WIPO Member States Adopt Riyadh Design Law Treaty
On November 22, 2024, WIPO Member States adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, marking a significant milestone in harmonizing and streamlining design registration processes worldwide. This landmark treaty establishes a unified legal framework to enhance designers’ rights and simplify global registration procedures.
The Riyadh Treaty underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in fostering international collaboration within the creative sector and promoting sustainable innovation. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Suwailem, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), hailed the treaty as a historic achievement that strengthens the global intellectual property framework and supports designers and innovators across the globe.
This milestone positions Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation and creativity, reinforcing its commitment to protecting and advancing the creative industries. With participation from WIPO’s 193 member states, the treaty highlights the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for the global design community.
Key Benefits of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty:
- Simplified and standardized application requirements for design protection.
- Flexibility to include multiple designs in one application and choose representation methods (e.g., drawings, photographs, or videos).
- A 12-month grace period for disclosures to ensure validity for registration.
- Relief measures to prevent loss of rights and facilitate e-filing systems.
- Integration of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions within design protection.
Once implemented, it is expected to significantly reduce the cost and complexity of registering designs across jurisdictions. Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in bridging cultures and advancing global intellectual property initiatives is prominently recognized through this achievement.
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