The design industry in Malta depends heavily on micro-enterprises, be it family-owned businesses, small start-ups or semi-established businesses. Examples of innovative designs include shoes, furniture, crafts and jewellery items.

A company that creates unique designs often faces the risk of having them copied or misappropriated. It is a very competitive field, especially at a time where people are looking for exclusive items or special deals. Businesses need to protect their designs, now more than ever.

The registration of a design is an important step for any business or designer however there is a misconception that designs registration is only necessary for large established companies. The biggest advantage of registering a design for any business is to ensure protection over its designs and products. By protecting your designs, you are giving your business a unique and exclusive right to your products.

A protected design shows customers that the products have a certain caliber and quality. This increases the reputation of the business, based on a foundation of trust between loyal clientele and business owners. An additional benefit of having a design protected includes also further re-assurance in the authenticity of the product especially when businesses opt to market their products abroad.

For more information on how to protect and register your design in Malta, visit www.commerce.gov.mt. Should you be interested in protecting and registering your design in the EU, visit www.euipo.europa.eu.

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