> Source: https://chinaipmark.com/blog/hague-agreement-china-design-patent/ > Updated: 2026-09-25 Guide # Hague Agreement and China Design Patents: What Sellers Need to Know September 25, 2026 By ChinaIPMark ![Hague Agreement and China Design Patents: What Sellers Need to Know](https://chinaipmark.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/blog-factory-768x1024.jpg) Since February 2022, foreign applicants can protect industrial designs in China through the WIPO Hague system. It is the international route for designs, and it makes sense when you need several countries at once, not for a China-only filing. ## How the Hague route works You file one international design application with WIPO and designate China along with other members. WIPO forwards it to CNIPA, which examines it under the same rules as a national filing, including the image requirements. ## When Hague makes sense If you need design protection in five or more countries, one Hague application and one renewal process save real time and money. For a seller whose markets span Europe and Asia, it is often the cleanest route. ## When national filing is better For China alone, the national route is usually simpler and cheaper: you control the filing directly, official fees through grant are about $180, and our [Standard plan](https://chinaipmark.com/design-patent/) covers the compliance check, filing and updates. We compare both routes before recommending one, because the right answer depends on your markets. [Tell us where you sell](https://chinaipmark.com/contact/) and we will map it. ## About this guide Written by the ChinaIPMark team in Changsha, China. We help overseas brands register China trademarks and design patents, and all official filings are prepared and submitted by CNIPA-registered partner agencies. **Sources:** This guide references [CNIPA](https://english.cnipa.gov.cn/) official fee schedules and examination guidance, and [WIPO](https://www.wipo.int/) materials where an international route applies. Figures are current as of the update date shown above. **Disclaimer:** This guide is general information, not legal advice. Filing outcomes are never guaranteed. See our [Terms of Service](https://chinaipmark.com/terms/) and [Privacy Policy](https://chinaipmark.com/privacy-policy/). ## Related guides - [Product Copied in China? How a Design Patent Stops It](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/product-copied-china-design-patent/) - [Design Patent for Packaging: Protect Your Box Before It Gets Copied](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/design-patent-for-packaging/) - [China Design Patent Application: Documents, Timeline and Steps](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/china-design-patent-process/) - [China Design Patent vs Utility Model: Which Protects Your Product?](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/design-patent-vs-utility-model/) - [China Trademark vs Design Patent: Which Do You Need for Your Product?](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/china-trademark-vs-design-patent/) ## Services - [China trademark registration](https://chinaipmark.com/trademark-registration/) - [China design patent](https://chinaipmark.com/design-patent/) - [Pricing](https://chinaipmark.com/pricing/) ## Get a quote Tell us about your brand and receive a clear quote within 24 hours. [Contact us](https://chinaipmark.com/contact/) Read next ## Keep reading September 30, 2026 ### [Product Copied in China? How a Design Patent Stops It](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/product-copied-china-design-patent/) Your product is being copied in China. A granted design patent is the fastest lever: takedowns, customs and… [Read guide](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/product-copied-china-design-patent/) September 28, 2026 ### [Design Patent for Packaging: Protect Your Box Before It Gets Copied](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/design-patent-for-packaging/) Packaging counts as a design in China. If your box looks distinctive, a design patent protects it from… [Read guide](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/design-patent-for-packaging/) September 4, 2026 ### [China Design Patent Application: Documents, Timeline and Steps](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/china-design-patent-process/) Filing a China design patent needs six images, applicant details and a power of attorney. Here is the… [Read guide](https://chinaipmark.com/blog/china-design-patent-process/)