In a recent
blog post about priority in U.S. Design Patent Applications and Industrial
Design Applications, we mentioned the Hague System for the International Registration
of Industrial Designs.
Recently we
have been asked: “what exactly is the Hague System and how can my intellectual
property portfolio benefit from it? “
Ok, so what
is the Hague System?
The Hague
System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs is an international
system which provides an owner of an industrial design the ability to have the
design protected in several countries by filing only one application, as
opposed to the alternative of filing a separate application in each country
where protection is desired. The
application is filed with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual
Property Office in one language, with one set of fees. The effect is the same
as if the design had been registered directly with each national office.
How can
your intellectual property portfolio benefit from the Hague System?
The
advantage of filing an industrial design application with the International
Bureau WIPO under the Hague System?
Simply stated - more bang for your dollar! You can increase the international protection
of your design with lower legal costs. In turn, you increase your intellectual
property portfolio with minimal capital investment, and add further value to
your business.