PHL, WIPO Member States Sign Historic Law Treaty To Benefit Design Innovators

The Philippines, along with 193 member states under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has joined the world in making history by adopting the Riyadh Design Law Treaty.

The adoption ended around 20 years of multilateral negotiations and paved the way for an international regime that streamlines, standardizes and updates the rules on design protection.

“Together with WIPO Member States, the Philippines shares the common goal that designers should be able to protect their work more easily and be given the bigger opportunity to scale up globally,” said IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba.

The Treaty paves the way for a predictable and cost-efficient design application process by setting limits on application requirements. It also provides applicants flexibility by allowing multiple designs per filing and the representation of designs in various formats (drawings, photographs or, if allowed, video).

The DLT also set out minimal filing date requirements; a 12-month grace period for disclosures; a six-month option to keep their designs unpublished from the filing date; relief for missed deadlines; simplified renewal procedures; and promotion of e-filings and digital process—all crucial in reducing application pain points that lead to the loss of rights.

Barba noted that the treaty comes at an “opportune” time when the Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., is investing significantly in its creative economy.

“The goals of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty complement current efforts and long-term plans of the current administration in promoting and developing creative and innovative industries. This is especially important for developing and middle-income countries like ours, as it would aid us in our aspiration to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. as well as our very own Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Barba added.

Barba lauded the president of the conference and CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) Abdulaziz Muhammad Al-Suwailem for his excellent leadership in steering member states to an agreement despite the tough and intensive two-week negotiation.

“Your dedication and trust in the process was felt throughout the conference that led us to a meaningful, consensus-driven and balanced outcome in the draft text,” Barba said in his closing message, addressing the conference president.

Barba also thanked the whole organizing team of the Diplomatic Conference made up of WIPO, led by Director General Daren Tang, the presidents and officers of the different committees, the secretariat, the whole Government of Saudi Arabia, especially SAIP.

“Thank you for the excellent arrangements, hospitality and service, which we have consistently come to expect  and have provided us with a positive outlook during the tough negotiations,” Barba added.

This is the second time in a year that WIPO member states delivered a new multilateral treaty. In May, the world achieved consensus in adopting the WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.

“The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration with the international community to ensure the successful implementation of the historic treaties we have worked on in advancing design protection and inclusive innovation,” Barba emphasized, assuring to work closely with national agencies to ensure the immediate submission of the consensus document for the Riyadh Design Law Treaty. (Janina Lim)