What can be protected?
Protection covers the appearance of a product (2D or 3D), including shape, lines, contours, colors, texture, material, or ornamentation. Features dictated solely by technical function or necessary interconnections are excluded.
Registrability requirements
Must be new and have individual character.
Filing and priority
Paris Convention priority may be claimed within 6 months. Only formal examination is conducted, with no substantive novelty check.
Term and renewals
Initial term: 5 years from filing. Renewable in 5 year increments up to a maximum of 25 years, with fees paid every 5 years.
Typical required filing documents