April 6, 2020

Further to last week’s announcement, WIPO has updated its procedures in relation to the Madrid system.

Due to the suspension of postal service between Switzerland and a number of countries and the need to comply with guidance by public health authorities, WIPO is no longer able to send or receive communications by postal mail until further notice. Applicants, holders and their representatives should instead communicate with WIPO electronically and use the current online services.

WIPO will continue to send communications under the Madrid System to applicants, holders and representatives who have opted to receive electronic communications by providing an e-mail address to WIPO. Where applicants, holders or their representatives have not provided an email address, they should do so as soon as possible.

Where an international application or request for recording is irregular, WIPO will not notify applicants or holders of such irregularity until it is able to do so by electronic means. As a result, while the period to remedy the irregularity will not begin until the means of electronic communication is provided, the registration or recording in the International Register will be delayed.

WIPO urges applicants, holders or their representatives to provide an email address if they have not done so already. They can do so through Contact Madrid.

WIPO has also announced some temporary measures concerning certified documents and extracts services. Until further notice, WIPO will deliver electronic versions in PDF only of the following documents:

• certified copies of certificates of international registration and renewal;
• attestations; and,
• detailed certified extracts.

WIPO will send paper copies as soon as possible.

Due to the temporary closure of related public services, WIPO has suspended the following services until further notice:

• issuance of simple certified extracts;
• legalisation of documents; and
• expedited services.

Finally, WIPO would like to remind holders of international registrations dated later than 1 January 2011 that they can download, free of charge, simple copies of their certificates of international registration and renewal using the Madrid Portfolio Manager. To read WIPO’s update in full, click here.