Generally speaking, there are two main ways to protect a new product: by applying for a design registration and by applying for a patent. The two procedures overlap to some extent.
The patent application has to be started up before the product is made public. For design registration most countries require the product to be absolutely new and not yet known in the relevant circles of trade and industry. In both cases action towards registration should preferably be taken before the product is marketed (or even only released for pilot projects).
In some cases, a product’s design as such may be eligible for trademark protection. If the shape of an appliance functions as a sign of recognition to the public, the outward appearance can be registered as a trademark. For example, the design of a soft drink (Coca Cola), or the shape of potato crisps (Wokkel, a Dutch fantasy word for a corkscrew-shaped potato crisp) can be a trademark.
Just ask…
Should you have any questions, please get in touch with us. Or make an appointment without obligations. We shall be happy to advise you.
