The Hague Agreement has provided international protection for industrial designs since 1925. The latest of several revisions, agreed upon at Geneva in 1999, is operational as of April 1, 2004, under the administration of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The global protection of industrial designs, accommodating all forms of national protection systems, will be based on this treaty.
This in-depth analysis by William T. Fryer, III, a well-known Professor of Law and patent attorney who participated [and participant] in the meetings and diplomatic conference that led up to the 1999 Act (as well as in subsequent user meetings), is unlikely to be superseded.
It presents a detailed drafting history and expert analysis, as well as incomparable strategic guidance for attorneys, businesses, and governments in the implementation of the Act s provisions.