Grenada joins the Madrid Protocol: five things brand owners should know

Grenada has joined the Madrid Protocol, which introduces the option to protect trade marks in the jurisdiction as part of an international filing as opposed to filing direct. The change took effect on 15 March 2026. 

Here are five key points for brand owners and advisers. 

1. International protection now extends to Grenada

From 15 March 2026, brand owners can include Grenada in an international trade mark application through the Madrid system. 

For overseas businesses, this means Grenada can now be covered alongside other Madrid member countries through a single filing. For Grenadian companies, it opens up access to trade mark protection across more than 130 territories using one international platform. 

2. National trade mark rights are still recognised

An international registration designating Grenada will have the same effect as a national trade mark application filed directly with the local Intellectual Property Office. 

Grenada has updated its trade mark legislation to ensure international registrations are examined and enforced under the same local legal framework as national marks. Existing national registrations remain valid and unaffected. 

3. Grenada has opted for an extended examination period

Grenada has chosen to apply an 18‑month examination period, rather than the standard 12 months, to issue any provisional refusal of protection. 

This extended period will also apply where a refusal is based on an opposition by a third party. In practice, this means international applicants may need to wait longer before receiving confirmation that their mark is protected in Grenada. 

4. Designating Grenada as part of an international application does not necessarily mean you won’t need to appoint local counsel 

Where a provisional refusal is issued, whether ex officio or on the basis of a third-party opposition, trade mark applicants will have a time limit of three months to respond via a local agent domiciled in Grenada.   

5. Practical details are still emerging 

While the Madrid Protocol is now in force, some elements of local practice including e-filing, forms and procedures are still being finalised. Brand owners designating Grenada as part of international applications should factor in possible processing delays in the short term.  

What this means for brand owners 

Grenada’s entry into the Madrid Protocol is a welcome development for brand owners with Caribbean or international interests offering an alternative mechanism for brand protection.  

How Ogier can help 

Ogier assists clients with trade mark protection and portfolio strategy across the Caribbean and internationally. We work with brand owners to assess how developments like this affect existing rights and future filing plans. 

If you would like help navigating trade mark protection in Grenada or the wider region, get in touch. 

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Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice