The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs commemorates its centennial this year, marking a century since the original Hague Agreement was signed on November 6, 1925. Over the past 100 years, the system has evolved into a comprehensive framework that facilitates the protection of industrial designs across multiple jurisdictions through a single application process.
Initially established with 11 founding signatories, the Hague System has expanded significantly, now encompassing 82 members covering 99 countries. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of design protection in the global economy. The system has streamlined the process for designers and businesses, allowing them to secure international design rights efficiently and cost-effectively.
To celebrate this milestone, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, is hosting a symposium titled “100 Years of Design Protection” at the Peace Palace in The Hague on November 6, 2025. The event aims to reflect on the system’s achievements and discuss future directions for international design protection.
In recent years, the Hague System has undergone significant developments to enhance its effectiveness. Notably, the Geneva Act (1999) modernized the system, and as of January 1, 2025, it is the sole act under which new international design applications can be filed. This consolidation aims to simplify procedures and encourage broader participation among member states.
Looking ahead, the adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty in November 2024 is poised to further harmonize design protection laws among participating states. Once in force, the treaty is expected to streamline procedures necessary to achieve design protection, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the Hague System. As WIPO Director General Daren Tang noted, navigating the next century will require the same foresight and commitment that characterized the system’s first 100 years, ensuring that design continues to inspire and shape the world underpinned by a truly global and accessible system of protection.
As the Hague System enters its second century, its continued evolution and adaptation will be crucial in addressing the dynamic needs of designers and industries worldwide, fostering innovation, and promoting economic growth through effective design protection.