What is the “one independent and distinct design” requirement in international design applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-30 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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. The “one independent and distinct design” requirement in international design applications refers to the rule that only one independent and distinct design may be claimed in a nonprovisional international design application. This requirement is based on U.S. law and is enforced by the USPTO. As stated in MPEP 2920.05(b) : “ Only one independent and distinct design may be claimed in a nonprovisional international design application. See 37 CFR 1.1064 .” This requirement is in line with Article 13 of the Hague Agreement, which allows Contracting Parties to refuse the effects of an international registration if it does not comply with their national law regarding unity of design. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse One Independent and Distinct Design Requirement for Nonprovisional International Applications MPEP 2920.05(b) Single Independent and Distinct Design Requirement for Nonprovisional International Design Applications MPEP 2920.05(b) Permitted Single Independent and Distinct Design Must Be Claimed in Application MPEP 2920.05(b) Permitted Definition of Nonprovisional International Design Application MPEP 2920 Nonprovisional International Design Application Requirement MPEP 2920 Election of Independent and Distinct Design Required Before Merits Review MPEP 2920.05(b) Required Examination of International Design Application for U.S. MPEP 2920 Required One Independent Design Per Application MPEP 2920.05(b) Permitted Fees for International Design Application Processing MPEP 2920 Permitted Examination of International Design Applications Designating the United States MPEP 2920 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse Do I need to renumber figures after cance...