Executive Summary：Hague Yearly Review 2024

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, with a general increase in applications and registrations, suggesting a favorable investment environment in the design protection sector [4][28]. Core Insights - The Hague System saw a 7.4% increase in international applications in 2023, totaling 8,566 applications, and a record number of designs contained in these applications reached 25,414, marking a modest growth of 1.3% [3][4]. - The long-term trend shows that the number of designs registered through the Hague System has more than doubled over the past decade, increasing from 11,869 in 2013 to 25,262 in 2023 [28]. - Germany remains the top user of the international design system despite an 8% decrease in 2023, while China experienced significant growth of 46.9%, consolidating its position as the second-largest user [10][11]. Summary by Sections International Applications and Registrations - In 2023, international applications grew by 7.4% to reach 8,566 applications, with designs contained in these applications totaling 25,414, reflecting a modest increase of 1.3% [3][4][6]. - The number of international registrations increased by 8.3% to 8,366, with designs in registrations amounting to 25,262, a slight increase of 0.5% [28][30]. Geographic Distribution - Applicants from at least 68 countries filed international applications, with Germany leading at 4,518 designs, followed by China (3,758) and the US (2,674) [10][11]. - In 2023, Europe accounted for 60.2% of all designs filed, while Asia's share increased significantly from 3.9% in 2013 to 28% in 2023 due to the accession of several Asian countries to the Hague System [13][14]. Design Classes - Designs related to means of transport accounted for 11.1% of all designs in 2023, followed by recording and communication equipment at 8.6% and furnishing at 7.6% [25][26]. - Notable growth was observed in clothing designs (+33.8%) and equipment for electricity production (+32.4%) [25][27]. Active Registrations - As of 2023, there were approximately 56,567 international registrations in force, containing around 213,318 designs, with a 9.2% increase from the previous year [32][33]. - The top six countries held about 68.9% of all active designs, although their combined share decreased from 76% in 2018 to 69% in 2023 [32][33]. Financial Aspects - The average fee for a Hague international registration in 2023 was CHF 2,097, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year [38][39]. - The International Bureau distributed approximately CHF 14.4 million to designated members in 2023, with the US receiving the largest share at 23.1% [35][36].