Yes they can be
When people think about Intellectual Property, they often think about Trademark.
But did you know the unique shape and appearance of your product may also be protected?
This is known as Industrial Design (ID).
Industrial Design protects the visual appearance of a product — not how it works, but how it looks.
For example, protection may apply to a product’s:
- Unique bottle shape
- Packaging design
- Container appearance
- Furniture designs
- Cosmetic packaging
If your product has a distinctive look that makes it stand out in the market and helps consumers to recognise your brand, it could be a valuable Intellectual Property asset.
Why register an Industrial Design?
- Prevent competitors from copying your product’s appearance
- Strengthen your brand identity
- Increase the commercial value of your products
- Build a stronger intellectual property portfolio for your business
Remember:
Trademark = Protects your brand name and logo.
Industrial Design = Protects your product’s visual appearance.
Both are important — but they protect different aspects of your business.
Investing in a unique product design? Make sure you protect it before someone else copies it.
Speak to our IP professionals to find out whether your product design qualifies for Industrial Design protection.