In a complex world such as that of Industrial Property rights, strong legislation is essential. For that reason, international standards have been established over the years that help to streamline IP protection. Various treaties contribute to better protection, to easier registration and clear classification of IP.

The Paris Convention for the protection of Industrial Property was held in 1883. This convention became one of the pillars on which all subsequent international IP-systems were built.

Treaties in relation to trademarks

The Madrid System = Madrid Agreement (1891) + Madrid Protocol (1989)
This system gives the trademark holder the possibility of protecting his trademark internationally simply by registering it at a trademark bureau, in one language (French, English or recently also Spanish), in one currency and for one price.

Treaty of Nice (1957)
The 'Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks' was concluded in 1957 as a result of the wide variety of goods and services. Thenceforth, trademarks had to be registered in one or more classifications. The Treaty of Nice is now in its 8th edition.

View the Nice Classification

The Vienna Convention (1973)
All figurative elements that might occur in device marks were established in 1973 in the 'Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks'. We use the Vienna-classification for our device searches and watches.

Treaties in relation to industrial designs

Hague Convention (1925)
This convention allows the owner to have his design protected internationally by registering it at the WIPO International Bureau, in one language, one currency and for one price.

Treaty of Locarno (1968)
In order to structure all designs clearly in different categories, the 'Locarno Agreement Establishing an International Classification for Industrial Designs' was concluded in 1968. We apply the classification to our Industrial design searches and watches.

Treaties in relation to appellations of origin

Lisbon Agreement (1958)
An appellation of origin is protected by a single registration procedure in all countries that have signed this agreement.

Which countries follow which treaties?

Of course, all countries did not ratify all the treaties. If you would like to register a mark in a particular country, it is important that you know which international standards you should take into account. For that reason, consult our well-organized list of countries.