UK IPO introduces statements of grant for international designs
The Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has launched statements of grant for international designs, providing faster certainty and evidence of acceptance for design registrations under the Hague System.
The UK IPO has officially started issuing statements of grant (SOGs) for international designs. This move comes after a successful trial period that began in February 2024.
The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs allows applicants to protect their designs in multiple countries through a single application to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
With the introduction of SOGs, the IPO now provides tangible evidence and quicker assurance that an international design registration has been accepted in the UK. This development is particularly beneficial for design owners who may need to enforce their rights, as the statements offer clear proof of protection.
The UK IPO's decision to continue issuing these statements aligns with the practices of many other national offices and has been well-received by customers.
The UK IPO said on its website that: “Customers have told us these statements are useful because they provide evidence and faster certainty that an international design registration has been accepted. The statements may also assist design owners wishing to enforce their design registration.
“They are useful to WIPO as they provide an indication that we have examined and approved an application. This approach also aligns the IPO to the SOG notification approach taken by many other national offices.
“Following the success of the trial we have decided to continue issuing these statements.”
To further support design owners, the IPO has issued a general SOG that applies to international registrations accepted before the trial period, which had not previously received an individual statement. Owners of these earlier registrations can request an individual SOG by emailing [email protected].
The general SOG, dated 29th August 2024, outlines the legal basis for the statements under Rule 18bis(1) of the Common Regulations and Section 3C(1) of the Registered Designs Act 1949. It clarifies that the protection granted under UK law takes effect from the date of international registration, as per Article 10(2) of the Geneva Act 1999.