What are Design Rights?

A right that applies to original, non-commonplace designs and protects any aspect of the shape or configuration of manufactured items. It is not a monopoly right, but protects in the event of copying.

Key Issues

• Must be original and non commonplace
• Lasts for 15 years after creation of the design, or 10 years from when first marketed
• Only really useful in the UK.

How do design rights add value?

By providing cheap, automatic protection, and do not need to be registered, therefore are simple to apply, but are restricted in their use.