Hague System

The Hague System provides a convenient route for extending industrial design protection to multiple member countries, enabling centralized and strategic management of international applications. This process helps optimize time, costs, and resources, while offering the opportunity to assess registrability and commercial potential before expanding into international markets. Consequently, industrial designs benefit from broader protection, reduced risk of copying, and enhanced competitive value in global markets.

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What is the Hague System?

Managed by WIPO, the Hague System offers a practical and cost-effective route for the international registration of industrial designs. It enables applicants to file a single international application to protect up to 100 designs in multiple member countries through one streamlined procedure.

Throughout the process, applicants can track the application status and receive official updates from WIPO, allowing them to evaluate the design’s registrability and commercial prospects before protection is granted in each designated jurisdiction.

Why choose the Hague System?

With just one international application, applicants gain significant advantages compared to filing separately in each country.

Protection in multiple member countries

MA single application is effective across all Hague member countries (over 80 as of 2025), including the United States, the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, and others.

Flexible examination timeline

Applicants benefit from additional time to prepare strategy, assess market opportunities, and plan budgets before the design is accepted in each designated country.

Early and transparent assessment

Applicants receive notifications from WIPO regarding validity and potential conflicts with existing registered designs, enabling informed decision-making before expanding protection internationally.

Reduced upfront costs

No national-level fees are required at the outset, easing initial financial pressure—particularly advantageous for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Hague Filing Process

Only two main stages — optimizing cost efficiency and the scope of international design protection.

Stage 1

International Phase

Prepare the design application, drawings, and description in accordance with WIPO requirements.
Filing the Hague application through the Base Office or directly with WIPO
WIPO conducts a formalities examination and issues an International Application Number.
WIPO publishes the international application (typically after 6 months, with possible deferment up to 30 months).
(Optional) Request amendments or additions to the application prior to publication.

Stage 2

Designated Countries Phase

Select the Hague member countries where protection is sought.
Submit translations (if required) and pay national fees in each designated country.
Each designated country conducts an independent examination and issues a decision of acceptance or refusal.
Once accepted, the design is officially protected in the corresponding country.

Participation in the Hague System

Any applicant may file an international industrial design application through their national IP office, acting as the Base Office, or directly with WIPO.

A single application can cover protection in over 90 member countries (as of 2025).

Each designated member country examines the application independently according to its domestic laws, typically within 6–12 months (up to 18 months).
If no refusal is issued, the design is automatically protected in that country without further procedural requirements.

Hệ thống Hague – Đăng ký kiểu dáng công nghiệp quốc tế

International Industrial Design Registration

Design Registrability Search

Conduct searches in national and Hague databases to assess distinctiveness and the novelty of the design.

Hague Image Set & Application Drafting

Prepare drawings/images in compliance with Hague requirements; draft descriptions and required declarations according to WIPO standards.

Filing & Procedure Monitoring

File the international application through the Hague System; monitor formalities checks and notifications issued by designated member countries.

Designation Strategy & Cost Advisory

Develop a filing strategy based on target markets; optimize fees across different groups of jurisdictions.

Provisional Refusal Handling & Maintenance

Assist in responding to provisional refusals; monitor deadlines for maintenance and renewal of the international design registration.

Questions

Frequent FAQs

Does a single Hague application grant protection in all member countries?

No. The Hague System provides a centralized international filing procedure, but each designated national or regional IP office makes its own independent decision on granting protection based on its substantive examination.

How many countries can be covered in one Hague application?

A single international application can designate any number of Hague member countries or intergovernmental organizations, depending on the applicant’s filing strategy and commercial needs. The system allows protection of up to 100 designs in one application.

What role does a national IP office play in the Hague System?

A national or regional IP office may act as the office of origin, meaning applicants file their international application through this office if required under local rules. However, the office of origin does not decide on protection in other jurisdictions; each designated country conducts its own examination.

How long does examination take in each designated country?

Examination timelines vary by jurisdiction. Many offices issue a decision or a provisional refusal within 6 to 12 months, but some may take longer depending on their procedures, workload, and the complexity of the design.

Can a design be amended after filing a Hague application?

Only certain formal elements may be corrected after filing, and within strict limits. Substantive changes—such as modifying the appearance of the design—are not permitted, as the design must remain identical to what was originally filed. Any material changes require filing a new international application.

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