IP Quick Tip: Hague Filings

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Connect with Dr. Philipe Kutschke: https://www.bardehle.com/en/team/kutschke-philipe Read about our services in the area of designs: https://www.bardehle.com/en/competences/legal-areas/designs

One way to obtain international protection for the appearance of your new product are international design filings via WIPO, so called Hague filings. Today, this route enables you to obtain design protection in up to 95 countries worldwide, including the EU, the US, and China.

Hague filings can significantly simplify your design portfolio management and save costs. They are therefore recommendable in many cases. However, despite a comparatively high degree of international harmonization, some national particularities still exist. The most prominent differences concern the duration of design protection, the availability of deferred publication, and fees.

When filing a multiple design application, you have to keep in mind that certain jurisdictions provide particular requirements. As regards a priority claim, simply designating the DAS Code may not suffice in all designated countries. WIPO’s online tool for Hague filings provides excellent guidance regarding many national particularities.