Join Global Design Treaty? USPTO Wants Your Ideas by June
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office wants your thoughts on joining a new global treaty that makes it easier and faster to protect cool designs worldwide. If the U.S. signs on, designers could save time and money when applying for design protections both here and abroad. You’ve got until June 11, 2026, to share your ideas and help shape this decision!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Easier, Faster Global Design Protection
The WIPO Riyadh Design Law Treaty (adopted November 22, 2024) is intended to streamline the global system for protecting industrial designs so designers could save time and money when applying for design protection both at home and abroad. The USPTO is asking whether the United States should become a party and is accepting comments through June 11, 2026.
12-Month Grace Period for Disclosures
Article 7 of the RDLT requires Contracting Parties to provide a 12-month grace period so industrial design applicants have up to 12 months after a disclosure to seek registration without the disclosure preventing registration.
Ability to Cure Errors and Missed Deadlines
Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the RDLT provide applicants the ability to cure certain procedural errors or missed deadlines so applicants can correct mistakes that otherwise might cause loss of rights.
Limits What Applications Can Require
Article 4 of the RDLT sets a closed list of elements (for example: applicant name and address, representative name/address, a representation of the design) that a Contracting Party may require in an industrial design application, and prohibits requiring elements outside that list.
Simpler Filing Date Requirements
Article 6 of the RDLT specifies a minimal list of requirements that a Contracting Party may require to accord a filing date, limited to what is needed to determine 'who' filed 'what.' This clarifies what is necessary to secure an official filing date.
Countries Can File Reservations
Article 31 permits Contracting Parties to make reservations on certain RDLT provisions (for example: exceptions to mandatory representation, grace period, deferred publication, restoration of priority, and recording conditions on licensee rights) allowing countries to tailor how they implement the treaty.
When and Where the RDLT Applies
The RDLT enters into force three months after ratification or accession by 15 eligible parties; as of November 14, 2025, no Member States had ratified or acceded and 28 Member States had signed the treaty (signature was open through November 21, 2025). After entry into force, RDLT provisions apply to industrial design applications filed in the office of any Contracting Party, including applicants who are nationals of, domiciled in, or have businesses in countries that have not joined the RDLT.
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Key Dates
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