Designs
Design attorneys helping you protect the visual features of your product
Our design registration services
We provide a full range of design IP services in Australia, New Zealand and overseas. Not sure which one you need? We’ll help you find the right fit.
Protecting a product design starts with understanding whether it is eligible for registration and how to secure rights that stand up commercially.
IP Guardian provides Australian design registration services to designers, manufacturers, startups and established businesses nationwide. Our registered design attorneys help you assess eligibility, manage risk and secure design protection that supports long term commercial value.
From early concept designs to market ready products, we guide you through the design registration process with clear, practical advice at every stage.
Is a design registration the right protection for you?
Many creators know they want to protect the look of a product but are unsure whether design registration is the right form of intellectual property protection.
Designs protect how a product looks, not how it works. They are particularly important for industries where visual appearance influences consumer choice and brand recognition.
A design registration may be suitable if:
- You have created a new product with a distinctive appearance
- The shape, pattern or configuration of the product is commercially important
- You want to prevent competitors from copying the look of your product
- Visual differentiation is key to your market position
You may need a different form of protection if:
- You want to protect how a product or process works through a patent
- You want to protect brand names or logos through a trade mark
- Your design is not yet finalised or ready for disclosure
- The design is purely functional rather than visual
What is a registered design?
A registered design protects the overall visual appearance of a product, including features such as shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation.
Once registered, a design gives the owner exclusive rights to use, license and enforce that design in Australia. This means others can be prevented from commercialising products that create a substantially similar overall impression.
What design registrations protect
- The shape and configuration of a product
- Visual features and surface patterns
- Ornamental elements and overall apperance
What design registrations do not protect
- How a product functions or operates
- Brand names or logos
- Technical innovations or processes
To be registrable, a design must be new and distinctive compared to what is already publicly available. Early assessment is critical, as public disclosure before filing can destroy design rights.
A registered design can be a powerful commercial asset, supporting product launches, licensing strategies and enforcement against copycats.
Why design protection is more complex than it seems
Many businesses assume registering a design is straightforward. In reality, design law involves strict eligibility requirements and strategic decisions that affect enforceability.
Designs must be filed before public disclosure, must be presented correctly through figures, and must create a distinct overall impression. Small mistakes can limit protection or render a design unenforceable.
Once a design is published or disclosed incorrectly, those errors cannot be undone. This can leave a product exposed to copying with no legal recourse.
Working with an experienced design IP attorney helps ensure your design is registered correctly and aligned with your commercial objectives.
Why expert advice matters
- Public disclosure before filing can destroy design rights
- Poor figures or disclaimers can weaken protection
- Overseas design rules differ significantly
- Enforcement depends on how the design is filed
How IP Guardian helps you protect your invention
Our registered design attorneys provide clear, practical advice to help you secure strong, enforceable design protection in Australia and internationally.
01
Registered design attorneys
All design matters are handled by experienced, registered Australian and New Zealand IP professionals.
02
Strategic design protection
We focus on protecting what gives your product commercial advantage.
03
Australian, New Zealand and international coverage
We manage Australian and New Zealand design registrations and coordinate overseas protection.
04
Clear, personalised guidance
Advice tailored to your product, industry and commercial goals.
The design registration process
We guide you through every stage of the design registration lifecycle, from initial assessment to ongoing protection.
01
Initial assessment and searches
We assess whether your design is new and distinctive and identify risks.
02
Preparing design representations
We prepare figures and documentation that define the scope of protection.
03
Filing the registration application
Your design application is filed with IP Australia or overseas offices.
04
Examination and certification
We manage examination reports and certification where enforcement is required.
05
Renewal and enforcement
We assist with renewals and enforcement against infringing designs.
Meet our design attorneys
Our registered design attorneys have decades of combined experience protecting designs across a wide range of industries.
Barry Meskin
Ali Al-anbuky
Matthew Howe
Mike Biagio
Simon Murphy
Sandra Murphy
Tom Hamilton-Gilligan
Dr Seán Klinkradt
Robin Richardson
FAQs
What is a registered design?
A registered design protects the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation. It does not protect how the product works.
Once registered in Australia, a design gives the owner exclusive rights to use, license and enforce that design against products that create a substantially similar overall impression.
How long does a registered design last?
In Australia, a registered design lasts for a maximum of ten years from the filing date. The initial term is five years, after which the registration can be renewed once for a further five years. If renewal fees are not paid or certification is not obtained, enforcement rights may be lost.
Can international designs be registered in Australia?
Yes. Designs first filed overseas can often be registered in Australia, provided they meet Australian requirements and are filed within the required priority period.
Navigating these rules can be complex, so working with a registered design attorney helps ensure deadlines are met and rights are preserved.
When should I file a design application?
Design applications should be filed before a product is publicly disclosed, sold or promoted. Public disclosure before filing can permanently destroy design rights. Speaking with a design IP attorney early allows you to assess eligibility and file strategically before launch or market testing.
How much does design registration cost?
The cost of registering a design depends on factors such as the number of designs, preparation of figures, and whether examination or certification is required. At IP Guardian, we provide clear, fixed fee pricing so you understand costs upfront and can make informed decisions without surprises.
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