Designs
What is a Registered Design?
Registered designs protect the shape or the pattern applied to a good. Registered designs protect the aesthetic rather than the functional qualities of the item. An example of a registrable design would be a new shape of lamp or a pattern applied to a curtain fabric. Registered designs are commonly used to protect the aesthetic qualities of a wide range of products including for example, cutlery, mobile telephones, footwear, jewellery and the like.
In Ireland, registered design protection lasts 5 years and can be renewed for a further four periods of 5 years each, giving protection that can last up to 25 years for the design right. It is possible to file separate design applications in individual countries however certain systems exist, such as the Community Design, that allow for a single application to be filed that covers a large number of countries.
At O’Connor Intellectual Property, we can advise you on all design matters, whether you require advice on the potential benefits of registering your design, the likelihood of obtaining protection for your design or indeed if you have a concern about registered design infringement, we are here to assist you.