DESIGNS

This is what success looks like

Your product’s design deserves proper protection

The look of a product, or even of just part of a product, is becoming increasingly vital to its success. Products with their own, distinctive personality generate more interest among consumers, and exclusive rights on a product design can give businesses a competitive advantage over the competition.

Protection

The Italian system provides for the protection of a product’s external appearance through the legal institution of Design (registered and unregistered). Specifically, a registered Design protects the appearance of a product as it pertains to the characteristics of its lines, contours, colours, shape and surface structure, as well as the materials of the product itself and/or of its ornamental components.

Uniqueness

The distinctive feature required for the protection of a Design can become an element of uniqueness that allows the company to stand out and be recognised by consumers through the mere shape of its product. Thus, a good Design won’t just reflect the ability of its designer but also embody a company’s vision and convey its identity.

STRATEGY

According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), design is a crucial strategic asset that is even more effective when implemented from the earliest stages of planning, rather than being thought of as a merely cosmetic element. For this reason, Design is playing an increasingly key role even for companies whose products feature advanced technological contents.

Our consultants are qualified professionals accredited by the Italian Patent and Trademark Office (Ufficio Italiano Brevetti e Marchi), the World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Union Intellectual Property Office

We can assist you with the following operations:

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Preparing and filing registrations of designs and models in Italy and abroad

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Consulting and support for examination, opposition and appeal procedures

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Prior art searches and opinions as to the validity and registrability of a design or model

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Managing expirations and forwarding all relative notifications

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Periodic or ongoing monitoring of designs, or of designs held by an owner

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Filing transcription and recording petitions for the transfer or updating of ownership

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Assistance in planning corporate strategies in the area of creative innovation

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Appraisal reports

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Support in preparing transfer contracts and design licensing agreements

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Consulting on all infringement-related matters

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In-house corporate training on design-related aspects for technical and sales personnel

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Due diligence

News related to Designs:

Crocs accuses 21 brands of copying its “iconic design”

Crocs accuses 21 brands of copying its “iconic design”

Crocs Inc. has filed lawsuits against 21 companies, including the multinational retail corporation Walmart, alleging infringement of the foam clogs’ “distinctively quirky design.” According to the complaints, Crocs asserts that it maintains an array of “valuable...