Situations Excluded from Design Protection
While design registration protects the distinctive features and visual elements of products, certain situations are excluded from design protection.
The following cases are not covered by design protection:
1️⃣ Designs Contrary to Public Order or Morality ✔ Designs containing content that contradicts societal values, morality, or public order cannot be protected.
2️⃣ Designs with Technical Necessity ✔ The shape or appearance features required by the technical function of a product are not included in design protection.
3️⃣ Designs Dependent on Connection Points ✔ Designs that must be produced in specific shapes and sizes to be mechanically attached or connected to another product are excluded from protection.
4️⃣ Public Symbols and Signs ✔ According to Article 6 of the Paris Convention:
- State sovereignty symbols,
- Publicly known symbols, coats of arms, medals, and names related to religious, historical, or cultural values,
- Signs not permitted by relevant authorities for registration, cannot be protected as designs.
You can benefit from our expert consultancy services to determine the validity of your application during the design registration process.
Contact us to secure your design rights and manage the legal processes in the most efficient way!