International Design Patent Protection: Developing a Global IP Strategy

Description

U.S. companies increasingly recognize the need to protect their intellectual property across the globe. Companies must carefully consider where to seek protection and what type of protection to seek, factoring in considerations like where products are manufactured, where they are sold, where competitors are, and the availability of the desired rights in the potential jurisdictions.

Design rights are becoming an essential piece of the global IP strategy for many U.S. companies. Therefore, counsel must understand the nuances between patent laws and requirements of the U.S. and other countries to protect the client's designs.

While there have been attempts to harmonize design protection globally, including the Hague system, for now, each jurisdiction has unique requirements that must be factored into a priority U.S. filing. For example, timing is critical because many countries, including China, generally require "absolute novelty" such that patent applications must be filed before disclosing a design anywhere in the world. Similarly, other jurisdictions, like Europe, require a specified number of design views. Some countries allow the protection of partial designs, while others still do not.

Listen as our authoritative panel of patent attorneys provides guidance on protecting design rights in the global marketplace. The panel will discuss the critical differences between the patent laws in the U.S. and other countries that must be understood when developing a robust global IP strategy. The panel will offer best practices for U.S. companies in developing a global strategy.