If you have created a product with a new appearance, then a design registration, rather than a patent, may be the best way to protect it.  Design registrations can protect all aspects of the appearance of a product, or part of product, including the shape of te product, but also the surface decoration.  Registered designs can also product patterns (for example on wallpaper), typefaces and graphic user interfaces.

Registration of a design can be a relatively cost-effective way of stopping others from, for example, manufacturing, importing and/or selling, a product having the same or similar appearance to the registered design. The protection can last for up to 25 years, subject to payment of five-yearly renewal fees.

Design registrations are territorial and therefore a U.K. Registered Design will provide protection in the UK only. Most countries around the world have their own national registration law and there are several international design conventions that allow a single application to cover a plurality of countries. We can also help you obtain design protection for your product in other countries throughout the world, using our network of foreign attorneys.

We can advise you on avoiding infringement of registered design rights held by others and infringement of your rights by competitors. See also our commercial initiatives page and our IP disputes page.