The Hague Agreement is an international registration system that allows patent owners to obtain protection for up to 100 industrial designs in designated member countries and intergovernmental organizations, which are known as “Contracting Parties.” Single international applications in a single language are filed either through the office of applicant’s contracting party or with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The growing figure of international design patent filings via the Agreement and the increasing number of signatory countries imply the treaty's effectiveness in protecting design patents.

However, although the system successfully provides new cost-effective means and opportunities to protect designs, it is not without its challenges. Thus, it is with great importance that patent counsel must understand the International Design Application (IDAs) process and keep themselves abreast of the latest developments surrounding this significant topic.

In this LIVE Webcast, a panel of distinguished professionals and thought leaders assembled by The Knowledge Group will provide the audience with an overview of the latest trends and critical issues surrounding the Hague Agreement and Design Filings. Speakers will also offer best practices in maximizing the benefits of the design protection system and in mitigating potential risks and pitfalls.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP Partner Babak Kusha will present on a segment titled "Practitioner Considerations" that will focus on:

• Questions to ask clients
  • What Countries?
  • Publish or not?
  • Direct or indirect filing?
• Client reminders and guidelines
• Advantages for the client
  • Economic calculus
• Advantages for the practitioner
  • Focused bundle of design rights