It is possible to stop a third party copying your designs, even if you do not register them. However, the protection afforded to designs can be increased substantially by registering them. For instance, registering designs can increase the duration of protection from just two years to as much as 25 years.

Many businesses, particularly those involved in manufacturing or design, benefit from registering designs in the UK or in other countries. Filing a design application that covers all 27 countries of the European Union is a cost-effective and increasingly popular option.

We can advise you if you find that your designs are being infringed or if you are challenged for design infringement by a third party.

We can also prepare design licences and assignments to help you generate maximum return.

Work experience/case studies:

• Advising a substantial furniture supplier in connection with allegations that furniture being imported from China infringed a third party's designs.
• Preparing terms of trading for an aerospace multinational, and advising on the protection of its designs.
• Successfully advising a technology PLC on a business-critical design right dispute.