Saudi Arabia is hosting a historic gathering of 193 countries in Riyadh from November 11 to 22, 2024, to finalize the long-anticipated Design Law Treaty (DLT). This WIPO Diplomatic Conference marks the culmination of nearly two decades of work aimed at streamlining the process for design registration globally. The conference is anticipated to open doors for simpler, faster, and more cost-effective design protection across borders, benefiting designers, businesses, and economies worldwide.
The treaty will create an international framework that makes design protection accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals alike, ultimately empowering more creators to reach global markets. For Saudi Arabia, which has shown strong dedication to IP leadership, this event emphasizes its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and sustainable design. Saudi Arabia’s CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed AlSwailem, who also presides over the conference, highlighted that the treaty is expected to lay essential legal foundations that will benefit designers globally by standardizing application requirements and reducing procedural complexities.
WIPO Director General Daren Tang underscored the importance of supporting designers, noting that design rights go beyond legal protection—they are powerful business tools that elevate product appeal, create competitive advantages, and stimulate economic growth. By simplifying the design registration process, the DLT aims to enhance the intellectual property ecosystem, ultimately fostering a more innovation-friendly environment.
Beyond the conference rooms, delegates will experience Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, symbolizing the Kingdom’s dual commitment to progress and tradition. With the signing of this treaty, the DLT could be transformative for designers worldwide, promoting a more accessible, collaborative, and vibrant global design industry.