Design is simply everywhere. Anything created by man has a design. Design is the very surface of the man-made environment. 

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. Design is where function meets form, be it a piece of furniture or an electronic device. Designs are applied to a wide variety of industrial and artisanal products: from packaging and containers, to books and magazines, home appliances, electrical goods and jewellery, foodstuffs and textiles.

The design of your product is an important element for a business to succeed. Effective design focuses on the user, but must also factor in aesthetic, economic and practical considerations. Ultimately, design is the way your customers can recognize your innovative brilliance.

A design is a business asset that can be traded or used as collateral; it rewards your creative effort and acts as your signature.

In principle, the owner of a registered design has the right to prevent third parties from making, selling, importing, exporting or using articles in which his design is incorporated or to which it is applied, and from stocking such products for these purposes.

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

Information on the protection of designs in all EU Member States can be found on www.euipo.europa.eu. For more information, visit www.commerce.gov.mt or call Business First on 144.