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International Trademark Portfolio Management

Why do I need a trademark portfolio manager?

Managing trademarks across multiple jurisdictions involves complex deadlines and legal requirements. A portfolio manager ensures no renewals are missed, handles administrative changes efficiently, and aligns your IP strategy with business goals, reducing the risk of losing valuable assets.

How are changes in company ownership handled globally?

If your company undergoes an M&A or changes its name, this must be recorded in every trademark registry. We manage the "Recordal of Change" process centrally via WIPO for Madrid registrations and coordinate with local agents for national marks to update records worldwide.

Can you help streamline my trademark budget?

Yes, portfolio management includes strategic audits to identify unused or redundant marks. By abandoning non-essential trademarks and consolidating renewals, we can significantly reduce your annual maintenance costs while maintaining robust protection in key markets.

What happens if I miss a renewal deadline?

Most jurisdictions offer a "grace period" (usually 6 months) with a surcharge. However, if this period is also missed, you may lose rights permanently. Our docketing system prevents this scenario by providing alerts well in advance.

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International Trademark Portfolio Management is a complex service designed for companies with global ambitions. When a business operates in multiple countries, it may have dozens or hundreds of registered trademarks in different jurisdictions. Each registration has its own deadlines, renewal dates, and specific requirements. Portfolio management involves the centralized administration of these assets to avoid missing deadlines and losing rights. This service combines legal expertise and administrative management, giving the company peace of mind and allowing it to focus on business development.

What International Portfolio Management Services Cover

Partner patent attorneys on Legal.ge ensure:

  • Deadline Control (Docketing): Using specialized software to monitor renewal deadlines in all countries and provide timely notifications.
  • Renewals: Extending the validity of trademarks through the WIPO system or national offices (where the Madrid System does not apply).
  • Recording Changes: Registering changes in company name, address, or ownership in all relevant jurisdictions.
  • Strategic Audit: Periodic review of the portfolio—which marks are active, which are no longer used, and where protection needs to be expanded.
  • License Management: Recording and registering licenses granted to international distributors with local authorities.

Practical Examples and Scenarios

Effective management is critical:

  • Rebranding: An international company changed its logo. It's necessary to stop renewing the old logo registrations and register the new one in 20 countries. The manager coordinates this process.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): A Georgian company bought a foreign startup. The acquired brands need to be transferred to the new owner in all registries.
  • Brexit: EU trademarks no longer cover the UK. The portfolio manager must ensure timely cloning or re-registration of UK marks.

Georgian Legal Framework

Georgia is a member of the Madrid Protocol, which allows for the centralized management of international registrations via WIPO. Changes to an international registration are made through Sakpatenti or directly with WIPO. National legislation (Law on Trademarks) defines procedures regarding marks protected in Georgia. The manager acts based on a power of attorney that must meet local and international requirements.

The Process: How a Manager Works

Collaboration involves:

  1. Inventory: Gathering all client assets into a single database.
  2. Planning: Budgeting for renewals for the upcoming year.
  3. Coordination: Liaising with WIPO and foreign partners (local lawyers).
  4. Reporting: Regular reports on statuses.

Why Legal.ge?

Managing a portfolio across multiple countries with in-house resources is difficult and risky. Legal.ge offers professional outsourcing, reducing administrative costs and eliminating errors. Entrust your global brands to experienced managers.

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