On September 27, 2019, the Government of Malaysia deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with WIPO’s Director General, making Malaysia the 106th member of the Madrid System, which now covers 122 countries. The Protocol will enter into force for Malaysia on December 27th, 2019.

Starting December 27th, 2019 local brand owners in Malaysia can begin using the Madrid System to protect their marks in the 121 territories of the System’s other 105 members by filing a single international application and paying a single set of fees.

With its straightforward designation process, foreign companies and trademark owners can, from December 2019, seek trademark protection through the Madrid System when selling their products and services in Malaysia.

The deposit, made by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Secretary General Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz, includes declarations under Articles 5(2)(b) and (c) of the Protocol (extension of the refusal period to 18 months and beyond for oppositions), Article 8(7)(a) of the Protocol (individual fees), and under Rules 7(2) (intent to use) and 20bis(6)(b) (recording of licenses in the International Register has no effect in Malaysia), of the Common Regulations.