A search for potentially conflicting industrial designs is a recommended step prior to filing an application for a new industrial design. Registration is conditional upon the novelty and individual character of the design. If identical or very similar designs are already recorded in the databases, this may lead to refusal of registration, invalidation of the industrial design, or unnecessary costs.
Our firm therefore reviews design databases – the Czech register maintained by the Industrial Property Office (IPO CZ), the European Union Intellectual Property Office database (RCD), and international databases administered by WIPO. We search for identical and similar designs and assess their degree of similarity or identity in relation to your intended industrial design application.
Based on the search results, we provide clients with a legal analysis assessing the likelihood of successful registration. We also highlight potential risks – from refusal by the office to possible disputes with owners of earlier designs. Our report includes recommendations on whether it is advisable to proceed with the application and, if necessary, how to modify your design to reduce risk.
A design search helps clients save both time and costs and, above all, enables them to make informed decisions about protecting their design.
