Design case studies

• Design copying

  

  An Australian clothing designer discovered she had no legal recourse against a retailer who was copying her designs, as she hadn't registered the designs before releasing them. Design registration doesn't prevent copying but it means you can take the copier to court.

  Business area: Designs

• IP protection for a beach chair

  

  When Katherine Drayton realised that her innovative beach chair could be marketable, she researched her IP rights and took out protection in the form of an innovation patent, a design registration and a trade marked logo.

  Business area: Patents Trade Marks Designs

• IP protection for a unique windsurfer

  

  Surfer and sailboarder Graeme Attey created a land windsurfer that gives the rider the same feeling they have when surfing or snowboarding. He not only protected his valuable invention with a patent, but also registered its design and trade marked its name.

  Business area: Patents Trade Marks Designs

• IP protection for innovative fishing gear

  

  Andrew Fogarty from Innisfail, Queensland, devised a fishing lure with several unique and innovative design features that set it apart from the competition.

  Business area: Designs

• Register of Olympic Designs

  

  Australia's Register of Olympic Designs was established under legislation to give the Australian Olympic Committee ownership of certain registered designs.

  Business area: Designs