China has joined the Hague System bringing the total number of countries covered to 94. The Government of China deposited its instrument of accession to the 1999 Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement on February 5, 2022.
The Hague System provides a straightforward solution to international design protection that eliminates the need to file separate and multiple applications in individual countries or regions. Users file one online international application to register up to 100 designs in more than 90 countries. One international registration provides you with the equivalent of a bundle of national or regional registrations.
Chinese residents filed a total of 795,504 designs in 2020, representing some 55% of the worldwide total. With China's accession to the Hague System, all designers in China will be able to use the International Design System to protect and promote their designs overseas, saving time and money. Some larger Chinese enterprises with an establishment, such as a manufacturing plant, in countries that are already members, like Xiaomi, Lenovo and others, have already been using the Hague System - underlining the demand for an easier and faster way to operate internationally.
< Relevant data > The number of international applications for the protection of designs filed under Hague System amounted to 5,792 applications in 2020. China ranked seventh position.
Note: The origin of an application is defined as the country/territory of the stated address of residence of the applicant. Applicants residing in a non-member country can file applications for international registrations if they have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment within the jurisdiction of a Hague member.
(Data source: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_930_2021_exec_summary.pdf)