Japan and USA join The Hague System for International Design registration

On February 13, 2015, USA and Japan deposited official instruments at WIPO headquarters in Geneva bringing the number of memberships of Hague System to 64. This Agreement came into effect on May 13, 2015.

The Hague System is an international registration system that facilitates the process of obtaining design protection in multiple countries by means of a single international application filed with the International Bureau of The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) either electronically or on paper.

If granted by designated National IP Offices, the international registration produces the same effect of a national grant of protection.

One of the main benefits of the International System is the centralized management of the international registration.

This is also a leap forward for businesses and designers in USA and Japan as it permits an easier protection and access on economy of the 62 other members. Similarly designers from the other members will more easily approach two of the largest world economies.

The accession of these two countries is expected to encourage further expansion of the Hague System and improve the international collaboration on intellectual property.