Essential Facts about Design

1. Why is it necessary to protect a design?
By protecting a design, its owner secures for himself the exclusive right against unauthorized copying or imitation by third parties.
Since a design constitutes an aspect of the product which makes it appealing to the eye and attractive, it is not just an artistic or creative element - it also contributes to the commercial value of the product and facilitates its marketing and commercialization.
Design protection contributes to the market development of a product and enables a return on investment in it.
Design protection promotes creativity in the sectors of industry and crafts, contributes to an expansion of economic activities and increases export potentials of national products.
2. What is a design?
3. To which products does industrial design apply?
4. How can an industrial design be protected?
5. How can industrial design be internationally protected?

Design Registration Procedure

1. Who can file an application for design registration?
2. Is it mandatory to appoint an attorney for the filing of the application?
3. When does the procedure for design registration begin?
4. What is a priority right?
5. Which elements should a duly filed application for design registration comprise?
a) A request for design registration
b) A design description
c) A photograph or a drawing of the design
d) A power of attorney
6. What are the stages and duration of the design registration procedure?
7. When has a design been created and how long is its validity period?
8. How to renew the validity of a design?

Other Relevant Questions

1. Can the appearance of a design be subsequently changed in the course of the design registration procedure?
2. What should the applicant do if the name of the applicant is changed, or his address, that is, his name and address, or if the right from the application is assigned to another natural or legal person, during the procedure for design registration?
3. Which applications are examined in an expedited procedure?