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Registered Design
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A registered design protects the look of a product that you’ve designed to stop people from copying or stealing it. The look of your design includes the appearance, physical shape, configuration (or how different parts of a design are arranged together), and decoration.
What can registered designs protect?
A registered design can protect:
Shapes
the shape, contours, and angles
Surface decoration
patterns or graphic designs
Packaging
the product packaging style
Physical appearance
how the product looks
What can't a registered design protect?
A registered design cannot protect:
- How a product functions
- The material a product is made from
- How the product is made
- Designs using national flags that you do not have permission to use
- Designs using official emblems or hallmarks
- The form or appearance of the product dictated by its function (e.g. a key)
Registered vs Unregistered
UK registered design
- Application is made to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
- Protection lasts up to 25 years.
- In case of legal issues, the other party must prove they have not infringed rights.
- A certificate is issued by IPO.
- The business or owner retains exclusive rights.
- Criminal sanctions can be meted on the infringing party
- 2D and 3D images and objects are protected.
UK unregistered design
Your unregistered design is given protection automatically, meaning you do not have to apply or pay a fee.
So, how long are you protected?
Shape and configuration of 3D objects:
- 10 years after it was first sold
- 15 years after it was created
Appearance:
- 3 years from the date you make the design public
Protecting a design in the EU:
- 3 years from the date you make the design public in the EU
However, you must have proof of when you created a design if you want to prove your right.
more information on the IPO websiteSo, what are the next steps?
You have a design that you wish to register but you are unsure what the next steps are. Below is a helpful list of what your next steps are to register a design.
Rules of illustrations
Your illustrations should:
- show the design as it appears to the eye, using photographs, line drawings, computer-aided design (CAD) or rendered CAD
- be the same type of image (for example, all line drawings or all photographs)
- show the design against a plain background
- include the complete pattern and show how it repeats, if you want to register a surface pattern
- only include objects necessary to demonstrate your design (for example, do not include your hand, or an object unrelated to your design)
- be clear (for example, if you use photographs they must be in focus)
- have no details hidden by shadows or reflections
- not contain text, measurements or other technical information
more information on the IPO website
Does it cost to register a design?
Yes, it costs to file a design. Take a look below at how much it costs.
| Number of designs | Online filing fee |
|---|---|
| 1 | £50 |
| Up to 10 | £70 |
| Up to 20 | £90 |
| Up to 30 | £110 |
| Up to 40 | £130 |
| Up to 50 | £150 |