Update to the Hague System for the Registration of Industrial Designs: Key Points to Know

The 1960 Act has been suspended, and the Schedule of Fees has been amended.

During the 44th (20th extraordinary) session of the Assembly of the Hague Union, held within the framework of the 65th series of Assemblies of WIPO Member States from July 9-17, several important decisions were made to optimize the Hague System for the Registration of Industrial Designs.

The discussions were based on documents H/A/44/1 and H/A/44/2, which concerned the suspension of the 1960 Act and amendments to the Schedule of Fees of the Hague System.

It is worth noting that since January 1, 2010, the Hague Agreement has operated under two different acts: the Hague Act of the Hague Agreement (1960 Act) and the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement (1999 Act).

Discussions regarding the suspension of the 1960 Act began as early as 2011, during the 1st session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the International System for the Registration of Industrial Designs. At this session, informational reports were presented concerning the decline in registration activities under the 1960 Act following the entry into force of the 1999 Act.

WIPO’s International Bureau identified that after 2022, when the application of the 1999 Act was extended to Morocco and Suriname, registrations under the 1960 Act accounted for only 0.32% of all international registrations under the Hague System.

Ukraine is a party to the Hague Agreement under both the 1960 Act and the 1999 Act.

IPR GROUP has extensive experience in registering industrial design patents, and we invite you to read our article on Features of registration of Industrial Designs. We would be happy to assist with any questions you may have.