Withers & Rogers

Registered Design specific

  • What is a registered design?

    A registered design is protection given to the outward appearance of a product or part of product.

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  • Why are registered designs important?

    The shape or appearance of a product is often what is most easily recognised by a customer. Registering a design prevents it being used by someone else for their product.

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  • When should a registered design be sought instead of a patent and what’s the difference?

    A patent can only be used to protect the function of a product, whereas a design is used to protect how the product looks. Designs should be used to protect products that have a new look and can be filed in conjunction with patent applications if the product also has a new function.

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  • What can be registered as a design?

    Any product or part of a product that is new and has “individual character”. Both 2D and 3D designs can be registered.

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  • What can not be registered as a design?

    A design that has been available to the public within the EU for more than a year is no longer considered new and thus cannot be registered.

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  • Once granted, what does a registered design allow the owner to do?

    A registered design allows the owner to prevent others from using the same or similar design for their product.

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  • Who can help the applicant file a registered design?

    Patent or trade mark attorneys can help an applicant file a registered design.

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  • How long does a registered design last?

    A registered design can last up to 25 years from the date of filing if renewal fees are paid every five years.

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See also our flyer on registered designs within our IP Resources section.

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“Covidien's Imaging Solutions business chooses to utilise Withers & Rogers' intellectual property services as they demonstrate a high level of competence with regard to our products and related technologies. Furthermore, they have a proven record of zealously advocating Covidien's legal position at the European Patent Office.”

Kenneth D. Goetz, Vice President, Intellectual Property - Imaging Solutions, Covidien