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What is the Hague System?
- Nationals of…
- Anyone with domicile or habitual residence in…
- Anyone with a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in…
…any of the Hague System’s 82 members (referred to as “contracting parties”) – including all countries in the European Union (EU) and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) – can use the Hague System.
International design applications are subject to the payment of three types of fees, all payable in Swiss francs (CHF):
- a basic fee (397 CHF for one design; 50 CHF for each additional design included in the same application);
- a publication fee (17 CHF for each reproduction; 150 CHF for each page on which one or more reproductions are shown); and
- a standard designation fee or an individual designation fee for each contracting party where you seek protection. Note: a three-level structure applies to standard designation fees, reflecting the level of examination carried out by the contracting party.
No, you do not need a prior national/regional application (unlike, for instance, under the Madrid System).
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Make the Hague System your next design partner!
The Hague System is helping entrepreneurs and companies to promote their designs, build trust in their work and enhance their brand regionally and internationally.
How to use the Hague System
The Hague System supports you throughout the lifecycle of your designs, from application for protection through to renewal. Discover how it works!
Searching protected designs
Check what your competitors are doing by searching existing designs.
Filing international design applications
File your international design applications online for have digital access to your portfolio.
Managing international design registrations
Update (transfer ownership, renunciation, limitation, etc.) and renew your international registrations.
eHague – Hague System online services
Use eHague to file your international design applications and manage your registrations.
Useful tools and resources
User guides
- Guide to the Hague System
- Preparing reproductions [PDF]
- Including multiple designs in an international application [PDF]
- Hague System Information Kit
Hague System Members
Tools and tutorials
Legal resources
- Hague System legal texts
- Information notices
- Hague System forms
- History of Hague Regulations [PDF]
- Order certified documents
News
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Registration Now Open: Specialized Online Course on the Hague System
September 19, 2025
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Hague System: New Webinars for Q3 2025
July 4, 2025
WIPO Brands and Designs
Hague System legal and educational resources
Hague System webinars
Free interactive webinars providing practical insights on useful topics.
Designs in action stories
Find out how our customers use the Hague System to support and expand their businesses.
WIPO Design Talks podcast
Explore the world of design and its impact on daily life through discussions with experts and designers.
Hague System working group
Get answers to all your questions about the Hague System and its procedures!
Want to know more? Try our Hague System distant learning course.
Join the Hague System
The Hague System currently has 82 members covering 99 countries. When filing an international application under the Hague System, applicants can designate as few or as many of those contracting parties as desired.
Interested in becoming a member of the Hague System?
Find out all about how to become a member of the Hague System and what the benefits are.
Questions about the Hague System?
Our Hague System Customer Service team is available to answer all your questions and assist you throughout the lifecycle of your international design applications and registrations. To ensure optimal handling of enquiries use Contact Hague.
Support hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00 (Geneva time)
Need to talk to someone? Call us: +41 22 338 7575