Designs

A registered design in particular protects the appearance of product or a part thereof.

Similarly to a patent novelty (potentially taking into account a grace period for an applicant) as well as individual character are required. However these requirements will not be checked during an essentially formal application and registration procedure.

Besides national designs in Austria there exist possibilities of registrations of a Community Design, International Designs as well as of applications and registrations of national protective rights in most countries.

Similarly to a patent a design entitles the owner to prohibit the industrial production, marketing, sale, commercial use as well as import or ownership of the design by other parties.

The duration of designs is limited, provided that relevant renewal fees are paid.