As an innovator you may have a unique design that you have invested both time and money develpoing. A novel design is one of the key factors that attracts us to a product, and in the end, leads us to prefer one product to another. It is where function meets form, be it a piece of furniture or an electronic device or a garment. The individual design of a product can become synonymous with your business or company and is one of the key elements for a business to succeed. Besides acting as a your unique signature, a design is also considered as a business asset that can be traded or used as a collateral.

Unlike a trademark, a design registration protects the external, visible appearance of an article. When registering your design you may prevent others from infringeing the design thus preventing them from making, selling or using articles in which the design is incorporated or to which it is applied. You need to protect your design so as to ensure that you will be the only person who will be able to profit from your product.

Obtaining protection of your design is a practical way to define and protect your innovation. You can submit an application for the protection of your design in Malta on www.ips.gov.mt.

For further information on how to protect and register your design in Malta, visit the Industrial Property Registrations Directorate (IPRD) section on the Commerce Department website at www.commerce.gov.mt or speak to Business 1st.

Should you be interested in protecting and registering your design in the European Union, you may visit the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) at www.euipo.europe.eu.

Protecting and registering your design is an important factor towards making your business successful.