Design Law Treaty

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About Design Law Treaty:

It seeks to harmonize the procedural frameworks for industrial design protection, improving the efficiency and accessibility of registration processes across multiple jurisdictions.
The treaty requires 15 contracting parties to enter into force.
Key features
- It provides for a grace period of 12 months following a first disclosure of the design, during which such disclosure will not affect its validity for registration.
- It provides relief measures and offers some flexibility to applicants to prevent them from losing their rights if they miss a deadline.
- Simplified Renewal Process: Simplifies the procedure for requesting the renewal of a design registration.
- E-filing Systems: Promotes the introduction of e-filing systems for designs and the electronic exchange of priority documents.
- Technical Assistance: Ensures the availability of technical assistance to developing and least developed countries for the implementation of the treaty.
Benefits
- Its goal is to ensure that the benefits of streamlined design protection are accessible to all stakeholders, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and independent designers.
- By standardizing procedural requirements, the DLT reduces administrative burdens, thereby promoting global creativity in design.
- When combined with initiatives like the Startup India program and the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme, these provisions will help empower startups and SMEs to secure design rights globally, boosting their competitiveness and supporting market growth.
India recently signed the final act of this treaty.

Q1: What is the World Intellectual Property Organization?

It is a specialized agency of the United Nations, located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established by the WIPO Convention in 1967. Its mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property (IP) system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.

News: India signs the Final Act of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty