The Hague System and the Global Protection of Industrial Designs
In an increasingly competitive and globalized market, protecting the visual identity of products is an essential strategy for companies that want to stand out. The Hague System, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), offers a practical and cost-effective solution for the international registration of industrial designs.
The Hague System allows creators and companies to register up to 100 industrial designs in as many as 96 countries through a single international application, in one language, and with a single set of fees. This represents a revolution in the way intellectual property is protected globally.
Brazil officially joined the Hague System in 2023, becoming part of an international network that includes countries from the European Union, the United States, Japan, and several members of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). As a result, Brazilian companies gained easier access to the protection of their designs in strategic markets, while also attracting foreign investment by simplifying the registration process for non-residents in the country.
What are the main advantages of the Hague System?
- Cost reduction: A single application replaces multiple national filings.
- Agility: Electronic process via the eHague platform.
- Legal certainty: Uniform protection across multiple jurisdictions.
- Valorization of innovation: Encourages investment in design and product differentiation.
The initial protection lasts for 5 years and can be renewed for up to 15 years or more, depending on local legislation. In Brazil, this period may extend up to 25 years.
The Hague System is more than a legal tool — it is a strategic instrument for companies that think globally and value design as a competitive differentiator.
