You can register the designs of your new products, their ornamentation, packaging, get-up, graphics and typefaces to protect the appearance of these against unauthorised use.  Costs are low and protection quick once drawings or photographs are available, as little as £440 for the UK, or approx.  £825 to cover the European Union.  There is a one-year “grace period” to allow market testing before applying for design registration.  However this does not apply in most countries outside the EU.  Nor does it apply in most countries (including those in the EU) for other intellectual property rights such as patents.  The golden rule is still therefore “file first, talk/show to others later”.  Phillips & Leigh are able to file the following registered design applications for you:

UK – These are filed at the UK Designs Registry, part of the UK Patent Office.  We need to prepare (or obtain from you) drawings or photographs in the required form, showing the significant views of your design.  We will also need details of the product or products in which the design is to be used, if that is not clear from any photographs, samples or drawings that you send to us.  We usually do not need a power of attorney from you.  Any Convention priority must be claimed on filing, with the priority document (and possibly its verified English translation) to follow within three months of filing.  Shorter term, weaker protection may be available automatically for some designs, particularly if you are based in the European Union. 

COMMUNITY DESIGNS – These are handled by The Community Trade Marks and Designs Office (OHIM).  The application process and requirements for Community Registered Designs are broadly similar to those for the UK, but Community Designs have effect throughout the European Union.  There is a discount in fees for bulk filings.  There is usually no need for a power of attorney.  Any convention priority must be claimed within one month of (and preferably on) filing.  The priority document (and possibly a certified translation of it) must be filed within three months of the application date, or within a longer period if such is specified by OHIM.  There is a corresponding unregistered community design right, giving automatic protection against copying for three years after your design was first marketed. 

INTERNATIONAL - An international registration system exists (the “Hague Agreement”) and may be applicable to your needs in certain circumstances.  Phillips & Leigh will give you individual advice. 

OVERSEAS - Via our long-established network of overseas associates, Phillips & Leigh can instruct filings in any country of the world that allows registration of designs.  A local power of attorney may be required.