Have you designed something new? Perhaps it's a new cutlery suite or a bottle shape. Maybe it's an item of jewellery or a design to be applied to a T-shirt. Or it could be a door style or a handle. Whatever your new design, it may be possible for you to obtain the exclusive right to it by seeking registration of the design.
A design may be registered at the Irish Patents Office in respect of any new and/or original "shape, configuration, pattern and/or ornament" applied to an article. The finished article must have some eye appeal, not necessarily artistic, as opposed to a purely functional appearance. Designs may be registered in respect of such diverse items as toys, lamps, articles of furniture, containers, clothes, fabrics, wallpaper, etc.
The registration of a Design secures for the Author a monopoly in respect of that design which may last for fifteen years.
The design must be new at the date of application for registration if a valid registration is to be obtained. Therefore, it is vital to apply for the protection before making any public disclosure of the design.
Similar industrial design protection is available in other countries based on an Irish Design Application. Applications for corresponding protection abroad must be filed within six months from the date of filing of the initial Design application, if the Irish priority date is to be claimed.
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