Hague System: Changes to Options for the Timing of Publication of your International Registrations

December 1, 2021

Good news! Starting January 1, 2022, the Hague System will provide you with greater flexibility and control in timing the publication of your international registrations to suit your business needs.

What will change for applicants?

First, we will be increasing the default "standard publication" time of international registrations from six to twelve months after the date of registration. This will give you more time to plan your marketing strategy whilst keeping your designs confidential. You may alternatively continue to select "immediate publication" (i.e., shortly after recording of your international registration).

Important! This applies to applications filed on or after January 1, 2022.

Second, we will be adding a new option – "publication at a chosen time" (counted in months from the filing date). This will enable you to indicate a time earlier than "standard publication". You will still be able to defer publication beyond the standard publication period – up to 30 months from the filing date, or if you have claimed priority from an earlier filing, from the priority date.

Important! The available deferment period varies according to the domestic laws of the individual contracting parties that you designate in your international application. For full details, refer to Information Notice 10/2021 PDF, Information Notice 10/2021.

What will change if you’ve already filed your application?

As of January 1, 2022, you will be able to request earlier publication – at any time before the expiration of the publication period initially specified in the international application.

Find out more


Questions or queries?

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WIPO Hague System – The International Design System

WIPO's Hague System provides a unique international mechanism for securing and managing design rights simultaneously in more than 90 countries through one application, in one language with one set of fees.