What is an international design application?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

An international design application is a specific type of patent application for industrial designs. The definition of an international design application is provided in 37 CFR 1.9(n).

Key points about international design applications:

• They are filed under the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs
• They allow applicants to seek protection for industrial designs in multiple countries through a single application
• They are administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• They can designate the United States for design patent protection

For more information on international design applications, visit the WIPO Hague System page.

For more information on Hague Agreement, visit: Hague Agreement.

For more information on patent law, visit: patent law.