China Embraces Two WIPO Treaties, Expanding its Presence in the Global IP Ecosystem

China has joined two treaties recently: the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (“WIPO”) Hague System and Marrakesh Treaty, which is a significant step forward for the worldwide intellectual property ecosystem.

The Hague System

WIPO’s Hague System is an international treaty that allows for a simplified process of registering up to 100 international design applications across 92 countries.

China’s accession to the Hague System, set to occur on May 5, 2022, means that designers in China will find it easier to protect and bring their designs out of China, and overseas designers will find it easier to move their designs into one of the world’s largest and powerful markets.

The Marrakesh Treaty

WIPO’s Marrakesh Treaty establishes a copyright exception for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled, making it easier for the visually impaired to access copyrighted works adapted in formats that they can use.

China’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty is a great stride forward in global efforts towards accessibility. According to WIPO’s official statement on the matter, China has a community of over 17 million blind and visually impaired citizens that will now have greater access to literary and cultural traditions as well as more access to foreign-produced texts.

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