Introduction to the Protection of Designs
Design can have a great impact on the commercial success of a product. For some products, design may be the only distinguishing feature. Therefore, it is important for businesses that depend upon design to ensure that they have legal protection for the appearance of their products.
There are two types of intellectual property rights that protect designs: registered rights which are obtained through an application procedure, and unregistered rights which can arise automatically once a design has been recorded but generally provide weaker protection.
We advise on design-related issues and help our clients to establish appropriate design protection throughout the world. We are happy to discuss the protection of designs and the services we provide with potential clients. However, if you would like to read more about design protection, please select from the menu on the right hand side of this page.
Introduction to the protection of designs
Design protection in the European Union
What can be protected by a registered Community design (RCD)?
What is the procedure for obtaining an RCD?
What is the duration of an RCD?
Who is the first owner of the right to apply for an RCD?
What rights does the proprietor of an RCD have?
How are RCDs enforced?
How can an RCD be exploited?
When can an RCD be declared invalid?
UK Registered Designs
How can I obtain registered design protection internationally?
When can I disclose my design?
Unregistered Community designs
What unregistered protection do designs have in the UK?