Designs

As distinct from patents, design protection covers the
appearance of an article rather than the way it works. In the European Union there is a limited degree of automatic protection for designs, but this lasts for only a short period and enforcement requires evidence of ownership and of copying. Registered Designs, which are available in the UK and in many other countries, give longer protection and do not usually require proof of ownership or copying. In the UK, Registered Design protection can last for 25 years subject to the payment of renewal fees every five years. To be registrable, designs must be new and possess "individual character". Features which are dictated by technical function or by the need to fit together with another article are not normally protected.

An application may be filed in a single country such as the UK initially, and protection sought in respect of other countries up to six months later, claiming priority from the original filing date. It is now possible for nationals of any country to obtain EU-wide design protection by
a single registration procedure.

For more detailed information on designs, please visit our Library page.