Annual Technical Report on Industrial Design Information Activities in 2024 submitted by ISRAEL
Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish. Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired. If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.
URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:
The term "industrial designs" covers industrial designs and models.
Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in this series of Annual Technical Reports.
I. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Growth Following Hague System Integration
Since Israel's accession to the Hague Agreement for the International Registration of Industrial Designs in January 2020, the Industrial Design Department has experienced consistent growth. For example, the number of new applications increased from 1,438 in 2019 to 1,724 in 2024, representing a 20% increase. Additional comprehensive statistical data and analysis will be available in the Office's forthcoming Annual Report, to be published in Hebrew at https://www.gov.il/he/pages/new-annual-reports and in English at https://www.gov.il/en/pages/new-annual-reports. This growth has resulted in an extended examination waiting period, currently standing at nine months for first examination, with an average substantive examination period of approximately two months, though the Department maintains its commitment to high professional examination standards.
Enhanced Digital Services and Public Outreach
The Department undertook comprehensive improvements to its online information services throughout 2024:
Updated Training and Educational Materials:
- Revised presentation materials for image compliance training incorporating current procedural changes: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=2
- Published new comprehensive guide on required image dimensions for design registration applications: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=3
- Produced instructional video highlighting the advantages and accessibility of the design registration process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR4XARIDU6w
Targeted Training Initiatives:
- Conducted specialized training on image compliance requirements in September 2024: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/webinar-290924
- Initiated planning for comprehensive training program at design academies to ensure graduates understand their design registration options
Professional Development and Standards
Enhanced Examination Training: Design examiners received specialized training on novelty and individual character requirements, including updates on Intellectual Property Adjudicators' decisions, relevant judicial rulings, and reinforcement of substantive examination procedures and prior art search methodologies.
Engagement with WIPO Working Groups and Committees
Working Group on the Legal Development of the Hague System
- Ongoing engagement with the professional working group under WIPO framework
- Continued monitoring of legal developments within the Hague System
Committee of Experts of the Locarno Union for International Classification of Industrial Designs
- Maintained observer status and engagement with Committee activities
- Updated Israeli design regulations regarding goods classification in accordance with Committee decisions and recommendations*
* As a non-signatory to the Locarno Agreement, Israel maintains observer status and regularly updates design regulations regarding goods classification in accordance with the Committee's decisions
II. SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Comprehensive Online Database and Search Services
Public Design Search Database: The Office maintains bilingual online design search capabilities accessible to the public:
- Hebrew interface: https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=he
- English interface: https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=en
The database provides complete access to registered designs and pending applications, enabling comprehensive prior art searches and rights verification.
Official Publication Services: Design registrations and related notices are published through:
- Hebrew Design Journal: https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=he
- English Design Journal: https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=en
Electronic Filing
Online Application System: Comprehensive electronic filing platform available at: https://designsonline.justice.gov.il/
- Full electronic filing capabilities
- Integrated payment processing
Legal Framework and Information Services
Regulatory Information: Complete legal framework accessible in multiple languages:
- Hebrew legal information: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-law
- English legal information: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-law
Service Information: Detailed information about Office services: https://www.gov.il/he/services/department/4ce56f25-7d6d-4f2c-991a-2e87d984494d?unitId=&topicId=e29f9720-5f62-43a4-832e-9034a98e7420&subTopicId=&targetAudienceId=&subTargetAudienceId=
Fee Transparency: Current fee schedules available at: https://ecom.gov.il/counterspa/home/14/3/samples
Comprehensive Educational Resources
Applicant Guidance Materials:
- General registration guide: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/design-registration
- DAS service procedures: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=4
- Special applicant fee reductions: https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/guide/designs-guides/en/designs_first_design_application_reduction_fee.pdf
Classification Support: Comprehensive goods classification guidance:
- Hebrew classification information: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-goods
- English classification information: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-goods
Note: The classification in Israel is local.
