Are There Worldwide Intellectual Property Rights? Is there a worldwide patent? Important Disclaimer There is as yet no "world-wide" patent. Patent rights must be protected separately in every country of interest. There is an "international patent application" available under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, but this still results in a set of national patents. There is, however, a European patent covering most European countries available under the European Patent Convention. Contact us to file a patent application Is there a worldwide design? Important Disclaimer There is as yet no "world-wide" design system. Design rights must, in general, be protected separately in every country of interest. There is an "international design" available under the Hague Agreement, but so few countries are signatories to the agreement, it can hardly be called a "world-wide" design system. Contact us to file a design application Is there a worldwide trade mark? Important Disclaimer Not exactly. There is as yet no truly "world-wide" trade mark system. Trade mark rights must still be protected separately in many important countries. However, there is a rapidly expanding "international trade mark" system available under the Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol, which may well eventually become truly world-wide, but it does still allow objections to be made by member countries if they do not approve of a particular mark. Contact us to file a trade mark application Intellectual Property FAQ Disclaimer IMPORTANT - Please read this disclaimer carefully as it concerns your rights. The Intellectual Property FAQ are intended to provide general information only and not advice with regard to specific cases. The information given is non-exhaustive. Furthermore the relevant law and its interpretation is liable to change and may vary from country to country. You should contact us for advice specific to your own situation. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by any member (firm or individual) of the Lloyd Wise Group for any inaccuracies or omissions, however caused therein. Nor can any responsibility be accepted for any loss or damage to any company or person as a result of actions taken or not taken on the basis of the Intellectual Property FAQ.