Registered Designs Attorney

Registered Designs Attorney Services to Protect Your Product Worldwide

Our registered designs attorneys help secure and enforce your product’s visual appearance in New Zealand and internationally, providing a strong defence against copying and counterfeiting, with or without patent protection
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Registered Designs Attorney: Protecting your Product Design

The scope of what is protectable by a registered design is very broad,. It covers virtual products such as icons and logos, through to visible component parts and functional components, as long as the design is not dictated solely by the technical function of the component.

“Origin has extensive experience in protecting the appearance of products, packaging, graphics and artistic works in a wide range of industries.”

Our registered designs attorney firm also has experience offering strategic advice to product manufacturers and industrial-design companies.

We have advised our clients on design matters across a substantial range of fields, including: 

  • Software and App Interfaces
  • Products and Patterns
  • Building and Construction Products
  • Logos
  • Packaging
  • Farming Devices
  • Tools
  • Vehicles and Vehicle Parts
  • Garden Related Products
  • Toy Products
  • DIY Products
  • Fashion Clothing
  • Sports Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Perfume Containers and Bottles
  • Household Products and Jewellery.
registered designs attorney

“Origin have a really sound technical background and experience, and this has been invaluable to help us capture the IP novelty and ideas of our technology.”

Todd Gisby, Co-founder & Chief Systems Architect | StretchSense

IT Manager concerned with protecting IP discussing with colleague

Our Registered Design Attorney Specialties

Origin specialises in:

  • Obtaining design protection in New Zealand, Australia, the USA and internationally

  • Managing global design portfolios

  • Advising on design infringement, third-party conflicts and counterfeit products

  • Design assessment, clearance and auditing

  • Design assignments and licensing

  • Design watching services

  • Ownership provisions in contracts for the supply of design services

  • New Zealand and Australian design law

“Registered to practice in New Zealand and Australia, we provide patent attorney services across both jurisdictions for local clients and foreign agents.”

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REGISTERED DESIGN ATTORNEY SERVICES

Origin provides a wide range of services to individuals and businesses related to registered design:

Design Creation and Development

This is the initial step where a designer or creator develops a new and original design for a product. This design can encompass the product’s visual appearance, shape, ornamentation, or configuration.

Design Registration Application

Once a unique design is developed, an application for design registration must be filed with the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). The application should include detailed drawings or representations of the design, along with the necessary forms and fees.

Examination and Formalities Check

IPONZ will examine the design application to ensure it meets the formal requirements and is eligible for registration. They may also check whether the design is not contrary to public policy.

Opposition Proceedings

If someone opposes the design registration, there may be opposition proceedings where both parties present arguments and evidence. IPONZ will make a decision based on the merits of the case.

Maintenance and Renewal

Registered designs have a limited term of protection (usually 5 years in New Zealand, renewable for up to 15 years). The owner must pay renewal fees to maintain the registration beyond the initial term.

Record-Keeping

It’s essential to maintain proper records of the registration, renewal, and any licensing agreements related to the registered design.

Design Search and Evaluation

Before proceeding with registration, it’s important to conduct a design search to ensure that the proposed design is unique and not already registered by someone else. This helps in avoiding potential conflicts and rejections during the registration process.

Publication

Once the design application is accepted, it will be published in the New Zealand Intellectual Property Journal. This allows interested parties to review the design and potentially oppose its registration if they believe it infringes on their rights or is not eligible for registration.

Licensing and Commercialisation

Owners of registered designs can license their designs to others for use in exchange for royalties or fees. They can also use the registered design to promote and commercialise their products.

Registration

If there are no oppositions or if the oppositions are unsuccessful, the design will be registered, and the owner will receive a certificate of registration. This certificate provides exclusive rights to use, license, or sell the registered design for a specific period.

Enforcement

The registered design owner has the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing products that incorporate the registered design without permission. The owner can take legal action to protect their rights if there is infringement.

Monitoring and Protection

Continuously monitor the market for potential infringements of the registered design and, if necessary, take appropriate legal action to protect your rights.

Leonard-Cousins

Leonard Cousins

Patent & Trade Mark Attorney
lcousins@originip.co.nz+64 22 033 0260