What is indirect filing of an international design application?
Indirect filing of an international design application refers to the process of submitting the application through the office of the applicant’s Contracting Party rather than directly with the International Bureau. MPEP 2905 explains:
“Pursuant to Article 4 of the Hague Agreement, an international design application may be filed either directly with the International Bureau or indirectly through the office of the applicant’s Contracting Party.”
However, it’s important to note that not all Contracting Parties allow indirect filing. The MPEP further states:
“However, Contracting Parties may notify the International Bureau that applications may not be filed indirectly through their office. See Article 4(1)(b). As such, only certain offices may allow for ‘indirect’ filing.”
For US applicants, indirect filing can be done through the USPTO. Information on which Contracting Parties permit indirect filing can be found on the WIPO website.
To learn more: