Community design (registered)

Since 2003, it has been possible to acquire registered Community designs which are valid in all countries of the EU. Thus, a design protection right is available, which is important for many companies in the context of Europe-wide market activities.

The Community design protects the appearance of a product or part of it according to Art. 3 a) GMMVO. This appearance results from the features of the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture and/or materials of the product itself and/or its ornamentation. The scope of protection covered by the Community design is strongly oriented towards the design of technical products. An essential condition for protection is the novelty and individual character of the design in question.

The Community design generally produces its effects throughout the entire European Community and allows the holder to prevent third parties from using the design, such as manufacturing, offering for sale or selling it.