🇳🇱 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered design in the Netherlands?
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A registered design in the Netherlands protects the external appearance of a product — such as its shape, contours, lines, texture, or ornamentation. This is ideal for physical products, packaging, graphic symbols, or user interfaces (UI).
We help individuals and companies register their designs in the Netherlands and across the European Union.
Is a Dutch design registration the same as an EU design?
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In most cases, businesses register through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for EU-wide protection, which includes the Netherlands.
We offer both national guidance and EU-wide design registration services.
Why should I register my design?
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Registering your design gives you:
• Exclusive rights over the look of your product
• The legal ability to stop copycats and counterfeits
• Added commercial value for licensing or selling
• Protection in marketing, branding, and packaging
We make the registration process quick and compliant for you.
What qualifies for design protection?
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To qualify, your design must be:
• New (not publicly disclosed before filing)
• Have individual character (clearly different from existing designs)
• Applied to a physical product or part of it
We help verify your design’s eligibility before filing.
How long does design protection last in the Netherlands?
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Design registration is valid for an initial 5 years, and can be renewed every 5 years up to a maximum of 25 years.
We track renewal deadlines for all our clients and assist with timely renewals.
What do I need to file a design application?
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To register a design, you need:
• Clear, high-quality images or drawings of the design
• A description (optional but useful)
• Product classification
• Applicant details
We prepare and file all necessary documents on your behalf with EUIPO or through Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) if needed.
Where do I register — Netherlands, Benelux, or EUIPO?
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You can choose to:
• Register through BOIP for protection in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux)
• Register through EUIPO for protection across all 27 EU countries
We help you choose the most effective and cost-efficient route depending on your market goals.
Can I claim priority from another country?
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Yes. If you've filed a design in another country within the last 6 months, you can claim priority in your Dutch or EU filing. This helps you preserve your earlier filing date internationally.
We handle all priority claims and paperwork for cross-border protection.
How long does the registration process take?
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Designs are usually registered and published within a few days to a few weeks, as there is no substantive examination.
We monitor the entire process and send you confirmation once your registration is complete.
What if someone copies my design?
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Once your design is registered, you have the legal right to take action against infringement in the Netherlands or EU. This can include:
• Cease & desist letters
• Takedown notices
• Court proceedings
We assist with enforcement strategies and provide support through our legal network.
Do I need a Dutch or EU address to file?
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No. If you're based outside the EU, you'll need a representative with a valid EU address to handle your filing.
We act as your official representative in the EU and handle everything locally for you.
✅ Need Help Registering Your Design in the Netherlands?
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We offer comprehensive design registration services, including:
• Design eligibility check
• High-quality image/drawing preparation
• Filing with BOIP or EUIPO
• Renewal tracking
• Legal enforcement support
👉 Contact us now to protect your design in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.
