I have a pretty unique and cool business name, and would like to protect myself from people abusing or copying it.
I'm convinced it's unique at this time and only in use by me, hence I want to secure it.

Does someone have any hints on how to obtain one, what the requirements me, how it protects me and what the costs are?

Thanks!

I don't think there is such a thing as an "international trademark". The trademark is only valid in its country of registration. To make it international you will need to register in each of all the countries in the world (or at least the main countries you are targeting).

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark):

'The major international system for facilitating the registration of trademarks in multiple jurisdictions is commonly known as the "Madrid system". Madrid provides a centrally administered system for securing trademark registrations in member jurisdictions by extending the protection of an "international registration" obtained through the World Intellectual Property Organization. This international registration is in turn based upon an application or registration obtained by a trade mark applicant in its home jurisdiction.'

However, the site of the madrid system is not very clear.

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark):

'The major international system for facilitating the registration of trademarks in multiple jurisdictions is commonly known as the "Madrid system". Madrid provides a centrally administered system for securing trademark registrations in member jurisdictions by extending the protection of an "international registration" obtained through the World Intellectual Property Organization. This international registration is in turn based upon an application or registration obtained by a trade mark applicant in its home jurisdiction.'

However, the site of the madrid system is not very clear.

AFAIK that covers Europe and US trademarks are separate.

But see a lawyer about it as it's not totally straightforward.

I think trademarks are valid locally, unless international corporation has an entity on that country.
Some examples from Japan:
http://www.logitech.co.jp
http://www.logitec.co.jp/
http://www.pachinkovista.com/PR/?module=PLR_TOP&action=ParlorTop&pcode=25602
:D

To address the question, there are a few ways to achieve what you want.

The first, and utmost important is to file for a trademark and be granted the mark in your country of origin. If that is the United States, than file it with the USPTO.

Second, once you are granted the mark...you receive protection under the WIPO Treaty in a large majority of countries.

Third, the previous were correct, you should then file under the Madrid Protocol.The Madrid protocol then allows you to designate which countries the trademark is to apply to. The last time I checked, there were 59 signatory countries to the Madrid Protocol, and Japan is one of them. It is granted for a 10 year period, and may be renewed every 10 years.

Just be aware that this takes quite a bit of time.