Protect a unique design with design registration

To qualify for proper design protection, the design must be "new" and have an "individual character”. It must not be too similar to a design that already exists. At IPCO, we always assess whether a design meets the requirements and the best way to protect a design is.

A design registration is valid for 5 years and can be renewed up to a maximum of 25 years.

Yes, you can. A multiple design application allows you to submit multiple designs in 1 application, provided the designs fall within the same protection category.

The procedure for a design registration differs per country/area. In the Benelux and European Union, the registration procedure is purely formal. The authority does not check whether a design meets the design requirements at the time of application. If the application meets all the formalities, the design is often registered within 2 to 4 weeks.

The costs of design registration differ per country/area. It also depends on the number of designs you wish to protect in one application and sometimes on the number of published 'views' (images of the design).

In the Benelux countries, a design registration costs on average between € 450 and € 650. In the EU, a design registration costs approximately € 850. That includes advice, official agency fees, registration and management.

Often this is possible within 6 months after the expiration date.

Yes, in most countries of the world. However, there are often specific requirements for design protection. It is also important that the design is still new: not only in that country, but also anywhere else. That is why it is important that you protect the design in important markets within 1 year after the first publication.