Overview

International protection

Trade marks are used across borders, but their protection remains territorial. This section explains how Liechtenstein and foreign rights complement each other and which filing routes are available to a company with an international focus.

Choosing the territories deliberately

A Liechtenstein registration provides national protection. Other markets require a separate basis of protection. The EU trade mark has a unitary effect within the European Union; it therefore does not extend to Liechtenstein merely because Liechtenstein is a member of the EEA. Switzerland must also be treated as a separate territory.1

Using the Madrid System

The Madrid System makes it possible to apply for protection in selected contracting parties with one international application. The international registration simplifies administration; whether protection is granted still depends on the examination in the designated territories. Under the MSchG, an international registration with effect for Liechtenstein in principle has the same effect as a national application and registration.2

Keeping protection and use apart

Use in the EEA or in Switzerland can count towards maintaining a Liechtenstein trade mark. This rule does not extend the territory in which the trade mark is protected. The assessment of a foreign trade mark right is in turn governed by the provisions applicable to it.3

Topics in this section

The focus is on national applications abroad, the EU trade mark, international registrations, priorities and the selection of target markets. In addition, there are questions on basic marks, refusals of protection and territorial portfolios. The in-depth page on international protection brings together the filing routes and their key differences.

Conclusion

An international strategy starts with a clear selection of countries. The filing route, searches and the planning of use should be coordinated for each relevant territory.

Sources

  1. EU law: Art. 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 on the European Union trade mark, OJ L 154 of 16 June 2017, p. 1, consolidated version of 1 December 2025.

  2. Art. 41–43 of the Law of 12 December 1996 on the Protection of Trade Marks and Indications of Source (Trade Mark Protection Act; MSchG), LGBl. 1997 No. 60, LR 232.11, version of 1 July 2026.

  3. Art. 11(4) MSchG.

  4. WIPO, Madrid System – International Trademark Protection, sections “What is the Madrid System?” and “Why use the Madrid System?”, accessed on 13 September 2026.

Last updated: 13 September 2026

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