INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FILLING
1. What is International Design Filing?
International design filing allows creators and businesses to protect the industrial design (appearance of a product) in multiple countries through a single application. Since design rights are territorial, protection must normally be obtained in each country where protection is desired.
A commonly used system for international design protection is the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, which enables applicants to file one application and seek design protection in several member countries.
2. Authority for International Design Registration
International design registrations under the Hague System are administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Applicants can submit an international design application directly to WIPO or through their national intellectual property office.
3. What Can Be Protected Internationally?
Industrial designs that can be protected include the aesthetic appearance of products, such as:
Shape or configuration of products
Surface patterns or ornamentation
Packaging design
Furniture design
Consumer product design
Electronic device design
The protection applies only to the visual appearance, not the functional features.
4. International Design Filing Process
Step 1: Prepare Design Application
Prepare drawings or photographs of the design along with product description.
Step 2: Filing International Application
Submit a single international design application through WIPO under the Hague System.
Step 3: Formal Examination by WIPO
WIPO examines the application for formal requirements.
Step 4: Publication
The design is recorded in the International Register and published in the International Designs Bulletin.
Step 5: Examination by Designated Countries
Each designated country reviews the design under its national laws and may grant protection.
5. Validity of International Design Registration
The protection period varies by country but is generally:
Initial protection of 5 years
Renewable up to 15–25 years, depending on the jurisdiction.
6. Benefits of International Design Filing
Single application for multiple countries
Simplified management of international design rights
Cost-effective protection of product appearance
Centralized renewal and administration
7. Our International Design Services
Our firm provides assistance with:
International design filing strategy
Preparation of design representations and documentation
Filing under the Hague System
International design portfolio management