How to register Industrial Design?

Design Registration Process

In intellectual property terms, a “design” is the appearance of a product not dictated by the product’s functional features. Design protection in Tanzania and Zanzibar is obtained through registration with either the UK Patent Office or the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). With both offices, registration requires that the design be new and have “individual character.” In addition, each office has its own filing requirements, making it important for design owners to ensure appropriate and timely filings for their designs.

Either the original designer or an assignee of the designer’s rights can file for registration. At ABC Attorneys, we regularly represent design owners in applying for design registration with both the UK Patent Office and ARIPO.

Design Licenses & Assignments

For many registered design owners, licenses and assignments are the primary methods for extracting economic value from their designs. Unlike other types of intellectual property licenses, licenses for designs registered with ARIPO are subject to certain requirements. Ensuring that your license agreements contain the necessary terms is critical to protecting the revenue stream derived from third-parties’ commercialization of your designs. We represent all parties to transactions involving design licenses and assignments, and we can also record your license or assignment with ARIPO (as required by law).