A design is the model for the (outer) appearance of a commercial product.
1. Austrian Designs:
Novel and peculiar models may be protected for a maximum of 25 years by depositing and registering them at the Austrian Patent Office. Examination by the Austrian Patent Office is only for formal requirements. The effects of protection are similar to those of patents. Registered designs may be contested by a nullification request in conformance with the usual procedure.
2. Community Designs:
Are registered at the OHIM (Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market) in Alicante, Spain. The scope of protections covers the whole European Community for a maximum period of 25 years. Unregistered designs can also claim protection, however, only three years as from the date of first availability in the Community.
