The treaty introduces a suite of key provisions aimed at simplifying the registration and protection of industrial designs
India has officially signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT), a landmark agreement that aims to harmonize and simplify the procedural frameworks for industrial design protection across multiple jurisdictions. The treaty, adopted by the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) after nearly two decades of negotiations, is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and accessibility of design registration processes worldwide.

The signing, announced by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday (November 26, 2024), underscores the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and equitable access to intellectual property (IP) protection. "By signing the Final Act of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, India builds on its progress and reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring equitable access to intellectual property protection," the ministry stated.

What the Riyadh Design Law Treaty Entails
The Riyadh Design Law Treaty introduces a suite of key provisions aimed at simplifying the registration and protection of industrial designs. These include:

Relaxed Time Limits: The treaty allows for more flexible deadlines, making it easier for applicants to comply with procedural requirements.

Reinstatement of Lost Rights: Applicants can recover rights lost due to missed deadlines under specified conditions.
Priority Claims: The treaty permits the correction or addition of priority claims, enhancing applicants’ flexibility.

Simplified Procedures: It streamlines the process for recording assignments and licenses and enables filing multiple designs in a single application.

Electronic Systems: The treaty encourages contracting parties to adopt electronic industrial design systems and facilitate the electronic exchange of priority documents.

These provisions aim to reduce administrative burdens and enhance accessibility for businesses and innovators seeking design protection globally.

India’s Growing Industrial Design Landscape
India's move to sign the treaty comes at a time when the country has witnessed substantial growth in industrial design registrations. Over the past decade, design registrations in India have tripled, with domestic filings surging by 120% in the last two years. The adoption of the treaty is expected to further streamline the process and encourage innovation by offering a more robust and simplified IP protection framework.

The treaty’s focus on digitization aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize its IP infrastructure. 

WIPO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, serves as the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, and cooperation. With 193 member states, including India, WIPO’s mission is to promote a balanced and effective international IP system that fosters innovation and creativity.

The agency’s decision-making bodies include the WIPO General Assembly and the WIPO Coordination Committee, as well as various treaty-specific assemblies such as the Paris Union Assembly and the Berne Union Assembly. These bodies traditionally meet during the WIPO Assemblies to evaluate progress and discuss future policy directions.

The adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty is a result of extensive deliberations and collaborative efforts among WIPO’s member states, highlighting the organization’s pivotal role in advancing global IP standards.

India’s Role in the Global IP Ecosystem
By signing the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, India has reinforced its position as a proactive participant in the global IP ecosystem. The treaty’s adoption is expected to benefit Indian businesses and designers by simplifying access to international markets and providing streamlined mechanisms for protecting their creations.

As industrial design plays an increasingly vital role in driving innovation and economic growth, India’s commitment to the treaty marks a significant milestone. The country’s growing emphasis on IP protection, coupled with the adoption of forward-looking international agreements, is poised to enhance its global competitiveness in the creative and industrial sectors.

The Riyadh Design Law Treaty represents a transformative step in harmonizing global industrial design protections. For India, the treaty not only strengthens its IP framework but also aligns with its vision of becoming a global innovation leader. As the treaty's provisions take effect, businesses and innovators in India can look forward to a more streamlined, efficient, and accessible system for protecting their industrial designs, fostering greater creativity and growth in the years to come.