The Philippines, along with 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT) on Nov. 22, 2024, marking the conclusion of nearly two decades of negotiations.
The treaty establishes a streamlined, standardized and modernized framework for international design protection.
“The Philippines, with WIPO Member States, seeks to make design protection easier and to open greater opportunities for global scaling,” said IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba.
The DLT simplifies the design application process by reducing costs and increasing flexibility. It limits application requirements, allows multiple designs per filing and permits various formats for design representation, such as drawings, photos or videos.
Key provisions include minimal filing requirements, a 12-month grace period for disclosures, a six-month publication delay option, relief for missed deadlines, simplified renewal procedures and a focus on e-filings to enhance efficiency.
Barba highlighted the treaty’s alignment with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiatives to grow the creative economy.
“The Riyadh Design Law Treaty complements our efforts to develop creative and innovative industries, crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and our Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” he said.
Barba expressed the Philippines gratitude to Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and conference president and chief executive Abdulaziz Muhammad Al-Suwailem for guiding negotiations to a successful outcome.
The DLT is the second multilateral treaty adopted by WIPO member states this year, following the May adoption of the WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge.
