IPA design why-protect-a-design- — IP Australia Designs Examiners' Manual – 1.3. Design rights: Why protect a design?

It is important that designers protect their intellectual property, as a design can be a valuable commercial asset. The design consists of visual features that can persuade a consumer to buy that product or to prefer one product over another. By registering a design, the owner has conditional protection of their intellectual property. Conditional protection means that the owner of the registered design has: ​​​​​​​ the exclusive right to use the design within Australia. the exclusive right to authorise other people to use the design within Australia. a right that can grow in value and be sold or licensed within Australia. the ability to apply overseas (within 6 months of the Australian application) for the same design with the same priority date . the ability to request the second step in the process: certification .