🇬🇧 Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered design in the UK?
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A registered design in the UK protects the appearance of the whole or part of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. It gives you exclusive rights to use the design and stop others from using it without permission.
We offer full support to help you register your design with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).
What types of designs can be registered?
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You can register a wide range of designs, such as:
• Product shapes (e.g., tools, gadgets, containers)
• Surface decoration (e.g., patterns, motifs)
• Graphic user interfaces (GUIs)
• Fashion and accessories
• Packaging and branding elements
We help you assess whether your design qualifies and manage all aspects of the application.
Why should I register a design in the UK?
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Registering your design provides:
• Exclusive rights in the UK for up to 25 years
• Legal protection against copying or imitation
• Commercial value for licensing or sale
• Stronger brand protection and investor confidence
We ensure your registration is properly filed and monitored to maximize legal protection.
How long does design protection last?
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A UK registered design lasts for 5 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 5 years, up to a maximum of 25 years.
Our team keeps track of renewal deadlines and handles the paperwork for you.
What is required to file a design application in the UK?
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To register your design, you need:
• A clear representation of the design (drawings, photos, or digital renderings)
• A product name or class (using the Locarno Classification)
• Applicant details (individual or company)
We take care of image preparation, classification, and formal submission through UKIPO.
What makes a design eligible for registration?
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Your design must:
• Be new (not made public before the application or within 12 months of disclosure)
• Have individual character (different from existing designs)
• Not be solely functional
We help you check the novelty and distinctiveness of your design before filing.
What is the 12-month grace period?
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If you've already disclosed your design publicly (e.g., on a website, social media, or in marketing), the UK offers a 12-month grace period to still file for registration — but only if the disclosure was made by the designer or with their consent.
We recommend filing before disclosure, but if it’s already been published, we’ll guide you through your options.
Can I claim priority from a foreign design application?
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Yes. If you filed a design in another country within the last 6 months, you can claim priority in your UK application to keep your earlier filing date.
We handle all priority claims and ensure correct documentation is submitted.
How long does the design registration process take?
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Designs can often be registered within 1 to 2 weeks if there are no issues with the application.
We ensure all submissions meet UKIPO requirements to avoid delays.
Can I register multiple designs in one application?
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Yes. The UK allows you to file multiple designs in one application (called a multiple application), as long as they fall into the same product class.
We help organize and bundle your designs efficiently to save costs.
What happens if someone copies my registered design?
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If someone uses, sells, imports, or reproduces your design without permission, you can:
• Send a cease and desist letter
• Take legal action through UK courts
• Claim damages or request an injunction
We support you in enforcing your design rights through legal partners in the UK.
✅ Need Help Registering Your Design in the UK?
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We provide a complete UK design registration service, including:
• Design eligibility review
• Professional image preparation
• Full filing with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO)
• Renewal reminders and monitoring
• Legal support for enforcement and protection
👉 Contact us today to protect your product design in the UK market.
