What is design?
Design is the totality of a product, or a part thereof, or its ornamentation, comprised of various elements or characteristics perceived by human senses, such as line, shape, form, color, texture, material, or flexibility.
Within the design registration system, a design is protected only if it meets the conditions of “novelty” and “distinctive character”.
Novelty: The design must not have been made public anywhere in the world before the application or priority date.
Distinctiveness: This refers to a significant difference between the overall impression a design makes on an informed user and the overall impression any design makes on such a user.
The external appearance of all products, whether manufactured industrially or by hand, can be protected by design registration. For example, product packaging, packaging designs, fabric patterns, clothing designs, furniture designs, machinery designs, vehicle designs, and vehicle spare parts can all be protected by design registration.
