What is a design?

A ‘design’ means the appearance of the whole or part of a product, arising from such features as lines, contours, colours, shape, texture or materials of the product or its ornamentation. A product in this sense is any industrial or handicraft item, therefore a product may be packaging, get-up, graphic symbols, and typefaces, for example. Registered and unregistered design rights are available for new designs that have individual character.

Why should I register a design?

Registering a design gives you a monopoly right. You can enforce this right against anybody who releases a product on the market with a similar or identical appearance regardless of whether they have copied you or independently arrived at the same design. Unregistered design rights protect only against copying, not independent creation.

How will investing in a design increase the value of my business?

A design means the appearance of a product, arising from features, such as lines, colours, shape, or texture of the product. Registered and unregistered design rights are available for new designs that have individual character. Professionally protected designs can make your business more attractive to investors and purchasers which can result in an increase in value.

For more information on registering your IP, visit our Design Rights guide.