Design protection covers the appearance of a product or part of a product. That appearance may arise from its lines, shape, configuration, colours, materials, surface texture, or ornamentation.
A design right protects how a product looks rather than how it technically functions.
Protection requirements
A design generally needs to be new and to create a different overall impression on the informed user.
Minor differences may not be sufficient where the overall visual impression remains substantially the same. The designer’s degree of freedom and the nature of the relevant product may also affect the assessment.
Registered and unregistered protection
In Türkiye, a registered design is initially protected for five years and may be renewed in five-year periods up to a maximum of 25 years. Designs first disclosed in Türkiye may qualify for three years of unregistered protection, provided the legal conditions are satisfied.
The European Union also provides registered and unregistered design protection. A registered EU design may be renewed for up to 25 years, while an unregistered EU design is protected for three years from its first disclosure in the EU.
Disclosure and filing strategy
Public disclosure through launches, exhibitions, websites, social media, catalogues, or investor presentations may affect novelty.
Although some jurisdictions provide grace periods for disclosures made by the designer, the rules are not internationally harmonised. Filing before disclosure is generally the safest approach where protection in multiple markets is planned.
Combining rights
A single product may involve several forms of intellectual property:
Patents or utility models for technical functionality
Design rights for visual appearance
Trademarks for names and source identifiers
Copyright for original drawings, graphics, and creative content
International design protection
The Hague System provides a centralised route for seeking design protection in multiple designated jurisdictions through one international application. Individual designated offices may still examine and refuse protection under their national or regional laws.
Protect the way your product looks
Coordinate design, patent, utility model, trademark, and copyright protection around the product’s commercial lifecycle and target markets.
