Definition

An industrial design is an industrial property title that protects the appearance of a product (lines, contours, colours, shape, texture, materials). It covers the aesthetic of an object, unlike a patent which protects its technical function.

Conditions

• Novelty: no identical design must be available to the public before filing
• Individual character: an overall visual impression different from existing designs

Filing routes

• National: INPI in France, USPTO in the US
• Community: Registered Community Design (RCD) through EUIPO, covering 27 EU countries
• International: Hague system administered by WIPO

Duration and strategy

Protection lasts 5 years, renewable in 5-year blocks up to 25 years. Luxury, fashion, product design and furniture industries are heavy users. A design can be combined with copyright and a 3D trademark filing to reinforce protection.