What is Registered Design?

Designs registered protect the visible features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article, by any industrial process, which appeal to the eye.

Designs do not protect the functionality or operation of products.

Benefits of Registered Design:

A registered design can become a valuable business asset that can be bought, sold, transferred or licensed like any other property. A registered design can add value to a product and increase market awareness of your business, as the design is often what makes it attractive to the customers.  

Registration provides a stronger protection for your design and legal action can be taken if someone copies your design without your permission. This legal protection gives you the exclusive trade right to that design for a certain period of up to many years and improves the market competitiveness of your business.

Jurisdictions	Duration (months)	Maximum Validity (years)	Maintenance fee
China	12	10	Pay annually
Hong Kong	3-6	25	Pay every 5 years
Taiwan	12	20	Pay annually
Singapore	6	25	Pay every 5 years
European Union (EU) *	4-6	25	Pay every 5 years
US	12	15	N/A

* European Union is including 28 country members

Austria	Belgium	Bulgaria
Croatia	Cyprus	the Czech Republic
Denmark	Estonia	Finland
France	Germany	Greece
Hungary	Ireland	Italy
Latvia	Lithuania	Luxembourg
Malta	Holland	Poland
Portugal	Slovakia	Slovenia
Spain	Sweden	UK