Since
Design rights can be used to stop competitors replicating a new design for the appearance of a product, or part of a product, and can therefore be used to protect the exclusivity of the design.
They are used to protect the aesthetic rather than functional aspects of the appearance. Design rights can be obtained for two dimensional images (such as logos, patterns or icons) as well as three dimensional products (physical objects).
Registered Design Rights
Registered design rights provide monopoly protection, rather than only preventing copying, and so are obtained by filing an application, which includes images of the design, at a central registry. The images typically show the design from various angles if it is a design for a product, but a single image might suffice for a logo, for example. The protection afforded by a Registered Design applies to any item bearing the design (that is, it is not limited to a particular product or class of products).
A national Registered Design provides a right that is only enforceable in the country for which it is granted, and can usually be obtained by filing an application at relevant national intellectual property office. A
The images filed with the application determine the extent to which the registered design right can be enforced against similar designs. Therefore, it is advisable to have help from a qualified representative when preparing a design registration. The registration process itself is generally quite straightforward, and is typically completed within days. Registered design rights can be challenged but rarely are, except as a defence against an enforcement action.
Unregistered Design Rights
Unregistered design rights include national unregistered rights such as the
How could Registered Design protection help my business?
- Registered Designs last for up to 25 years from the date of registration. Unregistered rights offer a shorter term of protection.
- Registered Designs may allow the owner to prevent the use of the design by a competitor regardless of how the competitor arrived at the
- Having a Registered Design can be helpful in securing funding or investment.
- The registration of a design may have a deterrent effect on potential competitors. Competitors considering making similar products to those already on a market may be dissuaded if they know that relevant registered design rights
- If litigation does become necessary, a design owner with a Registered Design in addition to unregistered design rights is usually in a much stronger position than a design owner possessing only unregistered design
- In discussions before litigation, the existence of a Registered Design can considerably strengthen your negotiating
- A Registered Design can be obtained very quickly and at low cost.
The images below provide some examples of the variety of products that can be covered by registered designs.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Mr
Gray's Inn
WC1R 5JJ
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