Designs Protection
Design protection refers to the legal safeguarding of the visual appearance or aesthetic features of a product, such as its shape, pattern, color, or decoration. In many jurisdictions, design protection is granted through registration with the relevant intellectual property office. Once registered, the design owner has exclusive rights to use, manufacture, or license the design, preventing others from copying or imitating it. This protection helps encourage innovation and creativity by ensuring that original designs are legally protected for a specific period, usually between 10 to 25 years. Design protection applies to both industrial and handcrafted products, including fashion, furniture, packaging, and technology. Unlike patents, which protect inventions, design protection focuses on the ornamental aspects of a product.