Hague System: Greece and Italy ratify the Geneva Act (1999)

On November 13, 2023, Greece ratified the Geneva Act (1999). Previously it was a member only of the Hague Act of 1960, so it could only be designated in international design applications filed by countries that were members of the 1960 Act.

This ratification came into force on February 13, 2024.

Likewise, on December 14, 2023, Italy ratified the Geneva Act (1999). Previously it was only a member of the 1960 Hague Act.

This ratification came into force on March 14, 2024.

The ratification of the 1999 Geneva Act by Greece and Italy constitutes an important milestone, as all members of the European Union that had previously acceded to the 1960 Hague Act have now acceded to the 1999 Geneva Act.

The Hague Agreement governs the international registration of industrial designs. First adopted in 1925, the Agreement effectively establishes an international system – the Hague System – that allows industrial designs to be protected in multiple countries or regions with minimal formalities.

The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs provides a practical business solution for registering up to 100 designs in 96 countries, by filing a single international application.

You can secure design protection within any Hague System contracting party. If you wish to protect a design in a jurisdiction that is not party to the Hague Agreement, you will have to file a national (or regional) application.

If you want to know more about how to protect your design with The Hague System click here.