On Monday, July 16, 2018, Canada deposited its instrument of accession to the Hague Agreement, becoming the 69th member of the Hague Union.

The Hague Agreement provides companies with a cost-effective and efficient way to register designs. It allows applicants from member states to register up to 100 designs in multiple jurisdictions through a single streamlined application process.

The Hague system’s main draw is that it significantly cuts down costs by avoiding or reducing the need to use local representatives in foreign countries (though for some countries, it may still be mandatory or recommended, even when using the Hague system).

Canada’s accession to the Agreement follows on from the United Kingdom’s ratification of the Hague Agreement in March 2018, which ensured that UK applicants would be able to continue using the Hague system when the UK leaves the EU.

The Agreement will come into force in Canada on 5 November 2018 and from that date, companies will be able to seek design protection through the Hague System in Canada.

If you would like to discuss protecting your designs, in Canada or any other jurisdiction, please get in touch to speak to one of our attorneys.