Title of Assignment: Madrid Registry External Consultant

Name of unit/sector: Madrid Information and Promotion Division, Madrid Registry, Brands and Designs Sector

Place of Assignment: WIPO Japan Office (WJO), Tokyo, Japan

Expected places of travel (if applicable): Internal Japan travel

Expected duration of assignment: From May 1 to December 31, 2024

1. Objectives of the assignment

The Contractor will support the Madrid Registry marketing goal of increasing the use of the Madrid System for the international registration of marks in Japan and assist in the promotion of the System among user communities in this country.

2.Deliverables/services

(a) Provide a detailed work plan for WIPO’s approval at the beginning of the contract, in accordance with the objectives described in paragraph 1, which should include plans for:

(i) engagement with at least five top filers/representatives  (either through field visits or other appropriate means) in Japan each month, to support their current and future filing activities;
(ii) engagement with at least five potential top filers/representatives (either through field visits or other appropriate means) in Japan each month, to promote use of the Madrid System;
(iii) organization and participation in programs and events (e.g., seminars, forums, conferences, roundtables) arranged by third parties in Japan which provide the opportunity to promote use of the Madrid System;
(iv) identification of successful stories of use of the Madrid System by Japanese businesses and recommendation on production of case studies addressing Japanese audiences;  and
(v) additional activities the Contractor determines to be consistent with the objective of this assignment.

(b) In executing the work plan, obtain and share information through a monthly report with WIPO about the use of the Madrid System by current and future top filers in the specified countries.  The monthly report should include details of:

(i) present and future filing intentions of current and potential top filers, including statistics, where possible;
(ii) feedback on the information and transactional requirements of current and potential filers, including any proposals for changes to WIPO’s information and service offerings;
(iii) the key decision points at which current and potential top filers commit to their strategy for international brand protection;
(iv) information on the key decision-makers in each firm, including their role and titles and their chief sources of influence or information on international brand protection;
(v) obstacles preventing use of the Madrid System;
(vi) plans for follow up visits and contacts made;
(vii) statistics and analysis of the national and international trademark filing trends in Japan.
(viii) information regarding any increased interest in or use of the Madrid System as a result of the activities performed;
(ix) any information the Contractor determines to be consistent with the objective of this assignment;  and
(x) a summary of all activities, travel and mission expenditures incurred.

(c) Be a focal point for users of the Madrid System in Japan and WIPO and reply to queries regarding the Madrid System from Japanese users;

(d) Inform WIPO of any Madrid System-related events and activities organized in the specified countries as they become known;

(e) Make contribution in Japanese to the WIPO Japan Office (WJO) webpages and to other WIPO promotional materials for topics related to the Madrid System (updates, information of user interests, new publications or documents, etc.);  and

(f) Perform other tasks as required by the Organization.

3. Reporting

The Contractor shall work under the coordination of the Director, Madrid Information and Promotion Division, Madrid Registry, Brands and Designs Sector.

4. Profile

University degree in law, business administration or related field.

At least three years of experience in an IP Office or comparable working environment.

Good knowledge of the business and administrative procedures of WIPO and the examination of trademark applications at the national and international levels.

Capacity to act as a key account manager for Madrid System potential and major filers in Japan.

Ability to explain the rules, regulations and procedures governing the area of work.

Integrity in dealing with confidential and sensitive data.

Excellent knowledge of Japanese and good command of English.

5. Duration of contract and payment

The duration of the contract shall be from May 1 to December 31, 2024, inclusive.

For the deliverables/services described in paragraph 2, above, WIPO will pay the Contractor on a monthly basis according to the actual days of work rendered within a calendar month, up to a maximum of 21.66 days.

The Contractor is expected to carry out missions across the country.  Travel expenses related to any authorized missions in Japan from the place of assignment will be covered by WIPO.