Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

UK Signs WIPO Riyadh Design Law Treaty: 12-month Grace Period, Formality Harmonisation and Practical Implications for UK Design Protection and International Filing Strategies

Published on: 10 September 2025

Published by a LexisNexis IP expert

Legal News

Article summary

What is the Riyadh Design Law Treaty?

The treaty was settled and concluded at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 22 November 2024. That outcome triggered a twelve‑month period during which states may add their signatures. On 11 July 2025, the UK joined as the 15th signatory. In essence, the treaty seeks to ease the process for designers and companies to file and keep a registered design across numerous jurisdictions. It does so by streamlining procedures and introducing common standards across systems. In summary, it is intended to harmonise how designs are protected in multiple countries.

What are the next steps in the ratification process?

After signing, the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will commence engagement with stakeholders and progress towards the treaty’s formal ratification. The IPO will consult and prepare the measures required for ratification. The treaty’s provisions will take effect three months after 15 countries have completed formal ratification. Once effective, every country that has ratified must embed the provisions within its domestic legislation, integrating them into national law thereafter.

What are the key provisions that IP practitioners should be aware of?

A notable element for practitioners is the adoption of a 12‑month grace period...

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