Hague Users Speak

DaimlerChrysler

How has DaimlerChrysler's use of the Hague System increased?

The first application was filed February 2, 1959. Ten years ago the company was registering 36 industrial designs in 34 applications. Last year, we registered 223 industrial designs in 46 applications

Can you give us some examples of DaimlerChrysler designs registered under the Hague System?

The designs we registered most recently are for the New A-Class; new ML-Class; CLS-Class. DaimlerChrysler's best known industrial design is the SL gullwing door, filed under the Hague System in 1959.

Caption: The "legendary" Mercedes 300SL Coupé with gullwing doors.

What would you consider the main advantages of the Hague System?

The fact that one application gives wide country coverage. It is cost effective. And there is no need for an agent. The entry into force of the Geneva Act will bring wider country coverage and future benefits, but we will not feel the effect until Germany signs the Act.

DaimlerChrysler uses the German national system, the European Community System and the Hague system. How would you compare them?

The decision as to which system to use to register a design is made on a case by case basis, depending on the particular product and the market. For example, we would take into account in which countries protection is necessary; the spare parts clause in the EU^*, the different grace periods and/or deferment periods.

The advantages for us of the German national system are filing in our own language; multiple applications [as with the Hague and the European systems]; the short mailing distance to the German Patent and Trademark Office, which means a same-day application date; the 24-hour post-box; the possibility of postponement for 30 months; the 12 month grace period; and the full protection for spare parts.

The European system offers the advantage of one application providing uniform protection in all European Union member states with a single examination. It is possible to file in German; it offers a uniform postponement period of maximum 30 months, and a uniform grace period of 12 months.

The Hague System offers the greatest scope in terms of countries, both in Europe and worldwide. The system works on the basis of national effect in each country. The disadvantages are the lack of uniform regulation of grace periods, deferment, duration, fees, etc.

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