The Registered Design Process
Registered Design protection is granted on the basis of purely visual representations of a design in question and, to be registrable, a design must be new, have individual character, and must be visible to the eye during normal use of the design
Registered Design protection can exist in everyday articles such as cups and saucers, through to items of textiles, textile patterns and the like. The maximum term of protection for a Registered Design is 25 years and is renewed every 5 years.
Registered Design protection can be extremely valuable in certain instances and applications for Registered Design protection are commonly filed at the same time as Applications for Patent protection.
There are corresponding Registered Design Application procedures in most countries of the world and we can facilitate such filings using our network of Foreign Associates. There is also a European Community Design Application procedure which covers member countries of the European Union.
If Applications for Registered Designs are to be filed in a number of different countries, they may all take the date of the earliest filed Application, provided they are all filed within six months of each other.
We can advise on all aspects of Registered Design protection, including filing requirements, infringement and licensing. We can also handle, file and prosecute Applications for Registered Designs in the UK, Europe or anywhere in the world using our Foreign Associates.
A more detailed summary of the Registered Design Application process is provided under the following headings:
- Introduction to Registered Design Protection
- Searching for Registered Designs
- Applying for a Registered Design
- Maintenance of Registered Designs
- Foreign Registered Design Applications
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