Design Patents

The novel outer appearance of a product having a utilitarian function can be protected by a so-called design patent or model application, by which an exclusive right to a specific shape is obtained.

Generally in Belgium, one opts for a Benelux registration or an international registration, whereupon protection can be requested for other countries.

In order to draw up such a model application, with full knowledge of facts, preferably, one ought to appeal to a model attorney forming the link between the model designer and the official administrations, either national, regional (e.g. European) or international.