🇦🇺 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered design in Australia?
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A registered design in Australia protects the overall visual appearance of a product — including its shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation — but not how it works or functions.
We assist clients in registering their designs with IP Australia, ensuring they secure exclusive rights to their product’s appearance.
What can be protected under Australian design law?
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Design registration in Australia can protect:
• Consumer products (furniture, tools, packaging, electronics)
• Fashion items (clothing, shoes, accessories)
• Logos or surface patterns
• 3D product shapes and configurations
• Digital product interfaces
We evaluate your design and prepare all materials required for a successful filing.
Why should I register my design in Australia?
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Registering your design gives you:
• Exclusive rights to stop others from using, selling, or copying your design
• A legal basis for enforcement and litigation
• A valuable intellectual property (IP) asset for licensing or sale
• Stronger protection against counterfeiters
We simplify the process from start to finish — including filing, certification, and renewals.
How long does a design registration last in Australia?
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A registered design in Australia lasts for 5 years, and can be renewed once for another 5 years, giving a total of 10 years of protection.
Our service includes renewal reminders and full support throughout the lifecycle of your registration.
What are the steps to register a design in Australia?
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The process involves:
1. Filing the design with IP Australia
2. Receiving a formal registration (usually within a few weeks)
3. Optionally requesting certification, which is required to enforce your rights
We handle all steps, including certification and legal readiness for enforcement.
What is the difference between registration and certification?
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• Registration gives you the legal status of owning the design.
• Certification (which includes formal examination) is required to enforce your design rights in court.
We help you register first, then apply for certification when needed — especially before licensing or litigation.
What are the requirements to file a design?
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To register your design, you need:
• Clear visual representations (drawings or photos) from various angles
• A brief statement of newness and distinctiveness (optional, but useful)
• Applicant details
Our team prepares all required documentation and handles the entire filing process with IP Australia.
Is my design automatically protected after I create it?
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No. Australia does not offer automatic protection for industrial designs. You must file and register your design with IP Australia to gain legal rights.
We make sure your design is protected before it’s made public or used commercially.
Can I register a design after it’s been made public?
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In Australia, there is a 12-month grace period to file after public disclosure by the designer. However, filing before disclosure is strongly recommended.
We advise on the best timing to protect your design rights effectively.
Can I claim priority from a foreign design application?
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Yes. Australia is part of the Paris Convention, so you can claim priority from a design filed in another country within the past 6 months.
We handle cross-border filings and coordinate your priority claims to preserve your earlier filing date.
How long does it take to register a design in Australia?
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If your application is in order, registration can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 weeks. Certification, if requested, may take additional time.
We ensure all materials meet IP Australia’s standards to minimize delays.
What happens if someone copies my registered design?
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Once your design is certified, you can:
• Send cease and desist notices
• File a lawsuit for damages or an injunction
• Prevent imports at the border
We can connect you with legal experts and support enforcement through proper certification.
✅ Need Help Registering Your Design in Australia?
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We offer full-service design registration support, including:
• Design eligibility checks
• Drawing and document preparation
• Filing with IP Australia
• Certification assistance
• Renewal tracking and enforcement guidance
👉 Get in touch now to secure exclusive rights to your product’s appearance in the Australian market.
