Back in February, we had the pleasure of announcing that the United States of America and Japan had joined the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
We can now reveal that the countries can already be designated (filed) as of May 13, 2015.
Now, what does this mean for Danish companies seeking design registration? Through a single application filed with WIPO, either electronically or on paper, a design can now be registered in up to 49 countries and intergovernmental organizations that are members of the Hague Agreement. The countries of the highest interest are EP, Norway, Japan and USA, and as it becomes necessary to file only a single application, the process becomes both more efficient and cost-effective.
The international registration provides the same protection for each of the 49 countries and organizations, as if the design application had been filed directly with each national office.
To see a list of the member states, push the download button below this article.
If you wish to know more about how to protect your design rights in the USA and/or Japan, then do not hesitate to contact Ellen Breddam, Head of Trademark, at elb@pv.eu or fill out our online contact form.