Regular Communication: News and updates portal: https://www.gov.il/he/collectors/news/?officeId=4ce56f25-7d6d-4f2c-991a-2e87d984494d
Professional Examination Services
Substantive Examination: The Office conducts comprehensive substantive examination including:
- Novelty assessment and individual character evaluation
- Prior art searches using professional international design databases (both free and subscription-based)
- Access to all available internet resources containing industrial design information
Examination Guidelines: Detailed examination procedures available to the public:
- Work instructions for design examination: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-instructions
- Prior art search procedures detailed in Appendix 6 of the work instructions
III. SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
National Information Sources
Comprehensive Design Database:
- Internal operational system containing complete records of all ILPO registered designs and pending applications
- Public search database accessible in Hebrew https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=he and English https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=en
- Official Design Journal https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=en
Regulatory and Educational Information:
- Complete Design Law and Regulations framework https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-law
- Comprehensive examination guidelines and work instructions https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-instructions
- Application guides, training materials, and procedural instructions at https://www.gov.il/he/pages/design-registration and https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides
- Current fee schedules https://ecom.gov.il/counterspa/home/14/3/samples and classification information https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-goods
Advanced Prior Art Search Methodology
Two-Stage Search Protocol (as outlined in Appendix 6 of examination work instructions): https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-instructions
Stage One - Specialized Database Search:
- Internal departmental operational system
- Professional international design databases (free and subscription-based)
- Foreign patent office design search engines
Stage Two - Comprehensive Internet Search: When specialized databases yield insufficient results, examiners expand searches to include:
- Google Lens for visual design identification
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest)
- Video platforms (YouTube and similar services)
- Commercial databases containing designs from multiple countries
- Blogs, magazines, and industry publications
- Commercial catalogs and e-commerce websites
International Information Integration
Hague System Integration:
- Processing and sharing information for international design applications
- Contributing to and accessing WIPO Global Design Database
Classification Standards:
- Regular updates to national classification system based on international Locarno Classification decisions
- Adoption of international best practices in design information management
Quality Assurance:
- Comprehensive examiner training on search methodologies
- Source verification and documentation standards
- Continuous improvement of search techniques and information sources
IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements
We use in-house developed to manage the complete lifecycle of design cases. This includes everything from receiving applications, conducting examinations, searching information, handling oppositions, registrations, cancellations, publications, classifications, appeals, and sending documents to clients.
- Features:
- Based on a Client/Server architecture
- Developed using MVC combined with C# (Object-Oriented Programming)
- Advantages:
- Full control over internal processes and customization to the Office's specific needs
- Broad coverage of all stages of design handling
- Possible Improvements:
- lacks support for Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities
- Recommended to upgrade to newer technologies to improve integration capabilities, add AI functionality, and enhance overall performance
Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office
We utilize computing servers for our general IT infrastructure, mail servers for distributing correspondence, and laptops to enable remote work.
Internal databases: coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources
Our internal database primarily contains:
- design application information and related documents
- Information about the examination process
- Conclusion information and associated documents
We have several key interlinks with external sources and systems:
- A connection to BI (Business Intelligence) reports for statistics and data extraction
- An integration with financial management systems
Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)
Our system includes functions for registration, legal status, and sharing statistical data.
V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
Digital Access and User Interface
Bilingual Public Access System: The ILPO provides comprehensive online design search capabilities in both Hebrew https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=he and English https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/FileSearch?lang=en , designed to serve both professional users and the general public efficiently.
Streamlined Application Process: The online application system at https://designsonline.justice.gov.il/ provides direct access to design registration services with integrated support features.
