Opening Statement by India at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and

Adopt the WIPO Design Law Treaty

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11 to 22, 2024

Mr. President,

On behalf of the Indian delegation, I extend our congratulations to you on leading this important Diplomatic Conference on the WIPO Design Law Treaty. We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Director General and the WIPO Secretariat for their exceptional efforts in preparing for this conference and for facilitating the discussions that have brought us to this pivotal moment.

Mr. President,

This Diplomatic Conference marks a significant step toward the finalization of an international framework which will ensure that industrial design protection is accessible to all nations, irrespective of their level of development. The treaty we seek to finalize today is not only a legal instrument to harmonize the procedural aspects of design filing and prosecution, but also a catalyst for fostering creativity, innovation, and economic growth across the globe.

Mr. President,

India recognizes the immense value of industrial designs as a key driver of innovation and economic growth. Our commitment to the protection of designs is rooted in a deep respect for both the creativity of individual designers and the society at large. In this spirit, India reaffirms its support for the ongoing efforts to finalize the Design Law Treaty and is committed to play a constructive role in these deliberations.

Mr. President,

In today’s digital age, it is crucial that we embrace technological advancements to streamline the design application process. India believes that the integration of digital interventions, such as online registration platforms and AI-driven search tools, can significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of design protection systems worldwide. Digital tools not only simplify the process for creators but also help in reducing the time and costs associated with design registration.

We encourage WIPO to continue providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to member states in adopting and utilizing such digital technologies and their interventions in data management.

Mr. President,

India reaffirms its commitment to work together with the member states to make the most of this historic moment. As we proceed with the discussions, India urges all delegations to approach these negotiations with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. By embracing the diverse perspectives of all nations, we could serve the interests of all stakeholders, promote innovation, and foster global prosperity.

Thank you, Mr. President.