Registered designs protect the appearance of products rather than the way in which they function.

The design of a product (or part of a product) can be registered in the United Kingdom or the European Community if the design is new and creates a different overall impression when compared to known designs.

It is possible to file a valid UK or European Community registered design application within a ‘grace period’ of twelve months from the first disclosure of a design. However, many countries outside Europe do not provide a grace period, so if you are considering foreign design protection, it is important that you seek our advice before the design is disclosed.

In the United Kingdom and European Community, original designs may also benefit from automatic protection for a limited period by way of unregistered design right, which arises automatically without the need for registration.

For more detailed information about registered designs and unregistered design right, please download our information sheet.