Hague System – The International Design System
Protecting your designs internationally since 1925
What is the Hague System?
- Nationals of…
- Anyone with domicile or habitual residence in…
- Anyone with a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in…
…any of the Hague System’s 80 members (referred to as “contracting parties”) – including all countries in the European Union (EU) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) – can use the Hague System.
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You can secure design protection within any Hague System contracting party. If you wish to protect a design in a jurisdiction that is not party to the Hague Agreement, you will have to file a national (or regional) application.
International design applications are subject to the payment of three types of fees, all payable in Swiss francs (CHF):
- a basic fee (397 CHF for one design; 50 CHF for each additional design included in the same application);
- a publication fee (17 CHF for each reproduction; 150 CHF for each page on which one or more reproductions are shown); and
- a standard designation fee or an individual designation fee for each contracting party where you seek protection. Note: a three-level structure applies to standard designation fees, reflecting the level of examination carried out by the contracting party.
Hague System online services – eHague
Use eHague to file your international design applications and manage your registrations.
New to eHague? Try our filing tutorial and demo.
How to use the Hague System
The Hague System supports you throughout the lifecycle of your designs, from application for protection through to renewal.
Watch this brief introduction to designs and their international protection through the WIPO Hague System.
Digital Information Kit – interactive information on applying for design protection internationally.
How the Hague System works
Learn all about the process of securing international design protection.
Filing international design applications
File your international design applications online to have digital access to your portfolio.
Managing international design registrations
Update (transfer ownership, renunciation, limitation, etc.) and renew your international registration directly through WIPO.
Searching protected designs
Check what your competitors are doing by searching existing designs before you file an international design application.
Legal resources
User guides
- Hague System Information Kit [PDF]
- Guide to the Hague System
- Preparing reproductions [PDF]
- Including multiple designs in an international application [PDF]
- Hague System electronic notifications
Fees
Design search tools
Meetings and training
Benefits of the Hague System
Global
Protect your designs in over 90 countries, with more joining soon.
Streamlined
One international application can include up to 100 designs.
Economical
Save time and money thanks to the single application framework.
Centralized
Easily manage your international design registrations directly with WIPO.
Download our brochure [PDF] to find out more about the main features and advantages of using the Hague System.
News
Hague System – Fifteenth Edition of the Locarno Classification
November 8, 2024
Hague System – Designation Fees: Canada
November 6, 2024
Designs in action
Follow our Designs in Action stories, for insights into how designs protected through the Hague System work in the real world.
Anna Maya Design leads the way for international design registrations from Brazil
Brazilian designer Anna Maya, known for her work in architecture and interiors, has expanded into concept furniture design and filed the first international registration following Brazil’s accession to the Hague System. Her distinctive furniture pieces combine creativity with functionality, potentially opening doors for global collaborations and investment opportunities.
Join the Hague System
The Hague System currently has 80 members covering 97 countries. When filing an international application under the Hague System, applicants can designate as few or as many of those contracting parties as desired.
Interested in becoming a member of the Hague System?
Find out all about how to become a member of the Hague System and what the benefits are.
Questions about the Hague System?
Our Hague System Customer Service team is available to answer all your questions and assist you throughout the lifecycle of your international design applications and registrations. To ensure optimal handling of enquiries use Contact Hague.
+41 22 338 7575 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00 (CET))
Access Hague System Q&As.