Riyadh Design Law Treaty and Its Impact on Design Registrations

If you’re looking for a clear explanation of what the Design Law Treaty is—especially the Riyadh Design Law Treaty—the simple idea is this, it’s an international framework designed to make the registration of industrial designs easier across multiple countries, without having to face different procedures every time you file.

Previously, anyone who wanted to protect their design in several jurisdictions had to adjust the format of drawings, forms, deadlines, and even how documents were submitted. The Design Law Treaty steps in to streamline that process.

What are the most tangible benefits of the Design Law Treaty?

Here are some aspects that are now much more manageable:

1. Standardized documentation requirements

You no longer need different formats for every country.
This reduces administrative errors that often delay or invalidate filings.

2. A grace period of up to 12 months

If a design has already been disclosed—posted online, shown in a presentation, used in a campaign—you still have time to formally register it.

This is especially relevant for:

• brands running pre-launch campaigns,

• designers who have showcased concepts publicly,

• businesses testing market response before filing.

3. Ability to submit multiple designs in a single application

This saves time and reduces filing costs substantially.

4. More flexible visual formats

Technical drawings are not always required.
Photos or digital renderings may be accepted.

5. Deferred publication of the design

Typically up to six months.
Useful when products are not yet launched or still in development.

Who benefits the most from this treaty?

In practice, it offers a smoother pathway for:

• manufacturing companies selling to multiple markets,

• IP owners of physical product brands,

• independent designers,

• consumer goods and packaging companies.

International expansion used to feel costly and risky—because a minor administrative mistake could invalidate an application. The Design Law Treaty significantly reduces that risk.

Does the treaty mean the design is automatically protected worldwide?

No. You still need to choose the countries and file accordingly.

What changes is the uniformity of procedure—not the substantive evaluation.

Countries still assess:

• whether the design is sufficiently different, and

• whether it qualifies as new.

What becomes simpler is the administrative process, not the novelty examination.

Common FAQs

What happens if administrative documents are submitted late?
There is flexibility to correct or supplement documentation without immediately losing rights.

Can designs already posted on social media still be protected?
Yes, as long as you are within the grace period.

Does the treaty apply to all design categories?
It applies to industrial designs, including product shape, packaging, external appearance, and variations thereof.

Why This Matters for Your Design Protection

The Riyadh Design Law Treaty essentially makes cross-border design filings more efficient, structured, and accessible—not only for established corporations but also for growing businesses and independent designers.

If you plan to register your designs in multiple countries, or have already disclosed your design publicly and are concerned about losing rights, this treaty gives you a safer window and a smoother filing route.

Ultimately, understanding how the Design Law Treaty works helps design owners make smarter decisions before taking their products to international markets. AMR can support by ensuring documentation meets recognized standards, optimizing filing strategy, and aligning registrations with the requirements of each destination country.