Design Services

In the UK

Our specialist attorneys are qualified to provide advice on all aspects of UK law relating to the protection of industrial designs. This includes Registered Designs, Unregistered Designs (design right), Copyright and Community Designs.

Our services include:

  • Initial advice concerning the most appropriate form of design protection
  • The procurement of registered design protection, including:
  • General advice regarding Registered Design filing strategies
  • Preparation of Registered Design applications
  • Filing all necessary papers at the Designs Registry
  • Handling objections raised by the Designs Registry
  • Advice and assistance in relation to infringements and attacks on validity
  • Advice on licensing and assignment of designs
  • Advice on ownership of designs
  • Liaising with barristers and solicitors in the conduct of litigation
  • Conducting investigations to determine the registration potential of designs and any risk of infringing third-party patent rights (see Information Services)

In Europe and Worldwide

The Community Design came into being on 6 March 2002 and applications for registration of Community Designs became possible on 1 April 2003. A Community Design has effect in all countries of the European Union. Our designs team handles all aspects of Community Design procurement.

For design protection in other areas or countries, our extensive network of overseas associates enables us to provide similar advice and services.