Designs are perhaps one of the more complex areas of IP due to
the different design IP rights that can protect a product or
article.
Below we highlight the legal principles of design IP in the UK
and the EU
UK Registered Designs (UKRDs)
UKRDs can be obtained by anyone who files an application for a
design registration at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
The application typically includes drawings displaying the design
of the product or article from multiple different angles.
UKRDs protect the appearance of a whole product or part of a
product. The "appearance" can include visual features of
the design including the lines, edges, contours, colours, shape,
texture, materials, ornamentation, and/or surface decoration of the
product. A product can include any industrial or handicraft
item.
