After Brazil’s accession to the Hague System took effect last August, a bold designer received the first published international registration directly from the country.
Anna Maya, an accomplished Brazilian designer renowned for her impressive portfolio in architecture and interiors, has recently embarked on a new venture – concept furniture design. Earlier this year, she made the decision to invest in producing and selling her unique pieces, turning her dream into reality. This marks a significant step in her career, as she channels her long-held passion into crafting furniture that seamlessly merges creativity with utility, offering unparalleled functionality.
Where creativity meets functionality
After almost three decades of creating and refurbishing interiors, Anna Maya’s journey into concept furniture design was a natural evolution of her passion for crafting spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience.
The foundation of her design philosophy lies in her unwavering belief that the purpose of design objects is to enhance the comfort and well-being of those who interact with them. This fundamental principle serves as the guiding light for her creative process, ensuring that each piece of furniture she conceives is not only visually appealing but also incredibly functional.
Her label, “Anna Maya Design”, reflects this commitment to the smooth integration of design and utility. The series of 10 furniture pieces she conceptualized last year embodies this philosophy in every detail. Each piece is a testament to her dedication to creating furniture that doesn’t just occupy space but enhances it.
Design is not merely a visual art form but a transformative experience. I believe designs should leave a lasting impact, arouse curiosity, and provide pleasure.
Anna Maya
A distinguishing feature of Anna Maya’s work is her use of circles as a signature element. This choice is not arbitrary; rather, it reflects her belief in the infinite possibilities of designs. Circles, in her perspective, symbolize a gateway to the eternal, encouraging viewers to explore the timeless beauty of her creations. This symbolism adds a layer of depth to her designs, making them not just functional pieces of furniture but also works of art that provoke contemplation and appreciation.
In a world often characterized by fleeting design trends, Anna Maya’s creations stand out as refreshingly distinct. Her designs marry European influences with the unique spirit of Brazil. This synthesis of cultural influences results in furniture pieces that not only serve their intended purpose but also tell a story of cultural richness and global connectivity.
Punto: an award-winning storage cabinet
The Punto cabinet is the first design object for which Anna Maya filed an international application. The idea behind its concept was to create a round cabinet that could fit seamlessly in a baby’s room, an office, a kitchen or a bathroom. Finished in natural veneer and painted Indian straw, the Punto can be customized with different touches and colors to blend into a variety of environments.
I wanted to create a versatile closet that could vary materials, sizes and uses. This is how “Punto” came about. A simple but innovative design. The challenge was to develop the door, which rotates around an axis and parks on its side.
Anna Maya
Punto was displayed at Casacor 2023, the largest architecture, interiors and design exhibition in Brazil, which serves as a great platform for launching design and technology objects. A variation of the cabinet, organized into a set of five bookshelves, received the Bronze Prize at the Lusophone Architecture and Interior Design Awards 2023.
Pieces have already been sold for use as a bar in apartments, as well as for bookshelves and libraries. The next step is to expand into international markets.
As my intention was to sell the pieces abroad, I thought it was important to register the piece and protect it internationally.
Anna Maya
First published registration from Brazil
The registration of the Punto cabinet didn’t go unnoticed at the Hague Registry of WIPO as it was the first published international registration from Brazil. With Brazil’s dynamic design scene and the abundance of industrial designs originating from the country, Anna Maya’s international registration under the Hague System could be just the first of a wave of innovative Brazilian designs ready to shine on the global stage.
One of the architects in my office called WIPO to receive guidance on the registration process, which proved to be fast and easy. I am planning to protect other designs, such as the Gugo armchair, which already received a proposal for commercialization by an Italian industry.
Anna Maya
Through one single application, Anna Maya has protected the design of her Punto cabinet under the Hague System in all EU territories. As her creations gain wider market recognition, they are poised to pique the interest of investors looking for innovative and functional design solutions. The international registration under the Hague System not only safeguards her work but also opens doors to collaborative opportunities, potentially propelling her to new heights.
Indeed, the Hague System provides international design protection and minimizes the risk of infringement, which can be a significant concern for investors. Moreover, it opens doors to vast global markets, capable of attracting investors interested in tapping into new and diverse customer bases. Anna Maya hopes she will be able to leverage her international registration to negotiate collaborations with other businesses, thereby increasing the appeal of her designs to investors.
About the Hague System
WIPO’s Hague System provides a unique international mechanism for securing and managing design rights simultaneously in multiple countries or regions through one application, in one language with one set of fees.
Find out more
- Hague System Digital Information Kit
- How the Hague System works
- Filing international applications
- Managing international registrations
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If you are interested in sharing your own Designs in Action story, illustrating how you've leveraged the Hague System to secure international design protection, we would love to hear from you – Contact Hague!
(November 2, 2023)
