Design Rights

Design rights are legal protections that safeguard the unique visual appearance of a product, including its shape, pattern, or decoration. They prevent others from copying or imitating the aesthetic design, ensuring the creator or owner can control how the design is used and reproduced. These rights encourage innovation by allowing designers and companies to benefit from their creative work without fear of misappropriation. Design rights typically last for a set period, after which the design can be freely used by others. They are distinct from patents, which protect functional inventions, focusing instead on visual appeal.