Designs - the basics

Design rights protect the way something looks.  So design protection is appropriate when the important thing about your new product is what it looks like rather than how it works.

When you create a new design, you automatically have certain rights in it.  These are referred to as "unregistered design rights".  You can also register the design, which gives you a stronger and longer lasting protection but naturally costs more.

You can use your design rights to stop others from mimicking the appearance of your product.  They can still make and sell a product which works in the same way as yours, but not one that looks the same.

Where we come in

At Greaves Brewster LLP we can help you to apply for, and obtain, a registration for your design.  We can also advise you on what unregistered design rights you have, and how to use them.

Even before that, we will advise on whether a design can be protected and whether a registration is appropriate for your business.  We can help you to maintain and exploit your design rights, and if necessary to enforce them against infringers (people who use your design without your consent).  And we can also help out if you find yourself up against someone else's design rights.