Industrial Design
How to Protect Industrial Design
The law of industrial designs protects the visual appearance of articles which are commercially mass-produced. Industrial designs include the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article. Some examples of industrial designs are mobile phones, toys, watches, pens, cars, drink bottles, shoes, wallpapers, textiles etc.
REGISTRATION OF DESIGNS
Under the Industrial Designs Act 1996, a person can make an application to the Registrar of Industrial Design (or MyIPO) to register an industrial designs. The documents required include the photographs/drawings depicting the design.
COMPLETION TIMELINE
Generally, it takes between 6 to 9 months to register an industrial design.
DURATION OF PROTECTION
An industrial design is protected for 5 years calculated from the date of filing with option to renew for 5 years each time up to 4 times. This means that the maximum protection period is 25 years.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PROTECTION
Industrial design is especially relevant for manufacturers who wish to prevent others from copying their designs. A certificate of registration will allow a design owner to enforce its rights against infringers either through courts of law.
Do approach us if you require further info.