Intellectual Property and Industrial Designs

Industrial designs are ornamental or aesthetic features of property. Designs may include anything from decorative borders of writing to a three dimensional display of digital information. Today, industrial designs are applied to anything from medical instruments, watches, kitchen items, electrical appliances or technical instruments.

Industrial designs have evolved over time and are now an essential party of almost any manufactured product. While functionality is one of the major elements of utility products, aesthetic, or visual appeal, is equally as important. As industrial designs are primarily of an aesthetic nature, it must be visually appealing in order to be protected by intellectual property law under design patents.

If you have any questions concerning industrial designs and would like to know more about how to protect it, contact one of our intellectual property lawyers.

Importance of industrial design protection

All too often we, as consumers, are torn between two articles that serve the same purpose but differ only in price and design. Depending on the product, many consumers are willing to pay more in return for a more attractive, more appealing product. Industrial design makes a certain product stand out more from others because it might be more attractive to the consumer. Consequently, industrial designs add commercial value to a product and can therefore be directly related to its marketability.

If industrial designs would or could not be protected, the owner would have no exclusive rights against unauthorized copying or reproduction of the design. Industrial design protection is necessary to promote fair and honest trade practices. At another level, each manufacturer is then encouraged to create fresh and new designs, which then supports the growth of appealing, yet functional products.

Industrial design related

• Applied art vs. fine art
• Industrial design vs. graphic design
• Functional art
• Usability
• Color
• Texture
• Shape
• Form

Economic development is essential to the growth of our society. Intellectual property of any kind is sought by others as much as any material product of value. If you are the creator of an original industrial design, you may want to take action in order to protect your design from unauthorized reproduction.

If you have any questions concerning industrial designs and would like to know more about how to protect it, contact one of our intellectual property lawyers.