Filing and Prosecuting Trademarks in Israel
Foreign brand owners can protect a mark in Israel either by designating Israel in an international registration under the Madrid Protocol, or by filing a national application with the Israel Patent Office (ILPO). We handle both routes, and we advise on which suits each case.
Madrid or national filing?
| Consideration | National application | Madrid designation |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | Drafted to ILPO practice from the start | Follows the international registration; may need amendment |
| Dependency | Independent of any home registration | Dependent on the basic mark for five years |
| Local representative | Needed from filing | Needed only if the ILPO raises objections |
| Best suited to | Israel as a key market, or a mark needing tailored wording | Broad multi-country protection at lower upfront cost |
What we need for a national filing
- Applicant name, address and country of incorporation
- The mark: the word, or image files for a logo
- The goods and services, which we review and adapt to ILPO practice before filing
- Any priority claim, with the priority date and number
- A signed power of attorney. A scan is sufficient, with no notarization or legalization required. It can follow after filing (generally within about three months), although filing it with the application is simplest
Prosecution
About 8 to 10 months after filing, an ILPO examiner reviews the application for formalities, distinctiveness and conflicts with earlier marks, using criteria similar to those applied in other countries. If objections are raised, we report with our analysis and a recommended response, and handle any amendments or arguments. Our fees are based on the complexity of the rejections.
Once the application is allowed, a three-month opposition period begins. If no opposition is filed, the mark is registered at the end of that period. Without acceleration, registration typically takes 10 to 14 months from filing. Accelerated examination is available where a faster result is needed.
Oppositions and cancellations
We file and defend oppositions, and handle cancellation actions, including actions based on non-use. We assess the evidence early and advise whether settlement or a coexistence arrangement is the more efficient route.
Renewals
Israeli trademark registrations last ten years from filing and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods. Late renewal is possible within six months of the due date, subject to a surcharge. There are no other official fees after registration.
Why foreign firms use us for Israeli trademarks
- Experience. Extensive experience with trademark filing and prosecution in Israel, both national and Madrid.
- Working relationship with the ILPO. Good communication with Israeli trademark examiners, which often resolves issues faster than formal correspondence alone.
- One fee, no surprises. A simple once-off fee for a national filing, with no surprise reporting charges along the way.
- Status updates. We keep you fully informed of status and upcoming deadlines.
- English throughout. Full English explanation of any Hebrew communication from the ILPO, at no extra charge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the trademark application process in Israel?
About 8 to 10 months after filing, an examiner evaluates the application, using criteria similar to those applied in other countries. If the application is allowed, a three-month opposition period begins. If no opposition is filed, the mark is registered at the end of that period.
What documents are needed to file?
A signed power of attorney and, for a logo, the image files.
Does the power of attorney need to be notarized or legalized?
No. A scan of the signed document is sufficient.
How long does registration take?
Without acceleration, typically 10 to 14 months from filing.
Are there fees after registration?
No further official fees, only renewal of the mark every ten years.
Contact us for a filing strategy and a cost estimate. For an ILPO refusal of a Madrid designation, see Madrid Designations of Israel: Responding to ILPO Provisional Refusals.