Why protect your design?
Designing and marketing products in a plurality of shapes and looks are an essential characteristic of our economy. The development and realisation of a new embodiment of a product as a rule requires considerable investments. A company that has developed a new, characteristic look for a product will therefore be very keen on protecting the exclusive character of their product designed in that particular way.

The design
A drawing or design is considered to be the appearance of a product or a part thereof that is new and has an individual character. Eligible for protection are two-dimensional products, for instance patterns and designs on wall paper, textile, etc. and three-dimensional products, for instance the design of domestic appliances, toys, packaging materials, furniture, etc.

Technical features
Excluded from design protection is anything required for achieving a technical effect. Protection in that respect can be obtained by means of a patent.