designs

There are 5 types of design protection which are relevant in the UK:

  • European registered
  • European unregistered
  • UK registered
  • UK unregistered
  • (potentially copyright can protect a design as well)

A design right is a form of intellectual property protection that relates to the shape or configuration of a product, and acts as a means to prevent direct copying of the design.

Protecting a design is important because the design of a product is an aspect of its constitution that will serve to enhance its value. This is because the design of a product is essentially its outward appearance and/or a feature of a product that is readily accessible and identifiable from the point of view of the average consumer.

A design will be capable of protection as an unregistered design, which arises automatically (in similar vein to copyright). However, protection can also be sought via registration at both domestic and Community level, and it follows that a registered design will enjoy more extensive protection than its unregistered counterpart.

It should also be noted that in certain circumstances copyright can offer protection to designs.


design registration services

palmer biggs legal offers specialist advice and services to clients in relation to the filing and registration of designs, copyright protection of designs and infringement issues.

We have a strong design filing practice, and manage a range of clients' registered design portfolios. Our fixed legal fee for filing for pan European Design registration starts at £145:

download fee schedule: European Design Registration

If you require further information please contact us.