Saudi Arabia To Host Diplomatic Conference For Design Law Treaty With 193 Countries In November 2023
The Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty is set to take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 22. This event will see participation from the 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and high-level decision-makers. The conference represents the final phase in negotiations aimed at adopting a treaty on design law.
The Design Law Treaty aims to standardise design registration requirements, simplifying international intellectual property protection processes. By providing a unified framework, it encourages innovation and supports creators in developing sustainable designs that align with changing market demands. This treaty also aids business sustainability by lowering barriers to design protection, fostering industries driven by creativity.

Dr. Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al-Swailem, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to enhancing the global intellectual property system. He stated that the conference would establish significant legal foundations beneficial to all involved parties. "The conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening the international intellectual property system and opening new avenues for collaboration among member states," he said.
During this event, Saudi Arabia will host cultural tours for participating delegations, showcasing its rich heritage and culture. These tours aim to highlight Saudi Arabia's role as a hub for creativity and cultural diversity. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of promoting sustainable creativity and innovation while enhancing international cooperation.
The treaty seeks to promote innovation by offering unified protection for designs, encouraging creators to develop sustainable designs that meet evolving market needs. Additionally, it supports business sustainability by reducing barriers to design protection, thereby fostering industries driven by innovation and creativity.
This conference is crucial as it marks the final stage in negotiations for adopting a treaty on design law. It aims at standardising design registration requirements and simplifying international intellectual property protection procedures. The outcomes are expected to benefit all member states significantly.
Through these efforts, the Kingdom underscores its commitment to supporting sustainable creativity and innovation on an international scale. By hosting this conference, Saudi Arabia not only strengthens its position in global intellectual property discussions but also showcases its cultural richness.
With inputs from SPA