Essentially a "Design" is about shape and features that appeal to the eye. Some designs are necessitated by function and others are aesthetic. Design is about the shape, form, appearance, pattern, ornamentation and configuration of a product or article for e.g. the design of a ring (Jewellery) is generally dictated by aesthetic features.

There are 2 types of Designs which can be registered:

1. An aesthetic Design
• Has to be new and original Beauty is in its shape, configuration or ornamentation
• Must be able to be produced by an industrial process
2. A Functional Design
• Has to be new and not commonplace
• Where the shape or configuration is necessitated by the function
• Must be able to be produced by an industrial process

The Lifespan of a Design

Protection is afforded to aesthetic designs for a period of 15 years, and to functional designs for 10 years. Registered designs have to be renewed annually before the expiration, of the third year, as from the date of lodgement.

Registration Procedure