Just as patents safeguard inventions and trade marks protect brand names, designers can protect the way a product looks using registered and unregistered designs. We've launched a survey to understand how well this design protection system serves the UK's vibrant design community, and we need your insights to help shape its future.
Understanding design protection
Whether you've created an elegant piece of furniture, designed an eye-catching logo, or developed a distinctive pattern for textiles, design protection helps ensure your creative work remains uniquely yours.
A registered design gives you legal ownership of your creation's appearance for up to 25 years (renewed every five years) and protects the visual appearance of a product, or elements of a product. Unregistered designs are also available, providing protection for a shorter period.
Did you know?
The term “design” has a narrower definition in intellectual property law than in everyday language. We’d like to know whether design IP law users think the scope of what can be protected meets the needs of designers, consumers and society.
Five key areas under the spotlight
1. Getting value for money
Protecting your designs involves various costs, including initial registration, renewal fees and potential legal action if someone copies your work. We're exploring how to strike the right balance between affordable protection and a robust system.
2. Smart checking systems
How thoroughly should we examine designs before registration? More detailed checks could boost confidence in protected designs but might mean higher costs and longer waiting times. What level of scrutiny would work best for you?
3. Speed
Some designers need lightning-fast protection, while others prefer a more comprehensive review. Could offering different service speeds better serve everyone's needs? We're keen to hear your thoughts on finding the right balance.
4. Flexible protection options
The current system offers multiple routes to protect designs, including registration, automatic protection for some designs, and copyright where applicable. Is this flexibility helpful, or does it overcomplicate things?
5. Keeping things clear
While a simple system helps everyone understand their rights, oversimplifying might mean losing valuable features. Help us find the sweet spot between user-friendly and effective protection.
Who Should Take Part?
Whether you're a seasoned IP professional or new to design protection, your perspective matters. We're particularly keen to hear from:
- Individual designers and creative professionals
- Businesses working with designs of all sizes
- Design trade bodies and professional organisations
- IP and legal professionals
What Happens Next?
Your responses will directly inform our upcoming consultation on improving the UK's design protection system. This is your chance to help shape a system that works for everyone in our dynamic design sector.
Ready to Share Your Views? Fill in our Design Protection Survey here: https://bit.ly/DPSBlog
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