Frequently Asked Questions

The Madrid Protocol, administered by WIPO, enables trademark owners to seek protection in multiple member countries through one international application.

Registration timelines differ between jurisdictions. Depending on examination procedures, publication requirements, and possible objections, registration may take several months to over a year.

The application may face refusal or opposition depending on the likelihood of confusion and the applicable trademark laws of the jurisdiction.

Yes. A professional clearance search helps identify conflicting marks and significantly reduces the risk of objections, refusals and infringement disputes.

No. Registering a company or business name does not automatically grant trademark rights. Trademark registration provides separate legal protection.

In most jurisdictions trademark registrations remain valid for ten years and can usually be renewed indefinitely upon payment of renewal fees.

Yes. Trademarks are valuable intellectual property assets that may be licensed, franchised or assigned through properly drafted legal agreements.

Trademark infringement generally occurs when an identical or confusingly similar mark is used without authorization in a way that is likely to confuse consumers regarding the origin of goods or services.

Prior art includes any publicly available information before the filing date that may affect the novelty or inventiveness of an invention.

Yes. Public disclosure before filing may affect patentability in many jurisdictions. Confidentiality agreements should be considered before discussing an invention.

The PCT allows inventors to file one international patent application while postponing entry into multiple national patent offices.

No. A PCT application simplifies the filing process but patents are ultimately granted by individual national or regional patent offices.

In most jurisdictions patent protection lasts twenty years from the filing date, subject to payment of maintenance fees.

Patentability of software varies between jurisdictions. Software providing a technical solution or technical effect may qualify for patent protection in certain countries.

A patent search helps determine novelty, identifies existing technologies, and supports informed filing decisions before investing in patent prosecution.

Yes. Patent owners may license technology to businesses worldwide under carefully negotiated commercial licensing agreements.

In many countries copyright arises automatically once an eligible original work is created, although registration may strengthen enforcement in certain jurisdictions.

Yes. Computer software is generally protected as a literary work in many jurisdictions.

Yes. Copyright owners may grant licences allowing others to use their work under agreed commercial terms.

Moral rights generally include the right of attribution and protection against derogatory treatment of creative works.

The duration varies internationally but commonly extends for the life of the author plus several decades after death.

Yes. Original website text, graphics, photographs, software code and multimedia content are generally protected by copyright.

Legal options may include cease-and-desist notices, platform takedown procedures, negotiations or legal proceedings depending on the jurisdiction involved.

Patents protect functional inventions, whereas industrial design rights protect the visual appearance of a product.

Yes. Packaging, product containers, labels and unique visual presentations may qualify for design protection depending on applicable laws.

Many jurisdictions allow protection for clothing, footwear, jewellery and accessories through industrial design registration.

The duration varies by jurisdiction but is commonly renewable for periods ranging from 10 to 25 years.

The Hague System administered by WIPO allows applicants to seek industrial design protection in multiple countries through a single international application.

Public disclosure before filing may affect protection in many countries. Early filing is generally recommended.

Yes. Certain jurisdictions permit multiple designs within a single application if statutory requirements are satisfied.

Protection should generally be sought in countries where you manufacture, sell products, provide services or plan future commercial expansion.

Enforcement usually occurs country by country, although international treaties facilitate cooperation and recognition in many circumstances.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for administering major international intellectual property treaties.

Early international protection strengthens investor confidence, protects expansion opportunities and reduces future legal risks.

Opposition procedures differ between jurisdictions, but many countries allow third parties to challenge trademark applications before registration.

An IP portfolio is the collective management of trademarks, patents, copyrights and designs across multiple jurisdictions.

A well-planned strategy helps businesses expand globally while protecting valuable intellectual property assets and reducing legal exposure.

Arbitration offers neutrality, confidentiality, procedural flexibility and easier international enforcement compared with many court proceedings.

The New York Convention facilitates recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in more than 170 jurisdictions.

An arbitration clause is a contractual provision requiring future disputes to be resolved through arbitration rather than litigation.

Common institutions include ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, PCA and ICSID depending on the nature of the dispute.

Yes. International commercial contracts commonly specify governing law and dispute resolution procedures.

The seat determines the legal framework governing the arbitration and the supervisory courts having jurisdiction.

In many institutional arbitrations confidentiality is preserved, although applicable rules and laws may differ.

Yes. Awards are generally enforceable internationally under the New York Convention, subject to limited legal exceptions.

We assist clients with immigration-related consultation for numerous jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Singapore and European countries, subject to local legal requirements.

Yes. We advise entrepreneurs, investors and professionals on business immigration options, regulatory considerations and supporting documentation.

Requirements vary by country but commonly include passports, educational records, employment documents, financial evidence, police certificates and civil status documents.

Yes. Applications may be refused for incomplete documentation, eligibility issues, security concerns or failure to satisfy statutory requirements.

Appeal rights depend on the immigration laws of the relevant country. Certain jurisdictions provide administrative review or judicial appeal mechanisms.

Yes. We assist clients in understanding documentation requirements and preparing complete application packages where appropriate.

Yes. Where local representation is legally required, we coordinate with trusted foreign legal professionals and regulated advisers.

Many countries offer work permits and intra-company transfer programmes subject to their immigration laws.

No. Immigration decisions are made solely by the relevant governmental authorities. Our role is to provide accurate legal guidance and documentation support.

Yes. We provide legal consultation regarding documentation, legal formalities and cross-border marriage requirements.

The applicable law depends on several factors including nationality, domicile, residence and the jurisdiction where the marriage is celebrated.

Recognition depends on the laws of the country where recognition is sought and whether legal formalities have been satisfied.

Yes. We provide preliminary legal consultation regarding jurisdiction, recognition issues and cross-border legal considerations.

The HCCH develops international legal conventions governing cross-border family law, child protection and civil judicial cooperation.

Yes. Child custody matters involving multiple countries often require consideration of international conventions and domestic family laws.

Recognition depends upon treaties, domestic legislation and judicial procedures of the country where enforcement is requested.

Many countries require certified translations for civil status documents submitted in immigration or family proceedings.

Yes. Where appropriate, we coordinate with qualified lawyers in relevant jurisdictions.

A governing law clause specifies which country's law will regulate interpretation and enforcement of the contract.

A jurisdiction clause identifies the courts authorised to hear disputes if arbitration is not selected.

Many international businesses prefer arbitration clauses because arbitral awards are generally easier to enforce internationally than court judgments.

Electronic signatures are recognised in many jurisdictions, although legal requirements differ depending on the applicable law.

Legal due diligence is the process of reviewing legal risks before entering significant commercial transactions or investments.

Yes. We review, negotiate and draft cross-border commercial agreements to improve legal certainty and minimise commercial risks.

A force majeure clause addresses unforeseen events beyond the parties' control that may affect contractual performance.

Enforcement depends upon applicable laws, international treaties and the dispute resolution mechanism selected by the parties.

Yes. English is widely used in international commerce, although local legal requirements should always be considered.