What a design right covers
A design right protects the appearance of a product or part of it: its shape, lines, contours, colours, texture or ornament. It does not protect how the product works, and it does not protect a brand name. Think of a bottle shape, a chair, a piece of jewellery, a screen layout or a pattern.
Unlike a trademark, a design generally has to be new when you file, and protection lasts for a limited, renewable period. The details depend on the country.
What is included
- Talking through what you want to protect and whether a design right is the right tool
- Advice on the drawings or photographs the offices need
- Preparing and filing the design application in the countries or regions you choose
- Following the office's questions and deadlines
- Sending you the registration, and tracking renewal dates
How it works
- Tell us about the productWhat it is, what is new about its appearance, and whether it has been shown or sold already.
- Plan the filingWe agree on the countries, or on a route such as the Hague System where it fits.
- Prepare the imagesYou supply drawings or photographs, and we tell you what to adjust.
- File and followWe file and deal with the office until it decides.
Showing or selling a design before you file can count against its novelty. Some countries allow a short grace period and many do not. Please talk to us before you publish or launch.
