The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has announced that Saudi Arabia will be joining the Hague System for International Designs on 7th April 2025, further increasing the System’s coverage to 99 countries.

Any design filings made from that date through the Hague System may designate Saudi Arabia, including any applications that claim priority before that date.

The Hague System allows an applicant to file a single application designating any of the Hague System’s countries at the applicant’s discretion, in a similar way to an international patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This provides significant cost benefits, with interest in the System having grown significantly over recent years as membership now extends to a majority of key IP jurisdictions around the world.

Despite these benefits, making full use of the Hague System requires cautious planning. Formal requirements vary in many key jurisdictions, and careful consideration along with a good understanding of local law is needed to prepare an international design application that meets all of these potentially conflicting requirements.

The Carpmaels & Ransford Designs team is experienced in handling international design applications and has spent considerable time collating detailed information on the requirements for designs in major countries covered by the Hague System. We are adept at developing strategies to leverage the considerable benefits of the Hague System while avoiding its pitfalls.

If you have any queries regarding this development or would like to know more about handling design applications under the Hague System, please get in touch with your regular contact at the firm.