Differences between National and International Brand: Advantages and Comparison

Differences between a national brand and an international brand: issues and strategies

In the business world, protecting your brand is essential to guarantee your reputation and avoid any litigation. There are two main types of trademarks: national brands and the international brands. Each offers specific advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, protection and scope. This article will guide you through the key differences between these two types of trademarks and help you determine the best strategy to protect your brand.

What is a national brand?

A national brand is a trademark registered with a national or regional intellectual property office, such as the INPI in France. It offers legal protection in the territory where it is filed.

The process of filing a national trademark

The process of registration of a national trademark varies by country, but it generally involves the following steps:

  1. Preliminary search to check if the brand is available.
  2. Submission of the application to the competent national or regional office.
  3. Publication of the request in an official register.
  4. Examination by the office to ensure that the mark meets the required conditions.
  5. Registration and issuance of certificate.

Advantages and disadvantages of a national brand

The benefits of a national brand include:

  • Solid protection in the territory where it is deposited.
  • Initial costs generally lower than those of an international brand.

However, the disadvantages include:

  • Protection limited to the territory of deposit.
  • The need to register and manage several brands if you wish to expand your presence internationally.

What is an international brand?

A international brand is a trademark registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) through the Madrid System. This system allows national trademark owners to protect their trademark in several member countries in a single application.

The Madrid System and WIPO

The Madrid Protocol, administered by WIPO, is an international treaty that allows owners of national trademarks to file a single application for international registration, covering multiple countries or regions. The designated countries will then examine the request according to their own national or regional laws.

Advantages and disadvantages of an international brand

The benefits of an international brand include:

  • Extended protection in multiple countries with just one request.
  • Centralized management of renewals and modifications.
  • Potential cost savings in the long term.

Disadvantages include:

  • Higher initial costs than for a national brand.
  • The possibility that some countries refuse the registration request.

Cost comparison

THE cost associated with trademark registration nationally varies depending on the taxes and fees applicable in each country. On the other hand, filing an international trademark involves fixed fees with WIPO, as well as individual fees for each designated country.

In some cases, registering an international trademark can be more economical in the long term if you want to protect your brand in several countries.

Protection comparison

There protection offered by a national brand is generally strong in the territory where it is registered. However, this protection does not extend beyond the borders of the country in question.

On the other hand, an international trademark offers protection in all Madrid System member countries where the application has been accepted. This expanded protection can be particularly interesting for companies with international ambitions.

Scope Comparison

There scope of a national trademark is limited to the territory where it is registered. If a company wants to expand its presence internationally, it will need to register and manage several national trademarks.

An international trademark, on the other hand, allows brand owners to cover multiple countries or regions with a single application. This makes it easier to manage and expand the brand globally.

Strategies for Choosing Brand Type

When choosing between a national brand and an international brand, the following factors should be considered:

  • THE business goals : If your business plans to expand internationally, an international brand might be more appropriate.
  • THE cost : Evaluate the initial and long-term costs of both types of brands to determine which option is more profitable.
  • There protection : Review the levels of protection offered by national and international brands and determine what is best for your business.

In summary, the main differences between national and international trademarks are their geographic scope, their cost and the level of protection they offer. Choosing the right strategy to protect your brand is essential to guarantee the success of your business on the national and international market.