General Information

         The increasing globalization of trade is making it evermore necessary to acquire international protection of industrial designs in a timely and cost‑effective manner.

        The Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, which is simple, cost-effective and efficient, enables its users to obtain protection for their industrial designs in several territories by means of a single application made with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).  Currently 60 States, as well as the European Union and the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), are members of the Hague system.  Thus a good knowledge of the system is important for those working in the field of industrial designs, whether in industry or in the business sector.

        The seminar will be conducted by staff of WIPO and an invited speaker.  It aims at increasing awareness and practical knowledge of the system among actual and potential users, whether in industry or in private practice and focuses on the needs of independent and in‑house industrial property agents (paralegals as well as attorneys) who file applications for international industrial design registrations and who administer such registrations.  It will cover all aspects of the Hague system, including legal and practical matters (main features and advantages of the system, different procedures, etc.) as well as the latest trends in the field of international industrial design registration.

opening

         The session will commence on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at 9.30 a.m. (registration from 9 a.m.), and will end at 5.00 p.m.

VENUE

         World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Room B
34, chemin des Colombettes
1211 Geneva 20
Switzerland

registration

        The registration desk is situated in the main entrance lobby of WIPO building in front of Room B.  The desk will open for registration, on Thursday, November 8, 2012, from 9 a.m.

        Online registration:  https://webaccess.wipo.int/hague01/.

      Registration fee:  250 Swiss francs covering participation in the seminar, documentation, luncheon and coffee breaks.  Registration will be definitive upon receipt, by WIPO, of the registration fee.

        The competent authorities of the member States of the Hague Union will be exempt from payment of this fee.

      Deadline for registration:  October 23, 2012.  Please note that registration fees will not be reimbursed for any cancellation received after this date.

     Number of participants:  The number of participants is limited to 55.

    Further information on the Seminar may be obtained from:

Information and Promotion Section
The Hague Registry
Brands and Designs Sector
Telephone:   +41-22 338 9024
Facsimile:     +41-22 338 8510

INTERPRETATION

      The seminar will be conducted in English and French with simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish.

ADMISSION BADGES

      Admission badges are issued to participants at the registration desk.  Participants are requested to wear their badges visibly at all times when they are in the WIPO buildings.

TELEPHONE AND COMMUNICATION

     Calls can be made from the telephones in the main entrance lobby of WIPO building.  All incoming communications should be made to the following number:
WIPO reception desk:  +41‑22 338 9111.

INTERNET CAFÉ

     Several PCs are available for use by participants on the mezzanine floor and in the Information Center in the lobby.  For those with laptops and Wi-Fi access cards, Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.

DOCUMENTS COUNTER

     The WIPO documents counter is located in front of Room B and will be open on Thursday, November 8, 2012, from 9. a.m.

travel/hotels

Visas

      If you require an entry visa for Switzerland, please ensure that the necessary formalities are undertaken in sufficient time.

hotel accommodation

    Information on hotels in Geneva may be obtained from the Geneva Tourist Office:

Telephone:   +41-22 909 7000
Hotel Reservations Desk:
Telephone:   +41-22 909 7020
Facsimile:     +41-22 909 7021
Website:       www.geneve-tourisme.ch

travel

     An American Express Travel agency is located at WIPO Headquarters for any assistance with travel arrangements:

Opening hours:    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Telephone:          +41-22 338 7770 / 71 / 72

Facsimile:            +41-44 385 6036

Email:                  [email protected]