Design Protection in the UK & Europe and How it Compares to the US
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Design Protection
Our talented team of attorneys secure and enforce your design IP rights, helping to protect registered and unregistered designs globally.
More than just legal experts #
When building an IP portfolio, design rights, along with patents and trade marks, have a crucial role to play to effectively safeguard your products.
Beyond securing protection, we assist in enforcing your design rights and advising on third-party design rights to prevent disputes. Our experienced design attorneys are your dependable partners in navigating the complex landscape of IP protection.
We protect: creativity #
By strategically selecting different features for protection, it’s possible to build a defensive wall around your product that makes it very difficult for competitors to copy even a small detail without risking infringement.
We can advise on whether design protection is available and which forms of protection you can use. Depending on the scope of design rights required, as well as the available budget, many different strategies can be used to achieve significantly enhanced IP protection.
Our designs protection expertise #
Our design practice is led by one of Europe’s most experienced design attorneys, Wendy Crosby, Head of Designs, Wendy’s focus on providing concise, strategic and commercially relevant advice helps companies to secure the strongest possible design protection. With an impressive record of both defence and enforcement, Wendy delivers commercial success for her clients.
We provide a smooth and efficient service, obtaining robust protection quickly and cost effectively. We think strategically and often use design rights in combination with other forms of IP to strengthen portfolios.
Our attorneys have an unrivalled depth of specialist expertise in global design protection across all sectors, from automotive to AI and life sciences to services.
Your innovation, in safe hands #
We can work with you to create a filing strategy that fits your commercial requirements.
You may be surprised to discover just how cost-effective design protection can be, as well as how quickly registered rights can be achieved. We can also help you to enforce your design rights and advise on the scope of third-party design rights, helping you avoid disputes.
Ranked in the IPStars, The Legal 500, Financial Times, and other prestigious legal directories, our design IP team helps to protect and elevate your designs not just in your own country, but around the world.
The Murgitroyd team is incredibly proficient and professional. They understand the pressures of running a start-up business and are flexible, encouraging, and have contributed to our overall success to date.
Legal 500 2023
Eleanor excels in crafting bespoke trademark and design protection strategies for her patrons.
WTR 1000 - 2024
Murgitroyd & Company is a highly regarded patent, trade mark and design practice.
Chambers Research Insights - 2024
Many thanks Catherine! We’d be lost without your guidance
Head of Product Development, Pharmaceutical Packaging Manufacturer and Designs client
Design protection: expert insights #
FAQs #
What is a registered design? #
A registered design is a type of intellectual property protection that safeguards the visual appearance of a product or part of it. This includes lines, contours, colours, shapes, texture, materials and ornamentation. It gives the owner the legal right to prevent others from using the design without their permission.
Can I register a design that has already been disclosed? #
Generally, a design should be registered before being publicly disclosed to ensure it meets the novelty requirement. However, in some countries like the UK and Europe, there is a 12-month grace period in which you can file for a registered design after the design has been disclosed.
What can I do if my registered design is infringed? #
If your registered design is infringed, you can take legal action against the infringer. This can result in the infringer having to pay damages or an account of profits, deliver up or destroy infringing articles, or cease their infringing activities.
Talk to a design protection specialist #
Protect your product's designs. We offer expert guidance to help secure your rights and maintain your competitive edge.
