Models
What is a model?
A design (also called design patent) protects the design or appearance of an object or article. The appearance or design are lines, outline, colours, shape, texture or materials of a product itself or its ornamentation. Similarly, you can protect 2D drawings as designs.
It gives an exclusive right to prohibit others from commercialising the same or a similar design without permission.
If a design has a technical effect as well as an aesthetic one, or is an invention, it must be protected as a design and also possibly as a patent. A product with only a technical function cannot obtain design registration.
Obtaining a model
To get a model, the model must be new and have its own character.
A model is applied for a particular country or region and is usually valid for five years but can be extended to a maximum of 25 years.
In addition, models are usually divided into classes for which the product will be used.
A design registration offers many benefits such as:
- Registration can make money through, for example, issuance of licences
- 5-year protection extendable to maximum 25 years
- European registration gives protection in 27 member states
- Registration constitutes a selling point for your distributors or buyers
Bockstael as a link
Our design agents are the link between the creative designer and the official offices where a design can be registered. The representatives monitor the course of the procedure. And they notify you in good time when certain actions have to be taken and when the renewal fee has to be paid. The experts can also assist you in the event of any dispute and/or counterfeiting of your design.