Design rights relate to appearance (eg shape or ornamentation) rather than to the technical properties of a product. Designs, or features of a design, which result from the technical properties, as well as protected designs or designs incorporating third parties’ trade marks, may be excluded from registration.

The application for registration is examined for novelty and individual character with respect to designs published before the filing date. In some jurisdictions unregistered design rights also exist.

Registration can be at national level or EU level or international registration. We can assist you in all aspects of design law.