Designs

Designs

A design in New Zealand is defined as the new or original features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article by any industrial process or means.

  • Protects the visual design of your product
  • Costs $100 to apply, excluding GST
  • Usually takes 6 months to acquire
  • Can last up to 15 years

Getting started

When you register a design in New Zealand you’re protecting the visual appearance of an object. It must have new or original features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament.

Your design must not be published before the filing date.

Registration protects only the external appearance of a manufactured article, especially those novel or original design features that can appeal to the eye of a customer.

Managing designs

After applying for a design you will hear from us within 15 working days.

Registration gives you a higher degree of protection than relying on copyright because it requires a search first for similar or identical New Zealand registered designs. This helps to establish whether your design is new and original. 

Registration also allows you to secure the filing date as a priority date for any corresponding design applications you make overseas within the following six months. This helps to establish that you created the design before anyone in the world.