Comprehensive User Education Program
Enhanced Application Support Materials (Updated 2024):
- Complete design registration guide: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/design-registration
- Revised image compliance training presentation: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=2
- New dimensional requirements guide: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=3
- DAS service instructions: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-guides?chapterIndex=4
- Special applicant discount information: https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-guides
Multimedia Training Resources:
- Video training for image compliance requirements: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/webinar-290924
- Instructional video highlighting registration process advantages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR4XARIDU6w
Professional Training and Outreach
2024 Training Initiatives:
- September 2024: Specialized image compliance training session https://www.gov.il/he/pages/webinar-290924
- Academic outreach program planning for design academies
Information Transparency and Communication
Legal Framework Access:
- Bilingual design law and regulations: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-law (Hebrew) and https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-law (English)
- Detailed examination guidelines: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-instructions
Regular Updates and Communication:
- Official Design Journal publications in Hebrew https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=he and English https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=en
- News and updates for procedural changes and developments https://www.gov.il/he/collectors/news/?officeId=4ce56f25-7d6d-4f2c-991a-2e87d984494d&UnitId=&TopicId=&SubTopicId=&TargetAudienceId=&subTargetAudienceId=
- Transparent fee information https://ecom.gov.il/counterspa/home/14/3/samples and classification guidance https://www.gov.il/en/pages/designs-goods
International Integration Impact
Hague System Benefits: The significant increase in applications (20% growth since 2019) demonstrates successful integration with international systems. In 2024, over 50% of applications (961 out of 1,724) were filed through the Hague System, reflecting strong user adoption of international registration options.
Future Development Support: The Office actively monitors Design Law Treaty (DLT) developments, having provided comprehensive professional input during the November 2024 diplomatic conference preparation, positioning Israel for enhanced international design protection harmonization.
VI.INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
Hague System Integration and Impact
Active Participation and Growth: Since joining the Hague System in January 2020, Israel has experienced growth in design applications. In 2024, the Office processed 1,724 new applications, with 961 (over 55%) filed through the Hague System, demonstrating strong user preference for international registration.
Design Law Treaty (DLT) Development
Strategic Participation: Throughout 2024, the Office maintained close cooperation with legal and legislative departments in preparation for the November 2024 Diplomatic Conference:
- Provided comprehensive professional responses to treaty development issues
- Continues monitoring DLT progress toward ratification by 15 WIPO member states
- Positions Israel for enhanced international design protection harmonization
Engagement with WIPO Working Groups and Committees
Working Group on the Legal Development of the Hague System
- Ongoing engagement with the professional working group under WIPO framework
- Continued monitoring of legal developments within the Hague System
Committee of Experts of the Locarno Union for International Classification of Industrial Designs
- Maintained observer status and engagement with Committee activities
- Updated Israeli design regulations regarding goods classification in accordance with Committee decisions and recommendations*
* As a non-signatory to the Locarno Agreement, Israel maintains observer status and regularly updates design regulations regarding goods classification in accordance with the Committee's decisions
Information Services
- website information and content relating to international designs designating Israel https://www.gov.il/he/pages/designs-international
VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION
Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values:
- "Implemented";
- "On implementation phase";
- "Planning to implement"; and
- "No plan to implement"
WIPO Standard ST.3: Two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and organizations
Implemented
WIPO Standard ST.13: Numbering of applications for IPRs
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.80: Bibliographic data relating to industrial designs
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.81: Content and layout of industrial designs gazettes
No plan to implement
Link to the Israel Designs Journal: https://designsearch.justice.gov.il/DesignFile/DesignJournal?lang=en
WIPO Standard ST.86: Processing of industrial design information using XML
No plan to implement
Note: We use the ST96 standard
WIPO Standard ST.87: The exchange of industrial design legal status data
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.88: Electronic representation of industrial designs
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating Intellectual Property data using Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images
No plan to implement
WIPO Standard ST.96: Processing of Industrial Property information using XML
Implemented
Other WIPO Standards Related to Patents
Note: Please list any other WIPO Standards related to patents (not mentioned above) that your Office or Organization has implemented, is currently in the process of implementing, or plans to implement in the future. For each Standard, please indicate the implementation status with an option: Implemented, On implementation Phase or Planning to Implement.