A proposal submitted by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) to improve communications under the Hague System has reached an important stage at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Working Group responsible for the system’s legal development recommended forwarding the Brazilian initiative to the Assembly of the Hague Union for consideration.

The Working Group made the decision during its 15th session, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 26 to 28, 2026.

The proposal introduces Rule 20bis into the Regulations under the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement. It allows intellectual property offices in designated Contracting Parties to request that WIPO’s International Bureau forward communications to holders of international registrations.

The initiative addresses difficulties that arise when registration holders lack an address or local representative in the relevant jurisdiction, making communication more effective and secure.

What is the Hague System?

Administered by WIPO, the Hague System allows applicants to seek international registration of industrial designs in multiple countries through a single application.

The mechanism simplifies international filing procedures by reducing the need to submit separate applications in each jurisdiction. Holders can centralize certain administrative procedures through WIPO’s International Bureau. However, protection in each territory remains subject to the rules and examination procedures of the respective designated country or regional organization.

For companies marketing products across different markets, the system is an important tool for managing the international protection of their products’ visual and aesthetic features.

In this context, efficient communication between national intellectual property offices, WIPO and registration holders is essential for monitoring proceedings and managing intellectual property rights.

What does Brazil’s proposal provide for?

BPTO’s initiative proposes adding Rule 20bis to the Hague System Regulations.

Under the proposed mechanism, intellectual property offices of designated Contracting Parties could request that WIPO’s International Bureau forward communications directly to holders of international registrations.

The proposal addresses an operational challenge: situations in which registration holders have neither an address nor a local representative in the country where a particular communication needs to be delivered.

This absence can make it difficult for national offices to contact registration holders. The proposed mechanism would allow WIPO’s international infrastructure to act as an intermediary for forwarding such notifications.

Brazil’s initiative draws on a similar mechanism already available under the Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks.

What could the proposal mean for industrial design holders?

If adopted, the new rule could benefit companies and professionals using the Hague System to protect industrial designs in different markets.

Potential benefits include:

  • More effective communications: facilitating contact between national offices and holders of international registrations.
  • Greater legal certainty: reducing communication difficulties when a local address or representative is missing.
  • Simplified international management: using WIPO’s infrastructure to forward notifications concerning international registrations.
  • Improved services: strengthening coordination between international procedures and the needs of national intellectual property offices.

For companies operating in multiple countries, the ability to receive and monitor official communications is an important aspect of intellectual property asset management.

Notifications concerning international registrations may involve procedures and deadlines that require appropriate monitoring. Mechanisms that improve institutional communication can therefore contribute to more efficient rights management.

The importance of developing international intellectual property systems

Brazil’s progress on its proposal also highlights the role of international cooperation in improving intellectual property protection systems.

As companies expand into different markets, the need for mechanisms that facilitate not only international filings but also communication and rights administration becomes increasingly important.

Modernizing these procedures can reduce operational obstacles and contribute to a more efficient experience for registration holders and national offices.

For companies developing products with distinctive visual identities and seeking international expansion, monitoring changes to industrial design registration systems is an important part of intangible asset protection strategies.

Brazil’s proposal still requires international approval, but its progress at WIPO is a meaningful step toward improving the Hague System and strengthening Brazil’s role in shaping international intellectual property rules.