What is the role of the International Bureau in the registration process?
The International Bureau plays a crucial role in the registration process for international design applications. According to MPEP 2907, the International Bureau is responsible for:
- Receiving and examining international applications
- Registering industrial designs that conform to applicable requirements
- Inviting applicants to remedy defects in non-compliant applications
- Issuing certificates of registration to holders
As stated in Hague Article 10(1):
“The International Bureau shall register each industrial design that is the subject of an international application immediately upon receipt by it of the international application or, where corrections are invited under Article 8, immediately upon receipt of the required corrections.”
Furthermore, Hague Rule 15(1) specifies:
“Where the International Bureau finds that the international application conforms to the applicable requirements it shall register the industrial design in the International Register and send a certificate to the holder.”
The International Bureau thus serves as the central authority in processing and registering international design applications under the Hague Agreement.
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