WIPO China: Hague System Empowers Chinese Design Globally

September 9, 2023

On September 9, co-hosted by the WIPO Office in China and the Intellectual Property Office of Jiangsu Province, the Theme Forum on Hague System Introduces Chinese Design to the World was held at the 18th China (Wuxi) International Design Expo with 650 participants from government agencies, associations, research institutions, universities and enterprises.

In her opening speech, Ms. Liu Hua, Director of WIPO Office in China, said that this year marks 50th anniversary of cooperation between WIPO and China, which has laid a solid foundation to deepen the future cooperation. She highlighted the important cooperation in 2023.

Firstly, this year marked a significant milestone as WIPO Director General Daren Tang conducted an official visit to China, where he engaged in high-level bilateral talks that led to several forward-looking outcomes. Secondly, the scope of cooperation in intellectual property (IP) dispute arbitration and mediation has been notably extended to include more Chinese courts. Additionally, a pivotal achievement was realized in support of the visually impaired when two authorized Chinese entities joined the WIPO-led Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) Global Book Services, aligning with China's commitment to the Marrakesh Treaty implemented last year. Meanwhile, WIPO has been concentrating its efforts on empowering SMEs, women, and youth. Notably, two Chinese companies—Shanghai Westwell and Xi'an KissFuture—garnered recognition in the WIPO Global Awards. Furthermore, a video titled "Artistic Beauty of Li Brocade" won first prize during the World IP Day events, effectively spotlighting Chinese women’s contributions to innovation. Lastly, the WIPO-China Summer School program has expanded its partnerships, amplifying its role in fostering youth education in the IP sector.

Liu Hua pointed out that China is already the second-largest user of the Hague System for 2,558 designs despite just joining last year. Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. ranked the 9th applicant with 251 designs.

At the WIPO Assemblies last July, the member states approved the convening of diplomatic conferences for two proposed international treaties, one of which is the Design Law Treaty. WIPO is counting on the strong support from China and other member states to conclude the Design Law Treaty as soon as possible, in order to simplify the procedures for right holders to apply for designs and speed up the protection process, thus making the global design system more efficient and facilitating cross-border trade. Liu Hua expressed her expectation that China will actively participate in the course and play an important role.

In the keynote speech, Ms. Geneviève STEIMLE, Legal Analyst and Information Officer of WIPO Hague Registry, gave an introduction to industrial design, the Hague System, the procedure of Hague application, and how to apply for international registration through the eHague.

Officials from CNIPA, Wuxi Municipal Government, and the Intellectual Property Office of Jiangsu Province attended and addressed the forum. The keynote speakers from CNIPA, China Industrial Design Association, Haier Innovation and Design Center discussed Hague System implementation in China, the power of innovative design, and open innovation.

Expert LV Guoliang moderated a panel discussion featuring industry leaders from NIO Mobile, Xiaomi, Ecovacs, and Yadea Technology. They explored how the Hague System can aid Chinese design in reaching global markets.