Closing Statement by India at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt the WIPO Design Law Treaty

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 11 to 22, 2024

Thank you, Mr. President,

As we conclude this Diplomatic Conference, I would like to extend my congratulations to you, Mr. President, and to all member states. We also express our gratitude to the Director General of WIPO and his team for ensuring the smooth conduct of this Conference.

Together, we have worked diligently to achieve a successful and balanced outcome in the negotiations of the Design Law Treaty. It is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of all involved.

Over the past 2 weeks, we have engaged in fruitful discussions, shared expertise, and worked tirelessly towards the common goal of improving and harmonizing the procedures of design registration, time limit relaxations during the design prosecution process, and recordal of design transfers. While there remain areas where further work will be needed, we have built a strong foundation for the future of design law, one that reflects the diverse needs of all stakeholders ranging from design creators, businesses, and consumers, across all corners of the globe.

My delegation believes that this Treaty paves the way for collaboration that not only safeguards the interests of design applicants but also enhances the use of electronic filing systems and databases for designs in this ever-evolving and dynamic field. The inclusion of provisions on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building is, therefore, an essential component of the treaty. Also, by recognizing the importance of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions in the realm of design, the Treaty takes a significant step forward.

Mr. President, throughout this Conference, we have engaged in the negotiation process with a spirit of constructive collaboration and flexibility. Each delegation has shown a strong commitment to finding common ground. While this marks the conclusion of our formal sessions here, the work does not stop. We will continue to build on the momentum we have generated, and we are confident that the results of these discussions will pave the way for a more efficient international design protection system.

Successful conclusion of two Diplomatic Conferences in 2024 on GRATK and the Design Law demonstrates our shared determination to take action and collectively strengthen the multilateral process that drives the IP ecosystem.

India, with its rich legacy of creativity and craftsmanship, has long recognized the importance of design as a driving force for economic development and sustainable growth. As we move forward, the Design Law Treaty will play a critical role in facilitating international cooperation, ensuring that creators and businesses in India and around the world can enjoy easy, simplified, harmonized, more accessible and effective protection of their designs.

Thank you, Mr. President.