Design News: UK to become the 68th member of Hague

he Hague System for the International Registration of Designs provides designers with the cost/time effective mechanism of applying centrally through one application, at one office, for one set of fees for registration of up to 100 designs in (presently) up to 67 territories of their choice.

The UK has not till now been a member of the Hague System.

However, UK designers could avail themselves of the Hague System through the UK’s membership of the EU (the EU became a member of Hague on 1 January 2008).

With Brexit looming it has been important for the UK itself to join the Hague System, because on 29 March 2019, when the UK is due to leave the EU, that EU route for using the Hague System would otherwise cease for UK businesses.

On 13 March 2018, the UK joined the Hague System with effect from 13 June 2018.

From that date onwards, UK designers will be able to make International Applications for Design Registration in other Hague member countries by virtue of their UK national status.

For further information and advice concerning the international protection of your company’s designs contact us at enquiries@humphreys.law.

Humphreys Law