
China Joins Hague System, Allows International Design Filings
Foreign rightsholders
Can now use the Hague System
To file in China
Foreign rightsholders
Can now use the Hague System
To file in China
Chinese law changes
May help US companies
Protect their designs
Ninth Circuit rules for
Herman Miller in chair case;
Form defeats function
Is it “obvious”?
If it’s a “design choice,” yes.
If functional, no.
Design patents can
Protect surface features of
Useful devices
Patent rejected
Because it’s too obvious –
Federal Circuit