What is a design?

A design is defined as the appearance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture and/or materials of the product itself or its ornamentation. Designs can be both two- and three-dimensional or a combination of both. An example of a three-dimensional design would be the original three-dimensional shape of a handbag, the combination of patterning, decoration and colours on the handbag, if original, could be protected separately as a two-dimensional design, regardless of the product to which the design would be applied now or in the future. Example of types of frequently registered designs are the shape and appearance of packaging, furniture, clothing and consumer goods.