Registered Designs
Registered Designs protect features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article by any industrial process. Features which are dictated solely by the function which the article has to perform are not protectable.
Unlike
An application to register a design is made to the Designs Registry at the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) or to the Community Designs Office (OHIM), with representations (drawings or photographs) that show clearly the features of the article which are to be protected.
A Registered Design lasts for an initial period of five years, and is renewable for further five year periods up to a total of 25 years.
To take action against an infringer of a Registered Design it is necessary to satisfy a court that the infringer has dealt in the course of trade with an article to which the Registered Design, or a design not substantially different, has been applied. It is not necessary to show that copying has taken place. Registration of the design in your name is evidence that you are the owner. Because of these factors, it is usually much simpler to enforce a Registered Design than an Unregistered Design Right.