What is a Design Registration / Design Patent?

When a product of a particular kind is transformed into a new model bringing up novelty in its look, shape, aesthetics etc., that comes under a design patent and these are usually called Industrial Designs. A design patent and a utility patent both are different, where, a utility patent claims right for the process, working, technology and engineering involved in it; whereas a design patent claims right for the external appearance of a product.

Design patents are applicable to the creative innovations on the physical appearance of utility objects only.

Why Protect Designs?

A product with any new design which resembles the design which is patented cannot be manufactured, used, imitated or imported into the jurisdiction of any country that issues a design right to a person or an entity by any person without the permission of the patent holder. Computer Images – Icons and screen layouts are also protected with Design Patents.

Benefits of Design Patents

Classification of Design Patents

The following are the major 32 classifications under which industrial designs are generally classified:

For detailed information pertaining to international classification and sub-classes of designs refer to the following link of the World Intellectual Property Office - Click Here