How does the United States handle changes in ownership for international design registrations?

The United States has specific requirements for handling changes in ownership for international design registrations:

1. Changes in ownership recorded by the International Bureau must also be recorded with the USPTO.

2. Documentation supporting the change in ownership must be submitted to the USPTO.

As stated in the MPEP, “Pursuant to Article 16(2), the United States declared that changes in ownership recorded by the International Bureau pursuant to Article 16(1)(i) must be recorded with the USPTO through submission of documentation supporting that change in ownership to have effect.“

This requirement is based on 35 U.S.C. 261, and further information can be found in MPEP §§ 301-302.

Claim Must Describe Ornamental Design as Shown MPEP 2903 Required
Single Design Per Application Requirement MPEP 2903 Permitted
Extension of Time Period for Refusal and Grant Protection MPEP 2903 Required
Industrial Design Rights Through USPTO MPEP 2903 Informative
Individual Designation Fee at Filing and Allowance MPEP 2903 Required