Describe the mechanism for registering an industrial design in several countries by means of a single application, filed in one language, with one set of fees.

The mechanism for registering an industrial design in several countries by means of a single application, filed in one language, with one set of fees, is provided by The Hague Agreement Regarding the International Deposit of Industrial Designs , commonly known as the Hague System . Overview of the Hague System: The Hague System is an international registration system administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It allows applicants to obtain protection for their industrial designs in multiple member countries or intergovernmental organizations (like the European Union) by filing a single international application. Key Features and Mechanism: Single Application: An applicant files one international application directly with WIPO's International Bureau. This eliminates the need to file separate applications in each desired country. Single Language: The application can be filed in one of the prescribed languages (English, French, or Spanish), simplifying the linguistic requirements. Single Set of Fees: The applicant pays one set of fees to WIPO, typically in Swiss Francs. This covers the filing, publication, and designation fees for all chosen countries, significantly reducing administrative costs compared to national filings. Designation of Countries: In the application, the applicant designates the specific member countries or intergovernmental organizations where they wish to protect their industrial design. Formal Examination by WIPO: WIPO's International Bureau conducts a formal examination of the application to ensure it meets the formal requirements of the Hague Agreement. It does not examine the design for substantive criteria like novelty or originality. Publication: Once formally compliant, the design is recorded in the International Register and published in WIPO's International Designs Bulletin. The applicant can request immediate publication or defer it for a certain period (up to 30 months from the filing date or priority date, depending on the designated contracting parties). National Examination (by Designated Offices): After publication, the designated national or regional IP offices (e.g., USPTO, EUIPO) examine the international registration according to their respective national laws regarding substantive criteria (e.g., novelty, originality). Refusal or Grant of Protection: Each designated office has a specific period (usually 6 or 12 months) to notify WIPO if protection is refused in its territory. If no refusal is communicated within this period, or if a refusal is successfully overcome, the international registration takes effect in that designated country as if it were a national registration. Effect of International Registration: An international registration produces the same effects in each designated country as if the design had been registered directly with the national office of that country, unless protection is refused by the national office. Treaties under the Hague Agreement: The Hague Agreement consists of several separate treaties, the most important of which are: The Hague Act of 1960 (Stockholm Act) The Geneva Act of 1999 Countries can become a party to either or both Acts. The choice of Act affects which countries can be designated. For instance, if a country has only signed up to the 1999 (Geneva) Act, applicants from that country can only use the Hague system to obtain protection in other countries that have also signed up to the 1999 Act or to both the 1999 and 1960 Acts. In essence, the Hague System streamlines the process of obtaining industrial design protection across multiple jurisdictions, making it more efficient and cost-effective for designers and businesses.