The Riyadh Design Law Treaty: Streamlining Design Protection for Global Creativity
On 22 November 2024, the WIPO member states adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, marking a significant milestone in simplifying the process of design protection for creators worldwide.
Currently, the process for protecting designs varies between countries, with some filing designs as “registered designs” and others protecting them under patent law as “design patents.” Designers must follow the filing procedures set by the IP office of the country in which they are seeking protection, and because design rights are territorial, designers must go through the same process in each country or region where they wish to protect their designs.
The Treaty, named after the city that hosted the final stage negotiations, aims to make it easier, faster, and more affordable for designers to protect their designs both at home and abroad, thereby fostering international collaboration and innovation in the field of design.
The Riyadh Design Law Treaty is the second treaty adopted by WIPO member states in 2024. WIPO Director General Daren Tang emphasized the importance of the new pact for designers, noting that it will significantly streamline the process of registering designs, particularly for smaller-scale designers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).