Canberran Trish Smith sat on a plane waiting for take-off.
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Designs
A design right protects the overall visual appearance of new and distinctive products.
At IP Australia we receive around 7500 design applications a year.
I want to...I want to...
What a design right is
Find out what a design right is, and what it does and doesn't protect.
The benefits of protecting your design
Learn about the benefits of registering and certifying your design.
The difference between designs and other IP
Find out about how design rights can work together with other IP rights.
Applying for a design
Knowing what to expect before you apply can help you avoid costly mistakes.
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Checklist before applying
Complete this checklist before you apply to make sure a design right is the right option for you. -
Don't go public too soon
It's hard not to tell others about something you are proud of, but you need to keep your design a secret before you apply. -
The process of applying for a design right
Australia has a two-step process for securing design right protection: registration and certification. -
Images of your design
An important part of your application is representing your design with images. -
What to include in your application
Now you’re ready to apply, find out what you need to include in your application. -
Responding to a formalities notice
We will make sure your application meets the requirements. Here’s how to overcome any issues raised.
Renewing your design
Once your design has been registered it will last for five years. You can then renew your registration for a further five years.
Design right disputes
If you have an interest in a design right proceeding, you can dispute a decision.
International designs
If you plan on marketing your product overseas, you will need to consider registering your design in other countries.
 Published:
3 December 2020 On 2 December 2020 the Designs Amendment (Advisory Council on Intellectual Property Response) Bill 2020 was introduced into the Senate and is currently before Parliament for consideration. Find out more about how this Bill may benefit you. |
 Published:
12 November 2020 As part of IP Australia’s Indigenous Knowledge Work Plan 2020-21, and in preparation for next year’s consultations, we’ve published two new research papers by Terri Janke and Company. |