Design Law

Design protection rights, also referred to as design patents, primarily protect shape and color designs. In general, protection is requested for the design of three-dimensional objects. However, it is also possible to obtain design patent protection for two-dimensional items such as wallpapers, logos, pictures etc., provided they are novel and contain uniqueness. Design patent protection can be maintained for up to 25 years.

German design patents apply solely to the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. European design patents can be obtained through a single registration procedure from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, Spain. They apply to all member states of the EU. International design patents can be filed for countries outside of the European Union.