What is the "Dependency" on a Basic Application? A Madrid International Application does not exist in a vacuum; it must be based on a trademark application or registration already filed in the applicant’s "Office of Origin" (e.g., China, USA). For the first five years from the date of international registration, the international application remains "dependent" on this basic case.

The Fatal "Central Attack" Risk If, during this five-year dependency period, the basic application in the home country fails for any reason (e.g., it is refused, canceled by a third party, or voluntarily withdrawn), all designations under that international application will "collectively lapse." It is akin to removing the foundation of a building—the entire global portfolio collapses instantly. This is the "Central Attack."

The "Risk Isolation" Advantage of National Applications In contrast, National Applications are entirely independent. Even if your trademark is refused in the U.S., it has no legal impact on your filings in Japan or the EU. Each country examines the case independently. For enterprises with controversial brand names or those targeted by competitors, national filings provide superior "risk hedging."