8. Designs

Abstract

This chapter discusses designs law, which is a collection of legal rights that can protect designers of products from having the appearance or shape of their products copied, or give them a monopoly over the commercial exploitation of a shape. Designs law is not about any literary or musical content recorded on a product—that will be protected by copyright. Similarly, the underlying technological ideas may be protected by a patent. In the UK, copyright in designs cannot be used to prevent designs for everyday, functional articles from being copied; only artistic designs can be protected by copyright. Design right protects non-artistic designs and registered designs, and protects designs which are new and of individual character by a monopoly right that lasts 25 years. Registered designs law has been harmonized by the European Union.