India signs the Final Act of Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

India signs the Final Act of Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT)

Posted 27 Nov 2024

2 min read

By signing this treaty, India reaffirms its commitment to foster inclusive growth and strengthening its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem. 

  • After nearly two decades of negotiations, member states of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have adopted the landmark DLT. 
  • Design is a category of IP consisting of a product’s ornamental aspect.

Key provisions of DLT

  • Allows applicants to include several designs in a single application, under certain conditions.
  • Set out requirements for granting of a filing date as postponing filing date can result in loss of rights.
  • Allows applicants to keep the design unpublished for at least six months after having secured a filing date.
  • Provides a grace period of 12 months following a first disclosure of design, during which such disclosure will not affect its validity for registration.
  • Introduction of e-filing systems for design and electronic exchange of priority documents.

Significance of DLT

  • Empowers startups and SMEs by protecting their designs globally, improving their competitiveness and growth.
  • Makes procedures more predictable, less complex and more affordable.
  • Integrates design protection with traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, thus enhancing their protection.
  • By standardizing procedural requirements, DLT streamlines application process across countries, reduces administrative burdens, thereby promoting global creativity in design. 

About Intellectual Property

  • It refers to creation of mind such as inventions, designs for industrial articles, literary, artistic work, symbols which are ultimately used in commerce.
  • IP rights allow creators or owners to have benefits from their works when these are exploited commercially.
  • These rights are statutory rights governed in accordance with provisions of corresponding legislations.
  • Other types of IP: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade secrets, Geographical Indicators.

About WIPO (HQ: Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Specialized United Nations agency that promotes IP rights globally, established in 1967.
  • Members: 193 countries, including India.
  • Tags :
  • IPR
  • WIPO
  • Riyadh Design Law Treaty
Watch News Today