Naples attorney Jeanne Seewald answers:

Until recently, there was no process for obtaining an international trademark registration other than filing separate applications in each individual country abroad. As of Nov. 2, 2003, the United States entered into the Madrid Protocol, an international treaty that allows a trademark owner to seek registration of its trademark in any of the 61 countries that are parties to the treaty. This international registration system will be administered by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

A trademark owner may submit an international application through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) designating one or more countries in which registration is sought, as long as the owner 1) has a domestic application filed in or a registration issued by the USPTO; and 2) meets certain residency requirements or has an industrial or commercial establishment in the U.S.

Following certification by the USPTO that the international application meets its requirements, the application is forwarded to the International Bureau, which still must review the international application and, if its requirements are met and its fees are paid (in Swiss francs), the International Bureau will register the trademark associated with the international application.

Subsequently, the bureau will notify each country designated in the international application of the request for protection in that country. Each individual country then will examine the request and, if the country's registration requirements are met, the mark will be granted protection in that country. Note that there are strict time limits and requirements related to international applications. For more information on this topic, visit www.uspto.gov.

Seewald, a shareholder in the Naples office of Fowler White Boggs Banker, practices in the areas of business transactions and intellectual property law, and may be reached at 598-1221. This answer does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney before using any of this information.

Q: I've just been promoted to manager of a department I have worked in; what can I do to get ready?

Jan Kantor, a business consultant and executive coach in Naples, answers:

Becoming a manager can mean fighting the urge to do things better yourself. After all, you know you can do the work, but you may not be quite so sure of Tom or Sally. When you become a manager you have to deal with really difficult things-people.

You must first understand what is expected of you. Don't assume anything. Here are some tips:

. Once you understand your role you need to make a commitment, not only to your company but to yourself.

. Realize that as a manager everyone will not like you.

. Learn to trust your intuition.

. Remember the things that were important to you as an employee.

Becoming a new manager isn't an easy task. There are many changes and adjustments to make. But by facing up to any insecurities you may have, and working on them, you are on your way to being an effective, well-informed new manager.

For additional business tips, contact Kantor at www.jankantor.com.