On April 30th, 2009, the European Commission communicated a reduction of individual fee payable in respect of the designation of the European Community in an international application or in a designation subsequent to an international registration under Article 8(7) of the Madrid Protocol. More in specific, the General Director of WIPO established that from August 12, 2009: -for three classes of goods and services, the due amount will be 1,311 Swiss francs (862 euros), instead of 2,229 (1,466 euros) -for each additional class, the due amount will be 226 Swiss francs (148 euros), instead of 461 (303 euros) With respect to renewals, fees benefited of small reductions, too: -for three classes of goods and services: 1,808 Swiss francs (1,189 euros) instead of 1,845 (1,213 euros) -for each additional class: 603 Swiss francs (396 euros) instead of 615 (404 euros). This decision will make mark registration much more convenient for trademark owners and, consequently, will increase the possibilities of intellectual property rights protection.