Design registration

Why design registration?

Has your business invested in a unique product design? Then model registration is an essential step to legally protect your creativity. By registering your design, you prevent competitors from copying your aesthetics and increase the value and exclusivity of your products.

What is model registration?

Model registration offers protection for the outward characteristics of a product such as shape, color, texture, and material. It applies to a wide range of products, including furniture, fashion items, packaging, or technical designs. After registration, you obtain the exclusive right to use the design, sell it, and prohibit others from using it.

Registration is possible in the Benelux, European, or international context. The protection typically lasts for five years and can be extended for a maximum of 25 years.

Novelty: essential for registration

To qualify for model registration, the design must be new. This means that it should not have been disclosed to the public before the application, for example, through a trade show, publication, or sale. If the design is displayed before registration is applied for, protection may be lost.

Therefore, we advise a strategic approach: always register before the market introduction. This prevents your rights from expiring due to unintentional disclosure.

Benefits of a registered model

• Exclusive protection: you prevent others from copying or recreating your design;
• Competitive advantage: a unique and protected design differentiates your products in the market;
• Enhanced business value: registration increases the value of your business and makes your portfolio more attractive to investors or partners;
• Reputation protection: your design remains linked to your brand or organization.

Need help with model registration?

Our specialists assist you in securing your design, advise on the right protection strategy, and guide you through international registration. We also act in cases of infringement of your rights.

Would you like to secure your design? Contact us for legal advice on model registration.