Economy > Trademark applications > International applications: Countries Compared

DEFINITION: Trademark applications filed are applications to register a trademark with a national or regional Intellectual Property (IP) office. A trademark is a distinctive sign which identifies certain goods or services as those produced or provided by a specific person or enterprise. A trademark provides protection to the owner of the mark by ensuring the exclusive right to use it to identify goods or services, or to authorize another to use it in return for payment. The period of protection varies, but a trademark can be renewed indefinitely beyond the time limit on payment of additional fees. Madrid trademark applications are those received by the national or regional IP office as a result of an international application filed via the WIPO-administered Madrid System.".