Why you need international registration
International registration becomes relevant if you plan to use your intellectual property outside Ukraine or promote it in foreign markets.
This may apply to different objects:
- Copyright (copyright)
Despite the fact that copyright is automatically valid from the moment a work is created and Ukraine is a party to the Berne Convention (which provides protection in most countries), official registration (including abroad) can significantly simplify the proof of authorship and dispute resolution.
- Inventions.
To protect technical solutions in different countries, you can use the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) procedure, which allows you to file an “international application” and then determine the specific national stages of registration.
- Useful models
Some countries have a legal mechanism for registering utility models, while others do not. Before submitting an application, it is worth finding out whether the relevant legislation is provided for in the chosen country.
- Trade marks
- A common method of protection abroad is the Madrid system, which allows you to file a single international application with several jurisdictions.
- It is also possible to submit separate national applications directly to the authorities of the countries where you need to register.
- Industrial designs
- If you need to protect your design in different countries, consider the Hague system (International Registration of Industrial Designs) or national procedures in each country.
How international registration works
- Assessing prospects and choosing a strategy
- Intellectual property experts help to identify priority countries for registration, as well as the optimal procedures (Madrid, PCT, Hague or direct national applications).
- We take into account the peculiarities of your object (trademark, invention, utility model, design, work, etc.).
- Submitting an application
- For inventions, trademarks or industrial designs, an international application is often filed through the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
- Copyright may be certified by deposit or registration in international or national registers.
- Expertise and publication
- Within the framework of international procedures (PCT, Madrid, Hague), there is a “centralised” phase, followed by national phases in specific countries.
- In the case of direct national filing, the examination is carried out according to the rules of the respective state.
- Obtaining a security document
- Depending on the subject matter, this may be a trademark certificate, an invention/utility model patent or an industrial design patent (certificate).
- For copyright, a registration certificate confirms your primacy and facilitates legal proof.
- Maintaining validity
- Most patents and certificates require regular fees to maintain their validity in each chosen jurisdiction.
How CLEVERSHIELD helps with international registration
- Consultations and risk analysis
CLEVERSHIELD specialists provide recommendations on the optimal registration strategy, taking into account your goals, budget and property features.
- Preparation of documents
- Correct execution of applications, claims, design descriptions or marks.
- Ensure compliance with the formal requirements of each system or national agency.
- Interaction with partners abroad
In the event of complications or additional requirements at the national stages, CLEVERSHIELD works with local experts to ensure that the process is as quick and successful as possible.
- Transfer of rights, licensing, renewal
- Assistance in drafting contracts for the transfer or sale of rights and licensing agreements.
- Maintaining the validity (payment of annual fees, renewal of registrations).
- Protection of rights and dispute resolution
- Legal support in case of violation of rights (including on the Internet).
- Cooperation with foreign lawyers and experts to effectively protect your property abroad.
Conclusion.
International registration is the key to successfully commercialising your intellectual property on a global scale. With the right strategy and professional support, you can protect your innovations, creative works, brands and designs in markets around the world.
Contact CLEVERSHIELD for a full range of services: from initial consultation and planning of international registration to obtaining titles of protection and further legal support. We will help you to protect your interests and unlock the potential of your intellectual property in the international arena!