In many industries, what a product looks like is just as important as how it functions – and sometimes even more so.  Companies invest a lot of time and money in creating the right look for their product. Designs are intellectual property rights which exist to protect that investment.

Clients often ask how to “patent” a design or “trade mark” a design.  There are two broad categories of design protection available: registered designs and unregistered designs.  As the names suggest, the primary difference is that registered designs must be applied-for by the owner of the design, whereas unregistered rights arise automatically if your design has certain qualifying features.

It can get complicated, which is why it’s helpful to get the support of an experienced attorney when you’re looking to obtain design patents, and registration in the UK, Europe, or the rest of the world.

It’s also worth noting that the way in which your design is represented in its design registration determines the scope of protection.  Using an experienced design attorney will help you get this right.  We can guide you on the best portrayal of your design to ensure you obtain the design protection you need through the most effective channels.

I would highly recommend Gill Jennings & Every.