The Philippines has joined 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in adopting the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, marking a step towards modernizing and streamlining design protection on a global scale.

In a statement, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said the treaty concluded two decades of negotiations and established a new international framework for 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 in the statement.

The treaty aims to simplify and standardize the process of applying for design protection, making it more predictable and cost-effective. It allows for multiple designs to be filed in a single application, accepts various formats for design representation, and sets clear deadlines and procedures.

The treaty also introduces measures to address common challenges faced by applicants, such as a 12-month grace period for disclosures, a six-month option to keep designs unpublished after filing, and simplified renewal procedures.

These provisions are expected to reduce the risk of losing design rights due to procedural errors. The treaty further promotes electronic filings and digital processes to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Barba noted the treaty's significance for the Philippines, particularly under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, which is actively investing in the country's 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," he added.

Barba emphasized the treaty's potential to support developing and middle-income countries in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

The adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty marks the second instance within a year that WIPO member states have successfully concluded a new multilateral treaty.

IPOPHL said this achievement underscores the global commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection and fostering innovation. Barba reaffirmed the Philippines' dedication to collaborating with the international community to ensure the successful implementation of these historic treaties.

He also assured that IPOPHL will work closely with national agencies to submit the consensus document for the Riyadh Design Law Treaty promptly.