Chapter IVA - Special Provisions Relating to Protection of Trade Marks Through International Registration under the Madrid Protocol
Section 36G
Section 36G: International registration duration and renewal
International registration lasts ten years and may be renewed for successive ten-year periods, with the stated six-month grace period.
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Need advice on Section 36G?
This article is for general information. Refer to the Trade Marks Act, 1999 official text for the official provisions. If you need professional advice for your situation, contact Bizeneed.
Statutory text
Bare law
(1) The international registration of a trade mark at the International Bureau shall be for a period of ten years and may be renewed for a period of ten years from the expiry of the preceding period.
(2) Subject to payment of a surcharge prescribed by the rules, a grace period of six months shall be allowed for renewal of the international registration.
Rule and business relevance
Renewal runs from expiry of the preceding period. The grace period is subject to payment of the prescribed surcharge.
Limits and related provisions
Do not use these international-registration provisions as a substitute for the distinct domestic renewal and restoration rules. Check current official fees, forms and procedure before payment.
Hypothetical business example
Hypothetical example: An international registration nears its ten-year expiry. The holder schedules renewal and, if late, checks the six-month grace period and applicable surcharge.
Practical decision flow
Confirm the international registration’s expiry date.
Arrange renewal for the next ten-year period under current official procedure.
If relying on grace, confirm timing and pay the prescribed surcharge.
Applying the Act and current procedure
Read the statutory rule together with the applicable Trade Marks Rules, current Registry directions and the facts of the particular mark. Forms, fees and procedural requirements should be checked against their current official source before filing.
Practical checklist
Do
- Confirm the international registration’s expiry date.
- Arrange renewal for the next ten-year period under current official procedure.
- If relying on grace, confirm timing and pay the prescribed surcharge.
Avoid
- Do not use these international-registration provisions as a substitute for the distinct domestic renewal and restoration rules. Check current official fees, forms and procedure before payment.
Glossary
- International renewal
- Renewal of the International Bureau registration under this provision.
- Grace period
- The six-month renewal period subject to the prescribed surcharge.
Frequently asked questions
How long is each stated registration or renewal period?
Ten years.
Is there a grace period?
Yes, six months subject to the prescribed surcharge.
Are exact current fees fixed by this section?
No. The surcharge and procedure must be checked in the current applicable rules and official system.
Need help applying this provision to your situation?
Contact BizeneedLast updated 10 October 2026