Question 1

What does this service comprise?

Accepted Answer

We will register your industrial design with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) on your behalf. This includes preparing the application, filing all necessary documents, and handling correspondence with the registry.

Question 2

What type of protection does a registered Industrial Design offer?

Accepted Answer

The owner of a registered industrial design has the right to prevent third parties from making, selling, or importing items bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design. Registration provides legal recourse to enforce your rights.

Question 3

What kind of products can benefit from Industrial Design registration?

Accepted Answer

Industrial designs apply to a wide variety of products and handicraft items. This may consist of the unique design of packages, containers, furnishing and household goods, lighting equipment, jewelry, electronic devices, textiles, fashion accessories, toys, and much more.

Question 4

What is the difference between an aesthetic design and a functional design?

Accepted Answer

An aesthetic design protects the appearance of an article—features of shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation applied to it that appeal to the eye. A functional design protects features that are necessitated by the function the article performs. Different registration requirements and protection periods apply to each.

Question 5

How long does industrial design protection last in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Aesthetic designs are protected for 15 years from the date of registration, subject to payment of renewal fees. Functional designs are protected for 10 years from the date of registration, also subject to renewal fees.

Question 6

What information do I need to provide for registration?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to provide clear drawings or photographs showing the design from multiple angles, a description of the article to which the design is applied, and information about ownership and any prior disclosures. Our questionnaire will guide you through exactly what's needed.

Question 7

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Standard delivery is 3 business days for preparing and filing your application. Express delivery (1 business day) is available for an additional fee. Note that CIPC registration processing times are separate and vary.

Question 8

Who will handle my design registration?

Accepted Answer

A qualified South African IP attorney with experience in design law will personally handle your registration—ensuring proper classification and compliance with CIPC requirements.

Question 9

Will my design registration comply with South African law?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your registration is prepared in full compliance with the Designs Act 195 of 1993 and all current CIPC filing requirements.

Question 10

Can I register multiple designs?

Accepted Answer

Each registration covers one design applied to one class of article. If you have multiple designs or need to protect the same design across different product classes, please contact us for a custom quote.

Question 11

Do you offer other IP services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a range of South African intellectual property services including [trademark registration](/southafrica/southafrica-trademark-registration) and [patent applications](/southafrica/southafrica-patent-application). Visit our South Africa page to browse all available options.

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Industrial DesignRegistration