What are the guidelines for representing industrial designs in reproductions?

The guidelines for representing industrial designs in reproductions are outlined in the Administrative Instructions for the Hague Agreement. Key points include:

• Reproductions should represent the industrial design alone or the product in relation to which the design is to be used.
• No other objects, accessories, persons, or animals should be included in the representation.
• According to Administrative Instruction 402, The dimensions of the representation of each industrial design appearing in a photograph or other graphic representation may not exceed 16 x 16 centimeters, and in respect of at least one representation of each design, one of those dimensions must be at least 3 centimeters.
• Technical drawings with axes and dimensions are not accepted.
• Explanatory text or legends in the representation are not allowed.

If there are elements shown in a reproduction for which protection is not sought, these can be indicated:

• In the description referred to in Rule 7(5)(a), and/or
• By means of dotted or broken lines or coloring

It’s important to note that while matter not forming part of the design should generally not be shown, Administrative Instruction 403(b) allows for some exceptions if properly indicated.

To learn more:

• Industrial Designs
• Reproductions
• Hague Agreement
• Design Representation
• Patent Drawings