The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has joined the Hague System, further expanding the geographical reach of WIPO’s international design registration system to 102 countries. The accession of Lao marks another important milestone for the Hague System and highlights its increasing appeal as a streamlined and cost-effective route to international design protection.
The Government of the Lao PDR deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement on July 14, 2026. The Lao PDR becomes the 79th Contracting Party to the Geneva Act and the 85th member of the Hague Union.
What does this mean for you?
Starting October 14, 2026…
- If you are a designer or business owner in the Lao PDR, you will be able to seek protection for your designs in the 102 countries covered by the Hague System by filing a single international application.
- If you are entitled to use the Hague System, you will be able to seek protection for your designs in the Lao PDR, facilitating business expansion and investment opportunities in the country and the broader ASEAN region.
Stay tuned for more information!
Information on the Lao PDR domestic laws, procedures and requirements relating to international design protection under the Hague System will soon be available in our Hague System Member Profiles. Check back soon!
Find out more
- How the Hague System works
- Filing international design applications
- Managing international design registrations
- eHague – your digital gateway to international design protection
Questions or queries?
WIPO's Hague System provides a unique international mechanism for securing and managing design protection through a single application, filed in one language and with one set of fees. Following Lao People's Democratic Republic’s accession, the Hague System will cover 102 countries.