The Hague System For Industrial Designs Is In Force In Canada

With the coming into force of the provisions putting the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (the "Hague Agreement") into effect in Canada, Canadian companies and designers can now seek to protect their industrial designs in multiple foreign jurisdictions through a single international application.

Background

As part of the Innovation and Skills Plan, Canada seeks to become a global centre for innovation, and has committed itself to harmonizing its intellectual property ("IP") system with international standards. Over the next 12 months, Canada plans to put into effect a number of key international agreements to help Canadian businesses expand their presences in international markets and provide them with faster, simpler and more cost-effective ways to acquire IP protection in foreign jurisdictions. One of those agreements is the Hague Agreement.