Design Talks

What makes a design unforgettable, and can it change your life? In this episode, WIPO professionals share stories of how everyday products with innovative designs improved their routines, sparked joy, and made a lasting impact in their lives. Their stories highlight the powerful role design plays in solving problems, bringing beauty to our world, and enhancing our quality of life.

Join us as Mathilde Wittock, founder of MWO Design, shares how she uses unique designs to transform discarded tennis balls into acoustic and furniture pieces. She explains how sustainable design and material experimentation can fuel creative ideas and why securing design registrations, trademarks, and patents play a key role in responsibly protecting, scaling, and sharing innovation.

In episode two, we explore how practical resources can empower designers from around the world to protect their creativity, fuel innovation, and spark competitiveness. Ms. Amano Ishikawa, Deputy Director of the Design Policy Section in the International Cooperation Division of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) joins us to share actionable strategies and real-world examples that are part of the JPO's multi-faceted approach to provide means for designers to thrive in local and international markets. Tune in to discover how thoughtful policy combined with accessible support mechanisms can help bring your ideas to the world stage.

Season 2 opens with looking at practical insights for protecting your designs and safeguarding creativity. We are joined by Ms. Tracy-Gene Durkin, Practice Leader at Sterne Kessler, a recognized leader in the design field with over 30 years of experience in patents, trademark, and copyright. Drawing on her extensive experience with design protection and The Hague System, Ms. Durkin highlights effective strategies and practical tips for filing applications internationally. Tune in to discover expert guidance on securing creativity through design protection that can empower both new and seasoned applicants.

Tune in as we explore the Hague System's outreach efforts in developing countries with Adrienne Thompson, Deputy Director Registrar of Industrial Property at the Jamaican Intellectual Property Office (JIPO). In this episode, we delve into initiatives aimed at making the Hague System’s benefits more accessible to designers in the region. Discover how JIPO is empowering local creators with the necessary tools to achieve global impact in the effort to bridge gaps in design protection.

Join us as we feature Sladjana Milojevic, the visionary founder of Nonna Handmade, and explore her remarkable journey in the design world. Discover how her creativity and innovative spirit led her family-owned business to success. Gain insight into her inspirational accomplishments and learn about her commitment to empower women and positively influence local communities.

Listen to the story of Santos, a family business grown into a well-established company selling their products all around the globe. Discover how they harnessed the Hague System and leveraged design protection to grow internationally.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of design with Xiaomi, the global giant ranked as the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones worldwide. Discover their unique vision of design and hear about their challenges, triumphs, and insights.

Take a deep dive into the Hague System for the international protection of industrial designs. Join Jonah Asher, Coordinator of the Hague Infoline Unit at the WIPO, as he explains what designers need to know to make effective use of the Hague System to protect their creations.

What is a design? Why is it important? And how can one protect and register their design? Join us for a primer on designs and learn about WIPO’s Hague System which helps designers protect and promote their work internationally.