The USPTO is changing how U.S.-based trademark owners file outbound international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol. Right now, you can file under via TEASi - the Trademark Electronic Application System International. Soon, brand owners will be able to use the new Madrid e-Filing platform run by WIPO or continue using TEASi during the transition window, but there is a mandatory cutoff coming up, so legal teams should get familiar with the Madrid platform before then. 

Timing: Here's how the rollout will work: 

• July 31 – September 30, 2026 (Transition Window): You can use either TEASi or Madrid e-Filing for new outbound international applications.
• October 1, 2026 (Mandatory Cutover): Madrid e-Filing becomes the only option for new outbound applications (and for any responses to irregularity notices tied to those filings).
• Legacy TEASi Filings: If you filed through TEASi before October 1, you’ll need to finish that application in TEASi (no switching systems mid-way). 

Remember that WIPO accepts payments in Swiss francs, unlike the USPTO which accepts payments in U.S. dollars. While the fee amounts do not change in dollar terms, keep exchange rate fluctuations and fees in mind. There is an upside: filers will get additional payment options and won't have to deal with the current pay.gov $24,999.99 limit (which can be surprisingly easy to run up against for large filing programs). 

The new system is slated to be quicker and provide for more informal back-and-forth with USPTO staff to hopefully address pre-certification issues, along with continuing to autopopulate data from existing U.S. filings. 

What you should do

1. Set up WIPO accounts. You'll need one to use the Madrid e-filing platform, so get all relevant attorneys, paralegals and filing personnel registered sooner rather than later. See: Account FAQ.
2. Inventory filing pipeline. Take stock of upcoming international filing programs between now and October and figure out which system to use.
3. Internal payment coordination. Loop in accounting/finance team to coordinate payment in Swiss francs to minimize foreign transaction fees.
4. Track legacy TEASi filings. Anything filed in TEASi before October 1 stays there until completion, so keep track of what is filed where (will be indicated on filing receipts). 

As with any migration, expect some bumps, especially early. Build in lead time for new filings and coordinate docketing on both systems during the transition, and to pick up new communication channels for irregularity notices filed under the Madrid e-Filings system (that used to come from the USPTO). 

WIPO has published a Madrid e-Filing user guide for applicants and maintains a dedicated Madrid e-Filing webpage with further guidance at wipo.int.