Chapter 4: China and the Madrid System: From Joining in 1989 to Becoming the World's Leading Designated Country

China is one of the earliest developing country members and today one of the most active participants in the Madrid System. Over three decades, China has transformed from a "rule-taker" to a major user—a trajectory that mirrors the journey of Chinese enterprises going global.

Two-step onboarding

China's accession to the Madrid system occurred in two stages. On 1989 10 4, China joined the Madrid Agreement—coinciding with the year the Madrid Protocol was adopted. At that time, China's trademark system had only recently been rebuilt, and very few enterprises were expanding overseas; joining the agreement was primarily an institutional step. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for China on 1995 12 1, enabling Chinese companies to leverage both treaties simultaneously thereafter.

For a long period after joining, Chinese applicants were not active in using the Madrid System. The real turning point came after China's manufacturing and internet industries began expanding globally on a large scale, leading to a sustained surge in Madrid applications from that time onward.

Three report cards from 2025

The WIPO "Madrid Yearbook 2026" (published in 4 2026, covering 2025) provides the latest data on China's position:

First, the application volume ranks third globally. In 2025, Chinese applicants filed 5636 Madrid international applications, trailing behind the United States (10997) and Germany (6106), but surpassing France (4026) and the United Kingdom (3871).

Second, the total number of designated contracting parties ranks first globally. In 2025, Chinese applicants made a total of 76530 designations to contracting parties—the highest among all countries. This metric better reflects the breadth of patent布局 than application volume alone: with an average of approximately 13.6 contracting parties designated per Chinese applicant, it shows that Chinese enterprises commonly adopt a "one application, broad global coverage" strategy, effectively leveraging the efficiency of the Madrid System's batch designation capabilities.

Third, deeply integrate into the system. China plays a dual role within the Madrid System as both an important country of origin and a designated country: it serves as the home office for Chinese enterprises going global and as a key target market for foreign applicants seeking designation (foreign applicants must pay a separate fee to designate China).

Structural signals behind the data

Chinese applicants' Madrid System filings exhibit three notable trends. First, the filing timeline has shifted earlier: more companies are registering trademarks in multiple jurisdictions before launching products overseas, treating trademarks as foundational infrastructure rather than a remedial measure. Second, market coverage is increasingly diverse, extending beyond traditional Western markets to emerging regions such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Third, rule application has matured, with heightened activity in post-registration management tasks like subsequent designations, amendments, and renewals.

Incomplete map

Notably, the Madrid System's applicability to China has limitations: Hong Kong China, Macau China, and Taiwan China are currently not eligible for designation under the Madrid Protocol and must file separate applications. According to WIPO, China intends to extend the Protocol's application to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with related arrangements underway. Once implemented, Hong Kong enterprises will gain access to the same Madrid filing channel as those in mainland China—a key milestone in China's relationship with the Madrid System.

From 1989 to today, China's evolving role in the Madrid System illustrates a key point: the value of international rules depends on the scale and proficiency of their users. For Chinese enterprises, this channel is now ready; the next challenge is how to use it more effectively.

Fuzhou Mingzhi Trademark and Patent Agency (General Partnership)

www.fzipa.com

IP professional agency filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration

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Fujian-based boutique IP firm specializing in niche industries. Core team members have over 10 years of experience, focusing on high-value services including cross-border patents, patent invalidation proceedings, and patent infringement litigation. We uphold the highest standards of professional practice, strictly conduct cross-research using Incopat and PatSeas, maintain a selective caseload, and refuse to accept abnormal patent applications involving mere drafting. We deliver strong protection and high win rates for specialized, innovative, and new enterprises.

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Core Business Areas: Domestic trademark registration and Madrid Protocol international trademark filing, patent application agency services, trademark refusal review and invalidation proceedings, IP litigation and enforcement, corporate IP strategic planning, and training.

[Keywords] Madrid trademark, Madrid System, Madrid Protocol, international trademark registration, WIPO International Bureau, exporting trademarks overseas, foreign trademark registration, Fuzhou trademark agency, Fuzhou intellectual property agency

Disclaimer: This article is for general industry education and does not constitute legal advice for specific cases. For case-specific guidance, please consult a qualified trademark agent.