdom" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "India Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/india" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "China Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/china" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "Canada Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/canada" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "name": "Japan Trademark Registration Guide", "description": "Rigorous examination process with high standards. Local attorney (benrishi) required for foreign filers. Fees are split into a filing payment and a registration payment.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/country-guides/japan" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "name": "South Korea Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/south-korea" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 9, "name": "Australia Trademark Registration Guide", "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/resources/country-guides/australia" } ] }, { "@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/resources" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Country Guides", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/resources/country-guides" } ] } ] --- [![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked.svg)![](/branding/logos/gtc-logo-stacked-white.svg)](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources - Company Sign inEN ยท USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 3. [Resources](/resources) 5. Country Guides # Country Guides Every country has its own trademark office, fees, and filing rules. Each guide below is a one-page fact card: the office, the official filing fee, first-to-file or first-to-use, the typical timeline, and links to the full how-to. New to the process? See [How It Works](/how-it-works). Last updated: September 2026 ## Key Concepts for International Filing ### First-to-File vs. First-to-Use In **first-to-file** countries (China, EU, UK, Japan), whoever files first owns the mark. In **first-to-use** countries (US, India, Canada, 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. Fees below are the official office fees in each office's own currency. Our service fee is on the [pricing page](/pricing), and a 5% bank fee applies to government fees. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ ## [United States](/resources/country-guides/united-states) USPTO $350 per class 8โ€“12 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/united-states) [See Pricing and File](/services/us-trademark)[USPTO](https://www.uspto.gov) ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ ## [European Union](/resources/country-guides/european-union) EUIPO โ‚ฌ850 for one class 4โ€“6 months First-to-File Required for non-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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/european-union) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/european-union)[EUIPO](https://euipo.europa.eu) ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง ## [United Kingdom](/resources/country-guides/united-kingdom) UKIPO ยฃ205 for one class 4โ€“6 months First-to-File Not required (a UK address for service is) Post-Brexit, UK trademarks are separate from EU marks. Fast examination and a relatively low opposition rate. First-to-file, with passing-off rights for earlier unregistered use. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/united-kingdom) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/united-kingdom)[UKIPO](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office) ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ ## [India](/resources/country-guides/india) CGPDTM โ‚น4,500 or โ‚น9,000 per class 12โ€“24 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/india) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/india)[CGPDTM](https://ipindia.gov.in) ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ## [China](/resources/country-guides/china) CNIPA About ยฅ270 per class 9โ€“14 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/china) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/china)[CNIPA](https://english.cnipa.gov.cn) ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ## [Canada](/resources/country-guides/canada) CIPO CAD 491.06 for the first class 24โ€“30 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/canada) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/canada)[CIPO](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canadian-intellectual-property-office/) ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ## [Japan](/resources/country-guides/japan) JPO ยฅ3,400 plus ยฅ8,600 per class at filing 12โ€“18 months First-to-File Required for foreign applicants Rigorous examination process with high standards. Local attorney (benrishi) required for foreign filers. Fees are split into a filing payment and a registration payment. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/japan) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/japan)[JPO](https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/) ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ## [South Korea](/resources/country-guides/south-korea) KIPO KRW 62,000 per class 12โ€“15 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/south-korea) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/south-korea)[KIPO](https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/) ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ ## [Australia](/resources/country-guides/australia) IP Australia AUD 250 per class 7โ€“10 months 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. [Read the Guide](/resources/country-guides/australia) [See Pricing and File](/services/trademark-registration/australia)[IP Australia](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au) ## Side-by-Side Comparison Jurisdiction Official filing fee Timeline System Local Attorney Madrid Official Office [๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States](/resources/country-guides/united-states) $350 per class 8โ€“12 months First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [USPTO โ†—](https://www.uspto.gov) [๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ European Union](/resources/country-guides/european-union) โ‚ฌ850 for one class 4โ€“6 months First-to-File Required for non-EEA applicants โœ“ [EUIPO โ†—](https://euipo.europa.eu) [๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom](/resources/country-guides/united-kingdom) ยฃ205 for one class 4โ€“6 months First-to-File Not required (a UK address for service is) โœ“ [UKIPO โ†—](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/intellectual-property-office) [๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India](/resources/country-guides/india) โ‚น4,500 or โ‚น9,000 per class 12โ€“24 months First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CGPDTM โ†—](https://ipindia.gov.in) [๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ China](/resources/country-guides/china) About ยฅ270 per class 9โ€“14 months First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CNIPA โ†—](https://english.cnipa.gov.cn) [๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada](/resources/country-guides/canada) CAD 491.06 for the first class 24โ€“30 months First-to-Use Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [CIPO โ†—](https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canadian-intellectual-property-office/) [๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan](/resources/country-guides/japan) ยฅ3,400 plus ยฅ8,600 per class at filing 12โ€“18 months First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [JPO โ†—](https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/) [๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea](/resources/country-guides/south-korea) KRW 62,000 per class 12โ€“15 months First-to-File Required for foreign applicants โœ“ [KIPO โ†—](https://www.kipo.go.kr/en/) [๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia](/resources/country-guides/australia) AUD 250 per class 7โ€“10 months First-to-Use Not required โœ“ [IP Australia โ†—](https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au) Official fee for the first class unless stated. Not sure how many classes you need? Try [Class Assist](/class-assist). ## 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)[See Pricing](/pricing)[Get Expert Advice](/free-consultation) ## Site footer ![Global Trademark Company](/assets/gtc-logo-white-notagline-ByRCYoA5.png) 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) Monday to Friday, 10:00-17:00 ET ยท CET ยท IST ### 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 - [All Resources](/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) - [Terms & conditions](/terms) - [Privacy policy](/privacy) - [Refund & credit policy](/refund-policy) - [Trademark guarantee](/trademark-guarantee) - [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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