designs

 

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

  • European registered covering the whole EU
  • European unregistered
  • UK registered
  • UK unregistered
  • (potentially copyright can protect a design as well)

Designs are a form of intellectual property protection primarily for the shape or configuration of a product (although certain types of design protection can now cover 2d graphics like copyright). The owner of a valid design can prevent copying, use or distribution of the design.

Unregistered designs arise 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 can be enforced even if copying cannot be proved and a registered design should, if renewed, enjoy longer protection than an unregistered design.

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 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 £235:

download fee schedule: European Design Registration

 

If you require further information please contact us.