The EC joins International Design System
It has recently been announced that the European Community has acceded to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement. The Hague Agreement permits design protection to be obtained in participating countries through a single application, at a relatively low cost. Moreover, such design protection can then be maintained through a central renewal system administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
From 1 January 2008, it will be possible to obtain a Registered Community Design using this system, which would be effective in the twenty-seven countries of the European Union. In addition, EU nationals and residents will have the option of filing an International Design application in order to obtain protection in non-EU countries that are party to the Hague Agreement.
The European Community is the 47th member of the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement. As many of the members are other EU states, the option of filing an International design application may be of limited use at the present time. Furthermore, as the requirements for Industrial Designs may vary between countries, there may be instances where it is preferable to maintain the flexibility of individual applications that can be tailored according to local practice.
However, the benefits of using the international route will become more apparent as more countries and regions join the Hague System.